Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Few themes in video game history are as timeless and satisfying as the battle against demons.
Whether framed as biblical warfare, cosmic horror, or stylish power fantasies, demon-slaying games tap into a primal allure: confronting absolute evil with overwhelming force.
Over the decades, developers have interpreted this concept in vastly different ways, from adrenaline-fueled shooters to atmospheric and methodical action RPGs.
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Demon slaying games thrive because they allow players to confront chaos, evil, and fear in both tangible and symbolic forms.
Whether through raw speed, stylish combat, dark atmosphere, or philosophical depth, these five games demonstrate how a single theme can yield vastly different experiences.
Below are five of the best demon-slaying video games, each offering a distinct experience yet sharing a hellish core.
DOOM Eternal, Devil May Cry 5, Diablo II: Resurrected
- DOOM Eternal stands as the modern benchmark for demon-killing gameplay. Building on the legacy of the original DOOM, Eternal transforms combat into a relentless, high-speed dance of violence that rewards aggression, precision, and mastery. Every demon encounter is designed like a combat puzzle, forcing players to constantly move, manage resources, and exploit enemy weaknesses. What makes DOOM Eternal exceptional is how it turns brutality into elegance—combat feels less like mindless shooting and more like controlled chaos, where the player becomes an unstoppable force tearing through Hell with surgical efficiency.
- Devil May Cry 5 approaches demon slaughter from a completely different angle, emphasizing style over sheer destruction. Rather than focusing on raw power, the game celebrates expression, skill, and flair. Players are encouraged to chain together complex combos, switch weapons mid-fight, and taunt enemies to increase their style ranking. Demons in Devil May Cry are not just obstacles but props in an over-the-top performance, making each encounter feel like a choreographed action scene. The result is a demon-killing experience that feels theatrical, arrogant, and unapologetically cool.
- Diablo II: Resurrected represents the darker, more methodical side of demon extermination. Instead of fast reflex shooting or combo-heavy action, Diablo II is about persistence, progression, and atmosphere. The game immerses players in a grim world where demons feel oppressive and corrupting rather than disposable. Each kill contributes to a long-term journey of character growth, loot hunting, and survival. What makes Diablo II timeless is how it balances power fantasy with vulnerability—no matter how strong you become, Hell always feels dangerous.
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Bayonetta and Shin Megami Tense III: Nocturne
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Bayonetta reimagines demon-killing as a bold, provocative spectacle. Unlike traditional portrayals of holy warriors or grim soldiers, Bayonetta presents its protagonist as confident, playful, and dominant, turning demon battles into flamboyant displays of control. The combat system rewards perfect timing and fluid movement, making players feel both powerful and graceful. Demons here are massive, grotesque, and theatrical, reinforcing the game’s emphasis on scale and absurdity. Bayonetta stands out because it refuses to treat demon-slaying as solemn duty—it’s a performance meant to entertain.
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Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne offers the most philosophical take on demon-killing among these titles. Rather than framing demons as simple enemies, the game presents them as ideological entities representing conflicting worldviews. Combat is turn-based and punishing, demanding careful planning rather than reflexes. Killing demons is not just about survival but about shaping the fate of the world itself. Nocturne’s strength lies in how it transforms demon battles into moral and existential conflicts, making every victory feel meaningful beyond the mechanics.
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