Action-adventure game

An action-adventure game is a video game genre that combines elements of both the action game and adventure game genres. Action-adventure games involve a player controlling a character, or protagonist, who must navigate a game world and overcome various physical challenges such as fighting enemies or navigating obstacles, while also solving puzzles and exploring environments to progress the story.

Gameplay

Action-adventure games feature a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. These games tend to emphasize exploration of virtual worlds, often featuring expansive open-world environments. Combat elements typically involve melee, ranged weapons, or a combination of both, along with defensive strategies. Puzzle-solving usually requires the player to find items, unlock doors, or decode messages to advance to new areas of the game world.

History

The action-adventure genre began to take shape in the late 1970s and early 1980s with games like The Legend of Zelda and Tomb Raider, which were pivotal in defining the standards for the blend of action and adventure elements. The Legend of Zelda introduced a structured open world with an emphasis on exploration and item collection, while Tomb Raider focused on 3D movement in large spaces and featured a strong, narrative-driven experience.

Sub-genres

Several sub-genres have evolved from the basic action-adventure framework, including:

• Metroidvania: These are games that feature a large, interconnected world map the player can explore, though access to parts of the world is often limited by doors or other obstacles that can only be bypassed after acquiring special items, tools, weapons, abilities, or knowledge within the game. Examples include Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
• Survival horror: Combining action-adventure elements with horror settings and survival mechanics, these games, like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, focus on survival of the character as a primary goal.
• Action RPG: These games incorporate elements from role-playing games (RPGs), including character progression, extensive dialogues, and item management. Games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Dark Souls are prominent within this sub-genre.

Impact and Legacy

Action-adventure games have had a significant impact on the gaming industry and culture. They often lead in terms of graphical and gameplay innovation, pushing the boundaries of what video games can offer in terms of narrative depth and immersive experiences. Titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Uncharted series have received critical acclaim and have influenced numerous other games in the genre.

See also

• Video game genres
• List of video games
• Game design