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The beauty of video games is their ability to deliver countless different experiences, each with its own charms and value. From iconic platforming games like Super Mario Bros. to thrilling action masterpieces such as God of War, every type of fan can find something to immerse themselves in. However, one of the best video game genres is adventure, delivering sprawling journeys of engaging gameplay and storytelling.
Everyone can get behind an adventure game, but with so many masterpieces, it can be difficult to find the best of the best. That is why this list will rank the ten greatest adventure video games of all time based on sense of adventure, direction, gameplay, narrative, art, originality, lack of flaws, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. If fans are looking to go on an adventure in the comfort of their own home, these are the games for them.
10
‘Super Mario Galaxy’ (2007)
Nintendo is mostly known for its creative and family-friendly games, but fans shouldn’t look past its adventure titles, some of which may not even seem like adventure games, such as Super Mario Galaxy. With Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach and bringing her into the far reaches of space, Mario must use Rosalina’s help to save the day.
Super Mario Galaxy is a platformer, but that doesn’t mean it can’t instill an interstellar sense of adventure as players travel from planet to planet searching for the princess. With some of the best level design in video games, this expertly paced title hits all the right notes. Super Mario Galaxy has a stellar soundtrack and one of the most imaginative gameplay systems, working in tandem to create an unforgettable adventure through the cosmos. The movie adaptation might not be great, but the original game remains a masterpiece.
9
‘Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver’ (2009/2010)
Pokémon is one of the largest media franchises in the world, but its games haven’t gotten the best rep as of late. That shouldn’t cloud the judgment of past games, which were grand RPG adventures that defined millions of childhoods. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are Generation II remakes that take fans through the Johto region, where they must defeat the gym leaders, the Elite Four, and stop the resurgence of Team Rocket.
Like Super Mario Galaxy, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver aren’t explicitly adventure games, but they still rile up the spirit that takes viewers all over an extensive map. With two regions to explore, players have double the adventure in store, and with incredible replay value, exploring never gets tiring. From forming bonds with one’s Pokémon to slowly progressing by training, getting stronger, and collecting more badges, this nostalgic adventure proves that HeartGold and SoulSilver are the best Pokémon games of all time.
The fantasy genre is best paired with adventure, and open worlds fit right in there to create some of the best video games of all time, including The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Players control the Dragonborn, a human with the soul of a dragon. After escaping execution, they find themselves on a quest of fate to kill Alduin the World Eater before it destroys the world.
The reason why fantasy games have some of the best adventures is that they adopt the open world format so well, creating a fluid game that feels right in an expansive sandbox. Some bugs and dated game design actually work in its favor, adding to the distinct Bethesda charm. Players craft their own story in Skyrim, giving them unparalleled freedom that enhances the sense of adventure.
7
‘The Last of Us’ (2013)
Some games are so good that they get live-action adaptations that are mostly atrocious. However, The Last of Us is one of the few TV series that actually worked, but still, the game is much better. After the zombie apocalypse, a rugged survivor must escort a young girl across the country to safety after learning that she may be the key to creating the cure and saving humanity.
The Last of Us doesn’t exactly focus on joyful exploration, but this America-wide journey is a definitive adventure that explores a desolate and decaying country infested by terrifying infected. Boasting one of the best narratives in video game history, this emotionally complex story with impeccable writing and harrowing world-building is an iconic game that is a one-of-a-kind horror adventure.
6
‘Fallout 3’ (2008)
Speaking of successful live-action video game adaptations, Fallout is another modern TV classic that adapts the game perfectly. This franchise is ripe with amazing games, but the best is arguably Fallout 3, which takes the vault dweller out of safety and into the radioactive world of post-apocalyptic America. The player must search for their father in the wasteland, but there are plenty of dangers to make that quest extra difficult.
In a world where most of the best adventure games are fantasies, Fallout 3 is a nice change of pace. It is both eerie and awe-inspiring to traverse a mutated country, and the freedom the game gives the player is excellent, allowing them to take on whatever bizarre side quests the eccentric characters have in store. Fallout 3 is a masterpiece with a brilliant atmosphere and moral exploration of choice.
5
‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)
Rockstar is one of the greatest video game studios, and while Grand Theft Auto may be its magnum opus, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a better adventure experience. A leader of a gang struggles to manage his diminishing posse of bandits at a time when the wild west is dying, and internal strife is building.
Red Dead Redemption 2 has an incredibly detailed world with plenty of things to do, whether it is hunting, fishing, horseback riding, shaving, or eating beans. Many of these activities may seem pointless, but they contribute to the immersion, which is a defining feature of adventures. With a genre-defining narrative led by one of the best-written characters in video game history, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best video games of all time.
4
‘Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’ (2016)
Naughty Dog is another legendary studio, and they already have one game on this list with The Last of Us, but an even better adventure is Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Nathan Drake is a retired treasure hunter, but he is brought back into the game by his presumed-dead brother, who brings him to search for a pirate utopia.
The Uncharted franchise has many incredible games, but the fourth is arguably the greatest. This ambitious adventure set the standard for prestigious cinematic action and gameplay. The death-defying stunts and timed events create an unexpected journey ripe with thrills and exhilaration. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is a magnificent blend of explosive set pieces and nuanced character development, creating an unforgettable adventure with a grand finale.
3
‘Outer Wilds’ (2019)
This list has mostly featured AAA blockbusters with the budget for multi-year productions that build expansive open worlds. However, Outer Wilds is a fantastic indie game that earns its spot on this list among giants. An astronaut is caught in a 22-minute time loop with the goal of exploring a mysterious solar system to learn about an alien race.
While most games are behind lock and key progression, Outer Wilds uses its knowledge-based progression to create a satisfying sense of development that feels earned. The narrative is a giant, interconnected puzzle that explores a unique race of aliens, all while exploring a bizarre space system. Outer Wilds is a modern-day masterpiece and one of the most imaginative games on this list, a must-play adventure game that is philosophical and expertly paced.
2
‘Elden Ring’ (2021)
FromSoftware is no stranger to fantasy games with challenging combat, but they teamed up with George R.R. Martin to create Elden Ring. The Tarnished is an exiled and despised character that the players control, setting out into the Lands Between to search for the crystals that make up the titular ring. But first, they will have to defeat the many bosses and monsters in this beautiful, yet decaying land.
With unrelenting gameplay that encourages the player to die, learn, repeat, and conquer, its gameplay loop is incredibly rewarding after spending hours on one boss. Elden Ring is all about rewarding curiosity and exploration, bridging the gap between narrative and gameplay through the world. Earning the title of game of the year, Elden Ring is a gaming sensation and one of the best video games ever. An upcoming film adaptation will translate this ambitious world to the big screen; hopefully, it pulls it off.
1
‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ (2017)
It would be weird making a video game list without any games from The Legend of Zelda, but don’t fret, because there is no better video game adventure than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It kicks off with Link reawakening after a hundred-year slumber, only to be greeted with a Hyrule overtaken by nature. He must now travel the world and beat dungeons in order to defeat the sealed Ganondorf.
Honestly, either The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Elden Ring could be at this top spot, but the former takes the cake because it focuses more time on its world, exploration, and interactivity, which accentuates the sense of genuine adventure. With unique biomes, races, side quests, rewards, puzzles, landmarks, and things to do, Breath of the Wild has no shortage of adventure-inspiring quests. This systemic, physics-based sandbox blends lore with immersive gameplay to create a journey unlike any other that cements itself as one of the greatest video games of all time.
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Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
Almontather Rassoul
