Action and adventure games have been one of the most popular genres of video games since home consoles first became popular in the late 1970s. Hundreds of quality games have been developed across every major platform since then, and buyers have many options available to them. Action-adventure games combine the combat and platforming of action games with the exploration, puzzle solving, and item collecting aspects of adventure games. These games may be created in a first- or third-person perspective, and they may include elements of other genres like shooters or role-playing.
The games outlined in this guide are some of the best-selling and most popular action-adventure games created across a range of platforms. It is not meant as a "best of" list but as a starting point for gamers looking to explore the genre. This list can be used to find other action-adventure games and begin building a collection.
Adventure (Atari 2600)
Credited as being the first non-text adventure video game ever created, Adventure requires the player to move between game screens carrying items and weapons in order to kill enemies and ultimately retrieve an enchanted chalice. Released in 1979 for the Atari 2600 gaming console, Adventure established a gameplay formula that was later developed by the immensely popular Legend of Zelda games.
The Legend of Zelda (NES)
In 1987, The Legend of Zelda was released in the U.S. for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The first game in what later became an extensive and celebrated franchise, Zelda’s layout is similar to Adventure, featuring a suggested top-down view of the action. Link, the playable character, moves from screen to screen battling enemies and collecting items, ultimately hoping to restore the eight pieces of the Triforce of Power.
The success of The Legend of Zelda lead to the production of numerous games in the same style, including Startropics and Crystalis for the NES and Golden Axe Warrior for the Sega Master System.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
After a side-scrolling sequel for the NES that was considerably different from the original, Nintendo returned to the design of the original game for The Legend of Zelda : A Link to the Past. Featuring improved graphics and a larger world to explore thanks to the increased power of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), A Link to the Past is considered by many to be the best game produced for the platform and one of the greatest games of all time. Similar games for 16-bit platforms include Beyond Oasis and Crusader of Centy for the Sega Genesis, as well as Neutopia and Neutopia II for the TurboGrafx -16.
The Legend of Zelda series has featured installments for each generation of Nintendo console systems, including handhelds. Look for Ocarina of Time and Majora ’ s Mask for the N 64, Wind Waker for the GameCube, Twilight Princess for the Gamecube and Wii, and Skyward Sword for the Wii. Many of these games have been ported to Nintendo’s handheld systems, alongside original games like Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks for the DS.
Super Mario World (SNES)
Packaged with the release of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Mario World added a large and sometimes non-linear world map to the platformer series. Level design also offered multiple completion points, and players are sometimes able to reach previously unattainable areas in early levels by returning after a new ability or item has been obtained.
The Super Mario series includes the first three Super Mario Bros . games for the NES, a sequel to Super Mario World called Yoshi ’ s Island originally for the SNES, Super Mario 64 for the N64, Super Mario Sunshine for the GameCube, New Super Mario Bros . for the DS and New Super Mario Bros . 2 for the 3 DS.
Super Metroid (SNES)
Building on the success of the original Metroid for the NES, Super Metroid developed many adventure elements and integrated them into 2D platform-based game action. Players control Samus Aran as she explores the hostile world of Zebes. Items, abilities, and weapon upgrades are collected as the game progresses, and certain areas can only be accessed after a particular item or ability has been obtained. Along with A Link to the Past, Super Metroid is considered one of the best games ever produced for a console system. Other successful Metroid games include Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes for the GameCube, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption for the Wii, Metroid Fusion for the Game Boy Advance, and Metroid Prime : Hunters for the DS.
Tomb Raider (Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and PC)
The action-adventure genre made a successful transition into 3D with the help of the first TombRaider game. The playable character, Lara Croft, must navigate traps and puzzles in tombs and other environments while fighting both humans and dangerous creatures. The game became the basis for one of the video game industry’s best-selling franchises and spawned several sequels, including Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III, Tomb Raider : The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider : Legend, and Tomb Raider : Underworld.
Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
From its origins as a low-budget, top-down view action game for the original PlayStation console, the Grand Theft Auto series helped redefine video games as a cinematic medium capable of rivaling movies for cultural impact and audience draw. Grand Theft Auto IV is actually the sixth full entry into the series and the first for the seventh-generation of console systems. Improving on the gameplay, graphics, and game size of its predecessor, GTA IV won several Game of the Year awards and set new records for first-day sales of a video game. Gameplay takes place from a third-person perspective in a vast, open world urban landscape. Action emphasizes combat, driving, and various tasks associated with the many mission objectives. Buyers can look for the original 2D games, Grand Theft Auto and Grand Theft Auto 2 for the PlayStation 1, as well as GTA III, GTA : Vice City, and GTA : San Andreas for the PS 2.
Resident Evil 4 (GameCube, PS2, PC, Wii)
The sixth primary entry in the legendary series, Resident Evil 4 continues the story of Leon S. Kennedy, one of the two primary protagonists from Resident Evil 2. Featuring a revised camera system and new gameplay mechanics, Resident Evil 4 is considered to be one of the strongest games in the series, which is noted as a pillar of the survival-horror genre. Buyers can also find Resident Evil for the PlayStation 1, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis for the PlayStation 1 and GameCube, Resident Evil Zero for the Gamecube, and Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 for the PS3 and Xbox 360.
Other horror-themed action-adventure games include Amnesia : Dark Descent, as well as the Silent Hill series, including the fan-favorite Silent Hill 2.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, Xbox 360, Mac, PC)
With a story based on the Batman comics (not the films), Batman : Arkham Asylum is a third-person game that requires players to navigate the Arkham Asylum facility battling a plot set in motion by the Joker. Gameplay focuses on elements of stealth and combat, with a wide range of weapons and devices available for Batman to use. The game is critically-acclaimed, and spawned an equally-successful sequel, Batman : Arkham City.
Assassin’s Creed (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
Assassin ’ s Creed is an open-world action-adventure game set primarily in the 12th century. The player’s character, Desmond Miles, is a modern day bartender kidnapped by a powerful corporation. Forced to use the Animus machine, Desmond is able to tap into the genetic memories of his ancestors and essentially travel back back in time. Gameplay focuses on stealth, combat, and exploration of vast city regions in which the player is tasked with assassinating certain individuals. The game also features many puzzles and sidequests. The popularity of the game has resulted in several sequels, including Assassin ’ s Creed II, Assassin ’ s Creed : Brotherhood, Assassin ’ s Creed : Revelations, and Assassin ’ s Creed III.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (PS3)
A launch title for the PS3, Uncharted : Drake ’ s Fortune is one of the most successful and critically-praised action-adventure franchises in history. Players control Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter who travels the world in search of rare and valuable items. Gameplay incorporates elements of platforming, hand-to-hand and weapon-based combat, as well as puzzle solving. The success of the original Uncharted game lead to well-received sequels, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Uncharted 3: Drake ’ s Deception, both for the PS3.
Buying Action-Adventure Games
The list of games above can supply gamers with a starting point for buying action-adventure games, and there are hundreds of other quality games available. There are several ways to find these games, though one of the easiest ways is to use links on shopping sites. Many online retail sites have an option in item listings that will direct buyers to similar products. Simply find a listing for an action-adventure game and look for a list of similar items. In other cases, such as when shopping on eBay, it is possible to narrow listings according to game genre, including Action/Adventure.
How to Buy Action-Adventure Games on eBay
Action-adventure games for every platform are available on eBay. To find these titles, begin from the homepage and open the tab for All Categories. Choose Video Games & Consoles from the list, followed by Games. You will see a category header for Genre, and beneath it, Action / Adventure. You may browse all listings from this page, or narrow results by platform. You may also enter keywords to find specific items. For example, to see listings for copies of Batman : Arkham City for the Xbox 360, type "batman arkham city 360" into the search field and click on Search.
Take the time to read item listings and look over seller profiles before committing to a purchase. Positive feedback ratings can be used to judge the reliability of sellers, and the number of completed transactions indicates their level of experience.
Conclusion
Action-adventure games combine the combat and platforming aspects of action games with the item collection and exploration of adventure games. They are some of the best-selling and most highly-acclaimed games in the industry, and they are available for console and computer systems alike. Buyers looking for retro games will find many great titles that helped build the genre, including Adventure and The Legend of Zelda, while games like Batman: Arkham City have expanded gameplay possibilities. Many quality action-adventure franchises have been produced across a range of platforms, including Metroid, Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, Assassin’s Creed and Uncharted.
Choose best-selling games to begin exploring the action-adventure genre, and expand a collection by find similar games for each platform. The high number of titles available, old and new, provide players with many opportunities to enjoy one of the most exciting and popular video game genres.
