13 Best Xbox 360 Hack and Slash Games

Hack and slash games, also known as Character Action games, have a rich history dating back to the 1990s. With each new gaming generation, the genre has undergone significant evolution, transforming into an exhilarating and creatively diverse playground for players seeking intense action and excitement.

The transition from the 2D to 3D portal has showcased the remarkable qualities of the hack-and-slash genre. Much like the beat’em up genre, hack-and-slash games successfully integrate various gameplay elements into a cohesive whole. A prime example is Bayonetta, which combines beat’em up and hack and slash mechanics while also incorporating platforming and shooting elements. It is these kinds of games that elevate the hack-and-slash genre, making it stand out prominently in the gaming industry as a distinct and captivating ground for a niche audience.

If you’re seeking the finest hack and slash games available on the Xbox 360, you’ve come to the perfect place on the internet. While the Xbox 360 might not have as many exclusive hack and slash titles as its formidable competitor, the PS3, it still offers an impressive library of games in this genre. Whether you have previous experience with an Xbox 360 or not, this list caters to everyone’s interests!

Ninja Gaiden II 2008

About
	Release Date June 03, 2008
	Developer Team Ninja
	Publisher Xbox Game Studios
	Franchise Ninja Gaiden
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Perspective Third-Person
	Concept Ninja
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2008-06-03
2008-06-05
2008-06-06
2008-06-12

Ninja Gaiden 2 rightfully claims its spot as the best hack and slash game on the Xbox 360. It surpasses its predecessor by a considerable margin, addressing and rectifying almost all the flaws of the first instalment. The game’s relentless pursuit of perfection has resulted in an exceptionally epic and exhilarating ninja experience that truly embodies the essence of a badass adventure.

In Ninja Gaiden 2, players step into the shoes of Ryu Hayabusa, a formidable Ninja with the critical mission of preventing the apocalypse. A demonic fiend is on the verge of resurrection, and you are the only one who can thwart him and his minions.

Armed with a wide array of razor-sharp weapons and powerful ninpo abilities, Ryu Hayabusa swiftly springs into action to face the impending threat. One of the best Xbox 360 hack and slash games you can’t afford to miss.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance 2013 メタルギア ライジング リベンジェンス (Metaru Gia Raijingu Ribenjensu)

About
	Release Date February 19, 2013
	Developer PlatinumGames
	Publisher Konami Digital Entertainment
	Franchise Metal Gear
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2013-02-19
2013-02-21
2013-02-22

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is another exceptional hack and slash game, developed by Platinum Games. As a spin-off instalment of the storied Metal Gear Solid franchise, players assume the persona of the Cyborg Ninja, Raiden, as he cuts through conspiracies with deadly precision and skill.

Unlike its stealth-based predecessors, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a complete hack and slash spectacle. Gone are the worries of being spotted by enemies; players can unleash their full power and prowess as soon as the action commences.

Raiden, the protagonist, is an immensely potent cyborg, capable of effortlessly slicing through hordes of adversaries with ease. The game’s allure lies not only in its thrilling music and epic boss battles but also in its impeccably crafted gameplay, which will keep you immersed for hours.

Bayonetta 2009 ベヨネッタ (Beyonetta)

About
	Release Date October 29, 2009
	Developer PlatinumGames
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Bayonetta
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2009-10-29
2010-01-05
2010-01-07
2010-01-08

Bayonetta offers a distinctive and captivating blend of beat’em up and hack and slash gameplay, masterfully crafted by the same creative mind behind the original Devil May Cry, Hideki Kamiya. If you crave intense and exhilarating action, Bayonetta will keep you company on the Xbox 360.

Bayonetta stands out as a unique and incomparable hack-and-slash game, setting itself apart from other titles in the genre. The seamless fusion of beat’em up and hack-and-slash elements by PlatinumGames resulted in an unparalleled gaming experience.

However, one unfortunate aspect is that the sequels are exclusively available on Nintendo consoles, which may disappoint fans who don’t own those platforms. Nonetheless, for those who have the chance to play it, Bayonetta promises an extraordinary and unrivalled adventure.

Devil May Cry: HD Collection 2012

About
	Release Date March 22, 2012
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Devil May Cry
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2012-03-22
2012-03-28

The Devil May Cry: HD Collection bundles together three games from the PlayStation 2 era: the original, the sequel, and the third instalment. No matter when you decide to dive into this series, it’s never too late to experience the excitement it offers. While the first two games may show their age, embracing their imperfections will still lead to an amazing gaming experience.

The real transformation in the genre occurred with Devil May Cry 3, revolutionizing the formula by introducing the concept of “style.” Similar to the impact Resident Evil 4 had on its genre, Devil May Cry 3’s inclusion of a style-switching mechanic presented players with a whole new way to enjoy the game.

Despite doubts about the series after Devil May Cry 2’s release, Devil May Cry 3 proved that the franchise was far from dead. Trying Devil May Cry 3 is a must at least once in your lifetime, and chances are, you’ll find yourself replaying it multiple times due to its captivating gameplay and style-switching mechanics.

No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise 2010 Enhanced Port ノーモア★ヒーローズ 英雄たちの楽園 (Nō Moa Hīrōzu Eiyūtachi no Rakuen) ノーモア★ヒーローズ 英雄たちの楽園 (Nō Moa Hīrōzu Eiyūtachi no Rakuen)

About
	Release Date April 15, 2010 Initial Release: December 06, 2007
	Developer Grasshopper Manufacture
	Publisher Marvelous
	Franchise No More Heroes
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concepts Anime, Gore
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2010-04-15
2010-04-21

No More Heroes: Heroes’ Paradise is an enhanced port of the original Wii release that enhances the graphics but removes the cel-shaded visuals. However, the core essence of the original game remains intact.

In this game, players embody the role of Travis Touchdown, an otaku, on a quest to become the top assassin. His ultimate reward is potentially getting intimate with Sylvia, but whether that happens is yet to be seen.

Thanks to its addictive yet straightforward combat system, No More Heroes is a nostalgic delight. The game seamlessly combines beat’em up and hack and slash elements, offering a plethora of mini-games to enjoy. With all these fantastic features, there’s truly no reason to miss out on the experience this game has to offer.

Lollipop Chainsaw 2012 ロリポップチェーンソー (Roripoppu Chēnsō)

About
	Release Date June 12, 2012
	Developer Grasshopper Manufacture
	Publisher Warner Bros Games
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concept Zombie
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2012-06-12
2012-06-13
2012-06-14
2012-06-15

Lollipop Chainsaw demonstrates Goichi Suda at the peak of his creativity and talent. It’s also a game worth admiring for its collaboration between two great writers, Goichi Suda and James Gunn. The game follows the story of Juliet Starling, a lively high school blonde girl with a cute yet deadly chainsaw as she finds herself amidst a sudden zombie invasion on her birthday. With her trusty chainsaw and her boyfriend’s decapitated head, she takes it upon herself to save the day and obliterate the undead horde.

Playing as Juliet, slicing and tearing through zombies becomes a fun and effortless task. The game adds an artistic touch with vibrant and explosive colours when the player relentlessly strikes down zombies. Dispatching up to four zombies in a row triggers a screen that captures the crowd cheering for Juliet, adding to the fantastic and dynamic gameplay. Although the main story may be relatively short, Lollipop Chainsaw compensates with a wealth of content that makes replaying the game an enjoyable feat.

Darksiders 2010

About
	Release Date January 05, 2010
	Developer Vigil Games
	Publisher THQ
	Franchise Darksiders
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Xbox 360 Releases
2010-01-05
2010-01-06
2010-01-07
2010-01-08
2010-03-18

THQ took nearly everyone by surprise with the introduction of Darksiders in 2010. The game exuded an undeniable charm, serving as a fantastic alternative to popular titles like God of War and Devil May Cry. While it wasn’t a direct clone of these games, Darksiders managed to captivate players with its unique and thrilling gameplay experience.

Even today, Darksiders remains incredibly enjoyable and stands the test of time. Its engaging mechanics and well-crafted gameplay continue to provide a satisfying and immersive gaming experience.

In Darksiders, players take on the role of War, one of the four horsemen, as they traverse a post-apocalyptic and devastated Earth. War embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind the destruction of the planet. Throughout the game, players will immerse themselves in a gripping and action-packed adventure, wielding the powers of War to confront formidable foes and unravel the mysteries of Earth’s downfall.

Devil May Cry 4 2008 デビル メイ クライ4 (Debiru Mei Kurai Fō)

About
	Release Date January 31, 2008
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Devil May Cry
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2008-01-31
2008-02-05
2008-02-08
2008-10-31

Devil May Cry 4 is the fourth addition to the Devil May Cry series and aims to build upon its predecessor’s success. The game features Dante as the primary protagonist, but it also introduces a new Devil Hunter named Nero, who plays a significant role in the story. Devil May Cry 4 is undeniably an amazing experience and one of the best hack and slash games on the Xbox 360.

While Dante’s style-switching mechanic remains a prominent feature, Nero possesses a unique and powerful mystical arm called the Devil Bringer. This arm becomes a crucial aspect of Nero’s combat style, granting him various useful abilities during action sequences. Nero can utilize the Devil Bringer to grab and slam enemies to the ground, pull foes towards him, and more, adding a fresh dimension to the gameplay. Like its predecessor, Devil May Cry 4 places a strong emphasis on stylish and skilful combat, making it a solid addition to the series.

N3II: Ninety-Nine Nights 2010 ナインティナインナイツII (Nainti Nain Naitsu Tsû)

About
	Release Date June 29, 2010
	Developer feelplus
	Publisher Konami
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept High Fantasy
	Players Online Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2010-06-29
2010-07-01
2010-07-22
2010-09-10
2010-09-21

Ninety-Nine Nights 2 may not require as many nights to complete as its predecessor, but it remains an incredible and often overlooked Xbox 360 exclusive. Despite not receiving the attention it truly deserves, we’re here to let you know about its existence.

In this Tolkien-inspired musou hack and slash game, set three months after the events of the first instalment, players witness a compelling narrative where five heroes hailing from diverse kingdoms band together. Their unified mission is to thwart the nefarious schemes of the lord of the Night, who is determined to shroud the world in eternal darkness.

Ninety-Nine Nights 2 offers a decent hacking and slashing experience, but it is somewhat hindered by the presence of overly tough and resilient enemies, even on the easiest difficulty setting. This can be frustrating and might disrupt the flow of gameplay, especially if you were expecting to effortlessly dispatch enemies. However, if you are a fan of musou games or action RPGs, it’s worth giving this game a chance. Despite its challenges, you might still find enjoyment in the immersive world and action-packed gameplay it has to offer.

Dante's Inferno 2010

Media [1]

About
	Release Date February 04, 2010
	Developer Visceral Games
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concept Dark Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Xbox 360 Releases
2010-02-04
2010-02-05
2010-02-09
2010-02-18

Dante’s Inferno is an extraordinary plunge into the depths of hell, bringing to life a dark and haunting vision. Upon its release, some critics dismissed it due to perceived similarities to God of War. However, the game stands on its own as a unique and grotesque journey, distinct from its peers.

Playing as Dante, a Christian-devoted Templar knight from the Crusade, the story takes a chilling turn when he encounters the Grim Reaper after being fatally wounded in battle. Rejecting Death’s embrace, Dante defies fate and engages in a fateful confrontation, slaying Death itself. Unravelling further events, he learns that his beloved Beatrice has been murdered and condemned to hell alongside Lucifer. Fueled by the emotions of love and vengeance, Dante embarks on a harrowing quest through the nine circles of hell, determined to save her soul.

Dante’s Inferno presents an unparalleled depiction of hell, boasting bone-chilling visuals, an unsettling atmosphere, and grotesque creatures awaiting his scythe’s wrath. As players venture deeper into this nightmarish realm, the tormented screams of the damned echo, crafting an unforgettable and haunting gaming experience you will not find anywhere.

Transformers: Devastation 2015

About
	Release Date October 06, 2015
	Developer PlatinumGames
	Publisher Activision
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concepts Anime, Mecha, Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2015-10-06
2015-10-09

Transformers: Devastation truly stands as a hidden gem within the widely acclaimed Transformers franchise. Setting itself apart from its predecessors, which primarily offered a third-person shooting experience, Devastation presents a thoroughly enjoyable hack and slash game, all thanks to the remarkable talent at PlatinumGames.

Set within the Generation 1 continuity family, Devastation features an original story where players command the Autobots in their heroic struggle against the Decepticons’ plot to transform Earth into a metallic wasteland. The game’s incredible cel-shading art style adds to its allure, which provides a captivating and visually stunning playthrough.

Devastation, alongside Fall of Cybertron, and War for Cybertron were among the final games produced under Activision’s 2006 licensing agreement with Hasbro. Although these games are no longer available digitally, enthusiasts can still find physical copies on platforms like eBay. If you’re a fan of the Transformers franchise or enjoy hack and slash games, Transformers: Devastation is a must-play title that delivers an exciting and unique take on the beloved robotic universe.

Killer is Dead 2013 キラー・イズ・デッド (Kirā Izu Deddo)

About
	Release Date August 01, 2013
	Developer Grasshopper Manufacture
	Publisher Deep Silver
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox 360 Releases
2013-08-01
2013-08-27
2013-08-29
2013-08-30

Killer is Dead, another brainchild of Suda 51, stands in contrast to the lighter tone of Lollipop Chainsaw and No More Heroes, delving into a much darker and more complex narrative while maintaining mild content and humour.

In this game, players assume the role of Mondo Zappa, a skilled professional executioner armed with a cybernetic gun arm and an incredibly sharp katana capable of slicing through hardened steel.

Killer is Dead boasts a unique and stunning cel-shading art style that adds to its distinctiveness, along with an addictive combo-building system that enhances the gameplay tenfolds. The game’s inclusion of epic boss battles and an exceptional selection of soundtracks elevates it to the level of a thrilling and unforgettable adventure. Overall, Killer is Dead is undoubtedly a blast and a worthy addition to any list of remarkable hack-and-slash games.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2010 キャッスルヴァニア ロード オブ シャドウ (Kyassuruvania Rōdo obu Shadō)

About
	Release Date October 04, 2010
	Developer Mercury Steam
	Publisher Konami
	Franchise Castlevania
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concept Dark Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Spain

Xbox 360 Releases
2010-10-04
2010-10-05
2010-10-08
2010-10-19
2010-12-16

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow represents a reboot of the renowned Castlevania franchise by Konami. Departing from the traditional 2D Metroidvania style, this instalment in the reboot trilogy takes a fresh and linear approach, focusing on an action-adventure approach. While some die-hard fans of the series were initially disappointed with this new direction, it’s worth noting that the reboot made Castlevania more accessible to a broader audience.

As players step into the shoes of Gabriel Belmont, they embark on a quest to eradicate a malevolent cult known as the Lords of Shadow. Alongside this mission, Gabriel also seeks a means to resurrect his deceased wife.

Unlike the previous Castlevania instalments, Lords of Shadow underwent a complete overhaul, featuring vibrant environments, over-the-top action sequences, a camera view akin to that of classic God of War games, and a cinematic storytelling style that enhances the overall quality of the game. If it’s your first time hearing about Castlevania, Lords of Shadow is a great starting point.

Thank you for reading