Tides Of Annihilation Marks A New Era For Action Games

Tides of Annihilation: Action Is Back—But Can It Keep Us Hooked?

The action genre has been quietly reawakening, and Tides of Annihilation is leading the charge. After an exciting reveal during Sony’s State of Play, this game instantly captured the attention of action game fans. But after seeing over 11 minutes of gameplay, the question is: Does it have enough substance to stand out, or will it fizzle out like so many action-packed promises before it?

Fast-Paced Combat That Demands Attention

From the very first seconds of the gameplay, Tides of Annihilation makes its intentions clear: it’s a no-holds-barred, high-octane action game. Gone are the slow, methodical combat mechanics of typical Soulslikes. Instead, think Bayonetta—fast, stylish, and unforgiving. There are also hints of the criminally underrated Astral Chain, with combat that’s fluid and full of thrilling moments. The game’s fluid dodges, powerful strikes, and cinematic clashes make it an experience that feels more like a spectacle than just another grind-heavy action RPG.

While there are some familiar Soulslike elements in the enemy designs, Tides of Annihilation is committed to being something different—something more in-your-face, with a focus on fast and exhilarating combat. It’s the kind of game action fans have been hoping for, and it’s exciting to see it come to life in such a polished state.

Character Action Is Back in a Big Way

The action genre is going through a renaissance, and it’s not just Tides of Annihilation that’s leading the charge. Titles like Final Fantasy 16, Lost Soul Aside, and Onimusha are pushing the boundaries of what character action can be. What’s clear is that the demand for thrilling combat experiences is higher than ever, and Tides is eager to deliver.

Interestingly, the protagonist, Gwendolyn, is far from the bulky, muscle-bound heroes we typically see in action games. With flowing dresses and a leaner build, she contrasts sharply with the likes of Final Fantasy 16’s Clive. Still, her fluid combat style and striking visuals help her stand out in a genre dominated by male characters. Tides has a unique identity, and it will be interesting to see how it differentiates itself as the game’s story unfolds.

A Cinematic Approach to Storytelling

Despite its strong gameplay, the Tides of Annihilation trailer raised some concerns with its dialogue. While the combat delivers on its promises, the contextual story moments felt a little lacking. Gwendolyn’s character seems flat, and the dialogue felt clunky and overly expositional. It’s a classic case of style over substance, where the action is dazzling but the narrative seems to take a backseat.

Fans may draw comparisons to Stellar Blade, which had a similar issue—a beautiful game with lackluster character development. If Tides wants to leave a lasting impression, it will need to elevate its storytelling beyond basic tropes and give us more reasons to care about Gwendolyn and the world she inhabits.

Chinese Game Development Shines Bright

One thing that stands out about Tides of Annihilation is its origin. Developed in China, the game shares its DNA with other visually stunning Chinese titles like Lost Soul Aside and Phantom Blade Zero. These games embrace cinematic spectacle and fast-paced action, focusing on providing players with a breathtaking experience rather than focusing on deep RPG mechanics. As Western developers trend toward blending action with RPG elements, Chinese developers are boldly embracing sheer spectacle, and Tides is a prime example of this growing movement.

Does It Have Staying Power?

While Tides of Annihilation definitely caught attention with its flashy combat and confident reveal, the real test will be whether it can deliver a story that matches its gameplay. The gameplay clips, while impressive, were not enough to show if the narrative can keep pace with the action. As we’ve seen in games like Stellar Blade, a lack of compelling character development can hold back what could otherwise be a fantastic experience.

That said, the fact that Tides has shown so much gameplay this early is a strong move. Unlike many titles that rely on cinematic trailers, the developers have let the game speak for itself. The lack of a release window is concerning, but the confident gameplay reveal suggests the game is well on its way to delivering on its potential.

Final Thoughts: Action Fans Have Reason to Be Excited

In a year filled with action-packed releases, Tides of Annihilation may have already made the biggest splash. Its fast-paced combat, stunning visuals, and clear dedication to making an action game that isn’t bound by Soulslike tropes is a breath of fresh air.

Of course, there are still some concerns—will the story hold up? Will Gwendolyn evolve into a character worth caring about? But for now, Tides is a game that has a lot of potential, and it’s one that action fans should keep an eye on. Will it be able to deliver on the promise of its gameplay? Only time will tell.

What Do You Think?

Are you excited for Tides of Annihilation? Do you think it has what it takes to be a standout in the action genre, or will its story hold it back? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more updates on this promising title.