I was just thinking of possible alternatives to collecting "orbs" in action games, such as God of War, Devil May Cry, etc., since they feel a bit dated and game-y.  One rough alternative I thought of was for the character's body to get covered in the enemies blood, I.E. The Suffering, and they would then absorb the blood and whatever other liquids into their body and that would be how they access power-ups. Although this might only work for one or two games max since it is a very closed off method that would require some kind of story or explanation.   
 
Although this also brings to question if people are even tired of "orb" collecting like I am, and also what other creative ways you have, or would like to, see characters upgrade in action games.

Ninja gaiden has essence instead of orbs. They float in the air, not on the ground. So different.

"Ninja gaiden has essence instead of orbs. They float in the air, not on the ground. So different. "

I think it would be pretty cool if instead of collecting orbs when you killed guys spikes flew out of them and you collected them by sucking them into your character and they pierce and puncture the characters body like a pin cushion before shattering. When you leveled up I think it would be pretty sweet if the character exploded into a mess of gore when the spikes shatter and then the new more powerful version of your character is standing there. If you could use the spikes a weapons and impale them into enemies that would also be pretty cool.

" I think it would be pretty cool if instead of collecting orbs when you killed guys spikes flew out of them and you collected them by sucking them into your character and they pierce and puncture the characters body like a pin cushion before shattering. When you leveled up I think it would be pretty sweet if the character exploded into a mess of gore when the spikes shatter and then the new more powerful version of your character is standing there. If you could use the spikes a weapons and impale them into enemies that would also be pretty cool. "

Either Gold Rings or Coins, I'd like to see that in a video game.

Instead of orbs, why not just walk up to your fallen opponent, tear the flesh off their body and stuff it greedily into your mouth? Sorted.