4 top new action video games

The world of video games has been very action-oriented lately, with a number of strong new titles arriving. Action games focus on fast reflexes and good hand-eye coordination—and they're usually pretty violent, too, so watch the ESRB ratings if your kid is asking for them. Here's our take on four of the top recent action games:

Gears of War: Judgment
In Judgment (pictured above), a prequel to the popular third-person-shooter Gears of War trilogy, you'll blast your way through the Locust Horde as always, but this one focuses on side characters Damon Baird and Augustus Cole. Using the game's clever Declassify system, you can play through a mission with a handicap to make missions more challenging: For example, your vision might be impaired for part of a mission. Multiplayer mode returns with a few tweaks and new game modes. Declassify and multiplayer guarantee you'll keep coming back to this title.
For Xbox 360
ESRB rating: Mature
Price: $60

God of War: Ascension
Ascension is a prequel to the action-adventure God of War series. You play as Kratos, who takes on the Furies who have imprisoned him for breaking an oath to Ares. Using Kratos' Blades of Chaos, you'll cut your way through hordes of enemies and take on plenty of oversize bosses. The ability to upgrade the Blades of Chaos keeps game play interesting. Eventually, though, you'll feel like you've been fighting the same bad guys over and over again.
For PlayStation 3
ESRB rating: Mature
Price: $60

BioShock Infinite
This is a fun first-person shooter with an environment that sets it apart from most games in the genre. The third in a series, it takes place in an alternate history–version of 1912 in the city of Columbia, which has a distinct steampunk vibe—it's suspended by balloons. The plot of the game centers on Booker DeWitt, a private investigator who is looking for a girl named Elizabeth. Elements ranging from cyborg enemies to magical powers keep it interesting.
For PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC
ESRB Rating: Mature
Price: $60

Walking Dead: Survival Instinct
Survival Instinct is a first-person survival game set in the universe of the "Walking Dead" TV series. The plot involves the back story of Daryl and Merle Dixon, characters from the show. You control Daryl, who can either kill or sneak past the walkers. But you also need to focus on survival, such as how much food and fuel Daryl has available. The game will appeal mainly to the biggest fans of the series who want to learn more about the characters.
For PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PC
ESRB Rating: Mature
Price: $50

—Matt Ferretti