View source for Action-adventure game

{{Short description|Video game genre}}
{{Redirect|Action-adventure|other uses|Action-adventure (disambiguation)}}
{{Original research|date=February 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{VG Action}}
{{VG Adventure}}

An '''action-adventure game''' is a [[video game genre|video game hybrid genre]] that combines core elements from both the [[action game]] and [[adventure game]] genres.

Typically, classical adventure games have situational problems for the player to explore and solve to complete a storyline, involving very little to no [[combat|action]]. If there is action, it is generally confined to isolated instances. Classical action games, on the other hand, have gameplay based on real-time interactions that challenges the player's [[reflex]]es and [[eye-hand coordination]]. Action-adventure games combine these genres by engaging both eye-hand coordination and [[problem-solving]] skills.

== Definition ==
An action adventure game can be defined as a game with a mix of elements from an [[action game]] and an [[adventure game]],<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Rollins |first1=A. |last2=Morris |first2=D. |title=Game Architecture and Design |publisher=Coriolis Ed |year=2000}}</ref> especially crucial elements like puzzles<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luban |first=Pascal |date=2002-12-06 |title=Designing and Integrating Puzzles in Action-Adventure Games |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/designing-and-integrating-puzzles-in-action-adventure-games |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=Game Developer |language=en}}</ref> inspired by older adventure games.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |year=2014 |title=Chap. 1 — Game Genres |url=https://www.di.ubi.pt/~agomes/tjv/teoricas/01-genres.pdf |publisher=[[University of Beira Interior]] |page=8}}</ref> Action-adventures require many of the same physical skills as action games, but also offer a storyline, numerous characters, an inventory system, dialogue, and other features of adventure games.<ref name="fundamentals">{{cite book|last=Rollings|first=Andrew|author2=Ernest Adams|title=Fundamentals of Game Design|publisher=Prentice Hall|year=2006|url=http://wps.prenhall.com/bp_gamedev_1/54/14053/3597646.cw/index.html|isbn=0-13-168747-6}}</ref> They are faster-paced than pure adventure games, because they include both physical and conceptual challenges.<ref name="fundamentals" /> Action-adventure games normally include a combination of complex story elements, which are displayed for players using audio and video. The story is heavily reliant upon the [[player character]]'s movement, which triggers story events and thus affects the flow of the game.<ref name=Puzzle2>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2917/designing_and_integrating_puzzles_.php?page=2|title=Designing and Integrating Puzzles in Action-Adventure Games|last=Luban|first=Pascal|page=2|work=Gamasutra|publisher=Think Services Game Group|date=2002-12-06|access-date=2009-02-05}}</ref> Popular examples of action-adventure games include ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', ''[[God of War (franchise)|God of War]]'',<ref name="fundamentals" /> and ''[[Tomb Raider]]'' series.<ref name="Gal">{{Cite book |last1=Gal |first1=Viviane |last2=Le Prado |first2=Cécile |last3=Natkin |first3=Stéphane |last4=Vega |first4=Liliana |title=Writing for Video Games |publisher=Proceedings Laval Ritual (IVRC) |year=2002 |url=http://cedric.cnam.fr/PUBLIS/RC359.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030706103927/http://cedric.cnam.fr/PUBLIS/RC359.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2003 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Relationship to other genres ===
When a game stops being an adventure game and becomes an action game is a matter of interpretation.<ref name="Rollings" /> There are quite a few disagreements in the community and in the media over what actually constitutes an action-adventure game. One definition of the term "action-adventure" may be '"An action/adventure game is a game that has enough action in it not to be called an adventure game, but not enough action to be called an action game."<ref name=justadventure>{{cite web|url=http://www.justadventure.com/articles/ActionAdventures/AA.shtm|title=A Brief&nbsp;– But Comprehensive&nbsp;– History of the Action/Adventure Genre|author=Aya|date=2005-08-02|access-date=2009-02-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129103800/http://justadventure.com/articles/ActionAdventures/AA.shtm|archive-date=2009-01-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> In some cases an action game with puzzles will be classified as an action-adventure game, but if these puzzles are quite simple they might be classified as an action game.<ref name="fundamentals" /><ref name="NGen15">{{cite magazine|title=The Next Generation 1996 Lexicon A to Z|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=15 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=March 1996|pages=28–42|quote=Action-adventure&nbsp;– A game which is nearly all action (see action game), but that also includes a good deal of strategy and more advanced problem solving.}}</ref> Others see action games as a pure genre, while an action-adventure is an action game that includes situational problem-solving.<ref name=justadventure /><ref name="NGen15" /> Adventure gamers may also be purists, rejecting any game that makes use of physical challenges or time pressure.<ref name="fundamentals" /> Regardless, the action-adventure label is prominent in articles over the internet and media. The term "action-adventure" is usually substituted for a particular subgenre due to its wide scope.

== Subgenres ==
{{Original research|date=August 2020}}
Although action-adventure games are diverse and difficult to classify, there are some distinct subgenres. Many games with gameplay<ref name=":0" /> similar to those in [[The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda series]] are called '''''Zelda clones'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fontes |first=Renan |date=2019-12-29 |title=5 Zelda Clones Better Than The Real Thing (& 5 That Are So Much Worse) |url=https://www.thegamer.com/legend-zelda-clone-games-better-real-thing-worse-alundra-dark-cloud/ |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> or ''Zelda like'' games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robson |first=Daniel |date=2020-03-12 |title=Genshin Impact: Hands-on With the Zelda Clone That's not Really a Zelda Clone |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/genshin-impact-hands-on-with-the-zelda-clone-thats-not-really-a-zelda-clone |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Commerce |first=Stack |date=2020-09-09 |title=This Online Course Teaches You How to Create a Game Like The Legend of Zelda |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/this-online-course-teaches-you-how-to-create-a-game-like-the-legend-of-zelda |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=16 Games Zelda Fans Should Try |language=en |work=GameSpot |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/games-like-the-legend-of-zelda/1100-6499092/ |access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> Popular subgenres include:

=== Action-adventure FPS ===
FPS games with action-adventure elements such as the [[Metroid Prime (series)|Metroid Prime]] series were popular in the [[2000s]] and [[2010s]].<ref name=":1" />

=== Grand Theft Auto clone ===
'''[[Grand Theft Auto clone]]''', is a [[Video game genres|subgenre]] of [[open world]] action-adventure [[video game]]s in the [[Third-person (video games)|third-person perspective]]. They are characterized by their likeness to the [[Grand Theft Auto|''Grand Theft Auto'' series]] in either gameplay or overall design.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.findmesimilar.com/2013/04/games-like-gta-grand-theft-auto.html | title = 25+ Games Like GTA (Grand Theft Auto) | date = 12 April 2013 | publisher = Find Me Similar }}</ref><ref name="crackdownqa">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=74595 |title=Crackdown Community Q&A |author=Bramwell, Tom |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |date=2007-03-27 |access-date=2008-07-25 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014432/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=74595 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In these types of open world games, players may find and use a variety of vehicles and weapons while roaming freely in an open world setting.<ref>Sources that refer to Grand Theft Auto popularizing or inventing a genre include: <br /> i. {{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ps2/f/battle-of-the-gta-clones/a-2007032712758324075/g-2005120719070657885742 |title= Battle of the GTA clones |date = 2007-03-27 | author = Reparaz, Mikel | publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |access-date=2008-07-21}}; <br /> ii. {{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8241 |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |title=Analysts: FPS 'Most Attractive' Genre for Publishers |author= Cifaldi, Frank |date=2006-02-21 |access-date=2008-08-21}}; <br /> iii. {{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3762350.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |title=Hunt for Grand Theft Auto pirates |date=2004-10-21 |access-date=2008-08-26}}</ref><ref>Sources that refer to games similar to Grand Theft Auto as action-adventure games include: <br />i. {{cite web |url=http://www.pcw.co.uk/personal-computer-world/software/2154224/godfather |title=Review: The Godfather 3D action game |author=Parkyn, Jonathan |publisher=[[Personal Computer World]] |date=2006-04-18 |access-date=2008-07-25 |archive-date=22 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922191244/http://www.pcw.co.uk/personal-computer-world/software/2154224/godfather |url-status=dead }}<br />ii. {{cite web |url=http://wham.canoe.ca/wii/2007/03/30/3871537-torsun.html |author=Steve Tilley |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer|CANOE]] |title=Wii 'Godfather' for newbies only |date=2007-04-01 |access-date=2008-07-25 |archive-date=23 June 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20070623032604/http://wham.canoe.ca/wii/2007/03/30/3871537-torsun.html |url-status=dead }};<br /> iii. {{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/403/403367p1.html |title=E3 2003: True Crime: Streets of L.A. Update |author=Bishop, Sam |date=2003-05-16 |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=2008-07-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201141421/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/403/403367p1.html |archive-date=2009-02-01 }}<br /> iv. {{cite web |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/saints-row/729563p1.html |title=GameSpy Review – Saints Row |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |author=Will Tuttle |date=2006-08-30 |access-date=2008-07-25 }}; <br /> v. {{cite web |url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=158948 |publisher=[[GamePro]] |title=Just Cause 2 announced for Xbox 360, PS3, PC |author=Snow, Blake |date=2008-01-30 |access-date=2008-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201011432/http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=158948 |archive-date=2008-02-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>Navarro, Alex (2004-11-11). {{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/scrapland/review.html |title=Scrapland Review |access-date=2009-05-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010023540/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/scrapland/review.html |archive-date=2011-10-10}} Scrapland Review], [[GameSpot]], Retrieved on 2009-6-17</ref>

=== Metroidvania ===
'''[[Metroidvania]]'''; a portmanteau of ''Metroid'' and ''Castlevania'', sometimes referred to as "search action",<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gematsu.com/2019/02/touhou-luna-nights-leaves-steam-early-access-version-1-0-now-available | title = Touhou Luna Nights leaves Steam Early Access, version 1.0 now available | first = Sal | last = Romano | date = February 26, 2019 | accessdate = October 10, 2021 | work = Gematsu | archive-date = October 10, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211010140817/https://www.gematsu.com/2019/02/touhou-luna-nights-leaves-steam-early-access-version-1-0-now-available | url-status = live }}</ref> is used to describe games in this genre that generally are based on two-dimensional platformers. They emphasize both exploration and puzzle-solving with traditional platform gameplay.<ref name="gamasutra history">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/236410/The_undying_allure_of_the_Metroidvania.php | title = The undying allure of the Metroidvania | first = Christian | last = Nutt | date = February 13, 2015 | access-date = February 13, 2015 | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150512033009/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/236410/The_undying_allure_of_the_Metroidvania.php | archive-date = May 12, 2015 }}</ref>

=== Survival horror ===
'''[[Survival horror]]''', emphasize "inventory management" and making sure the player has enough ammunition and recovery items to "[[Survival game|survive]]" the [[horror fiction|horror]] setting. This is a thematic genre with diverse gameplay, so not all survival horror games share all the features.<ref>{{cite web|title=Survival Horror vs. Action Horror|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/manifesto/survival-horror-vs-action-horror-10399|publisher=gamerevolution.com|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Evil Within preview – 'real survival horror'|date=25 June 2013|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/06/25/the-evil-within-preview-real-survival-horror-3855378/|publisher=metro.co.uk|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Horror Show – Survival Horror vs. Action Horror|url=http://www.zero1gaming.com/2013/05/01/survival-horror-vs-action-horror/|publisher=zero1gaming.com|access-date=10 September 2013|archive-date=21 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721110927/http://www.zero1gaming.com/2013/05/01/survival-horror-vs-action-horror/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=6 Upcoming Horror Games That Look Absolutely Terrifying|date=21 April 2013|url=http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3229453/6-upcoming-horror-games-that-look-absolutely-terrifying/|publisher=blooody-disgusting.org|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref> The ''[[Resident Evil]]'' franchise popularized this subgenre.

== Gameplay ==
{{See also|Adventure game#Common objectives and gameplay|Action game#Defining elements}}
Action-adventure games are faster-paced than pure adventure games, and include physical as well as conceptual challenges<ref name="Rollings">{{cite book|last=Rollings|first=Andrew|author2=Ernest Adams|title=Andrew Rollings and Ernest Adams on Game Design|publisher=New Riders |year=2003|page=446|isbn=1-59273-001-9}}</ref> where the story is enacted rather than narrated.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://gamestudies.org/0101/ryan/|title=Beyond Myth and Metaphor&nbsp;– The Case of Narrative in Digital Media|last=Ryan|first=Marie-Laure|journal=Game Studies|volume=1|issue=1|year=2002|publisher=The International Journal of Computer Game Research|access-date=2009-02-05| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090202121033/http://gamestudies.org/0101/ryan/| archive-date= 2 February 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> While motion-based, often reflexive, actions are required,<ref name=Puzzle2 /> the gameplay still follows a number of adventure game genre tropes (gathering [[item (game)|items]], exploration of and interaction with one's environment, often including an [[overworld]] connecting areas of importance, and puzzle-solving).<ref name="Puzzle1">{{cite web |last=Luban |first=Pascal |date=2002-12-06 |title=Designing and Integrating Puzzles in Action-Adventure Games |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2917/designing_and_integrating_puzzles_.php?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221140043/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2917/designing_and_integrating_puzzles_.php?page=1 |archive-date=21 December 2008 |access-date=2009-02-05 |work=Gamasutra |publisher=Think Services Game Group |page=1}}</ref> While the controls are [[Arcade genre|arcade-style]] (character movement, few action commands) there is an ultimate goal beyond a high score.<ref name=Puzzle1 /> In most action-adventure games, the player controls a single [[avatar (computing)|avatar]] as the [[protagonist]].<ref name="fundamentals" /> This type of game is often quite similar to [[role-playing video game]]s.<ref name="meg">{{cite web | url=http://alldidigames.com/video-games-industry-infographics/ | publisher=ESRB | work=ESRB Infographics | author=Bob Johnstone | title=Video Games Industry Infographics | access-date=2014-08-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006155950/http://alldidigames.com/video-games-industry-infographics/ | archive-date=2014-10-06 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

They are distinct from [[Graphic adventure game|graphic adventures]], which sometimes have free-moving central characters, but also a wider variety of commands and fewer or no action game elements and are distinct too from [[text adventures]], characterized by many different commands introduced by the user via a complex [[text parser]] and no free-moving character. While they share general gameplay dynamics, action-adventures vary widely in the design of their viewpoints, including [[bird's-eye view|bird's eye]], side-scrolling, first-person, [[third-person shooter|third-person]], over-the-shoulder, or even a 3/4 [[Isometric video game graphics|isometric view]].

Many action-adventure games simulate a conversation through a [[conversation tree]]. When the player encounters a [[non-player character]], they are allowed to select a choice of what to say. The NPC gives a scripted response to the player, and the game offers the player several new ways to respond.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}}

Due to the action-adventure subgenre's broad and inclusive nature, it causes some players to have difficulty finishing a particular game. Companies have devised ways to give the player help, such as offering clues or allowing the player to skip puzzles to compensate for this lack of ability.<ref name=Puzzle3>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2917/designing_and_integrating_puzzles_.php?page=3|title=Designing and Integrating Puzzles in Action-Adventure Games|last=Luban|first=Pascal|page=3|work=Gamasutra|publisher=Think Services Game Group|date=2002-12-06|access-date=2009-02-05}}</ref>

== History ==
=== 1970s and early 1980s ===
Brett Weiss cites [[Atari]]'s ''[[Superman (1979 video game)|Superman]]'' (1979) as an action-adventure game,<ref name="weiss">{{cite book | first = Brett | last = Weiss | title = Classic Home Video Games, 1972–1984: A Complete Reference Guide | pages = 119, 126 | publisher = [[McFarland & Co.]] | url = https://books.google.com/books}}</ref> with ''Retro Gamer'' crediting it as the "first to utilize multiple screens as playing area".<ref name="retgamer">{{cite web|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games70/superman-2/|title=Superman|last=LMozejko|first=Michal|work=[[Retro Gamer]]|date=April 16, 2009|access-date=October 19, 2017}}</ref> Mark J.P. Wolf credits ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)|Adventure]]'' (1980) for the [[Atari VCS]] as the earliest-known action-adventure game.<ref>{{cite book|title=Video Game Theory Reader|editor1-last=Wolf|editor1-first=Mark J. P.|editor2-last=Perron|editor2-first=Bernard|year=2003|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-415-96578-0|page=x|chapter=Foreword|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PurLg5KfPioC}}</ref> The game involves exploring a 2D environment, finding and using items which each have prescribed abilities, and fighting dragons in real-time like in an [[action game]].<ref name=justadventure /> [[Muse Software]]'s ''[[Castle Wolfenstein]]'' (1981) was another early action-adventure game, merging exploration, combat, stealth,<ref>{{cite book|title=High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games|first1=Rusel|last1=DeMaria|first2=Johnny L.|last2=Wilson|year=2003|publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional|isbn=0-07-223172-6|page=224|edition=2nd|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HJNvZLvpCEQC}}</ref> and [[maze game]] elements,<ref name="Maynard">{{cite book |last1=Maynard |first1=Ashley E. |last2=Subrahmanyam |first2=Kaveri |last3=Greenfield |first3=Patricia M. |chapter=Technology and the Development of Intelligence: From the Loom to the Computer |editor1-last=Sternberg |editor1-first=Robert J. |editor2-last=Preiss |editor2-first=David D. |title=Intelligence and Technology: The Impact of Tools on the Nature and Development of Human Abilities |date=13 May 2005 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-1-136-77805-6 |pages=29–54 (38) |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VZgVId2jGXIC&pg=PA38}}</ref> drawing inspiration from arcade [[shoot 'em ups]] and maze games (such as maze-shooter ''[[Berzerk (video game)|Berzerk]]'') and [[war films]] (such as ''[[The Guns of Navarone (film)|The Guns of Navarone]]'').<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Boardman |first1=Krist |last2=Bernstein |first2=Harvey |url=https://archive.org/stream/Electronic_Games_Volume_01_Number_04_1982-06_Reese_Communications_US |title=Inside Gaming |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=June 1982 |volume=1 |issue=4 |pages=22–3}}</ref>

According to ''[[Wizardry]]'' developer Roe R. Adams, early action-adventure games "were basically [[arcade games]] done in a [[fantasy]]" setting.<ref name="CGW76">{{citation|first=Roe R.|last=Adams|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]|date=November 1990|issue=76|pages=83–84 [83]|title=Westward Ho! (Toward Japan, That Is): An Overview of the Evolution of CRPGs on Dedicated Game Machines|quote=Action adventures were basically arcade games done in a fantasy setting such as ''Castlevania'', ''Trojan'', and ''Wizards & Warriors''.}}</ref> ''[[Tutankham]]'', debuted by [[Konami]] in January 1982,<ref name="GM194">{{cite magazine|title=Overseas Readers Column – Konami And Stern Pact On "Tutankham" Video|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=194|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=15 August 1982|page=26|lang=ja|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19820815p.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131232141/https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19820815p.pdf|archive-date=31 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> was an action-adventure released for [[Arcade game|arcades]].<ref name="Retro">{{cite magazine |title=Minority Report: Tutankham |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=127 |date=January 2014 |page=51 |url=https://issuu.com/michelfranca/docs/retro_gamer____127}}</ref> It combined maze, shoot 'em up, [[Puzzle video game|puzzle-solving]] and adventure elements,<ref name="CVG"/><ref name="weiss"/><ref name="Video">{{cite magazine |last1=Kunkel |first1=Bill |author-link1=Bill Kunkel (journalist)|last2=Katz |first2=Arnie |author-link2=Arnie Katz|date=December 1983 |title=Arcade Alley: Super Gifts for Gamers |magazine=[[Video (magazine)|Video]] |publisher=Reese Communications |volume=7 |issue=9 |pages=28–9 |issn=0147-8907|url=http://www.ataricompendium.com/archives/articles/arcade_alley/arcade_alley_dec83.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123023104/http://www.ataricompendium.com/archives/articles/arcade_alley/arcade_alley_dec83.pdf|archive-date=23 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> with a 1983 review by ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' magazine calling it "the first game that effectively combined the elements of an adventure game with frenetic shoot 'em up gameplay."<ref name="CVG">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|title=Fine Time in Tombs of Tut! Tutankham|page=31|issue=26 (December 1983)|date=16 November 1983|url=https://archive.org/details/computer-video-games-magazine-026/page/n30/mode/1up}}</ref> It inspired the similar ''[[Time Bandit]]'' (1983).<ref name="legend">{{cite web |title=Harry Lafnear Interview |url=https://www.atarilegend.com/interviews/interviews_detail.php?selected_interview_id=4 |website=Atari Legend |date=September 5, 2003}}</ref> ''[[Action Quest]]'', released in May 1982, blended puzzle elements of adventure games into a [[joystick]]-controlled, arcade-style action game, which surprised reviewers at the time.<ref name="anderson">{{cite magazine |last1=Anderson |first1=John J. |title=Atari Arcade |magazine=Computer Gaming World |date=May 1982 |volume=2 |issue=3 |page=18 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_2.3/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_2.3/page/n19/mode/2up}}</ref><ref name=ca>{{cite book |title=The Creative Atari |date=1983 |publisher=Creative Computing Press |pages=177–178 |isbn=9780916688349 |url=https://archive.org/details/ataribooks-the-creative-atari/page/n177/mode/2up}}</ref>

While noting some similarities to ''Adventure'', [[IGN]] argues that ''[[The Legend of Zelda (1986 video game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' (1986) by [[Nintendo]] "helped to establish a new subgenre of action-adventure", becoming a success due to how it combined elements from different genres to create a compelling hybrid, including exploration, adventure-style inventory [[Puzzle game|puzzles]], an action component, a [[monetary system]], and simplified RPG-style [[Experience point#Level-based progression|level building]] without the [[experience point]]s.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|author= Travis Fahs |url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/939/939361p1.html |title=IGN Presents the History of Zelda&nbsp;– Retro Feature at IGN |website=[[IGN]] |date=2010-08-27 |access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref> ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' series was the most prolific action-adventure game franchise through to the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Most-prolific action-adventure video game series|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/6000/most-prolific-action-adventure-video-game-series|work=[[Guinness World Records]]|access-date=17 April 2012|date=1 Jan 2007}}</ref> Roe R. Adams also cited the arcade-style [[side-scrolling]] fantasy games ''[[Castlevania]]'' (1986), ''[[Trojan (video game)|Trojan]]'' (1986) and ''[[Wizards & Warriors]]'' (1987) as early examples of action-adventure games.<ref name="CGW76"/>

Games like ''Brain Breaker'' (1985), ''[[Xanadu (video game)|Xanadu]]'' (1985), ''[[Metroid (video game)|Metroid]]'' (1986) and ''[[Vampire Killer]]'' (1986) combined a side-scrolling [[platformer]] format with adventure exploration, creating the [[Metroidvania]] platform-adventure subgenre. Similarly, games like ''[[005]]'' (1981), ''Castle Wolfenstein'' and ''[[Metal Gear (video game)|Metal Gear]]'' (1987) combined action-adventure exploration with stealth mechanics, laying the foundations for the [[stealth game]] subgenre, which would later be popularized in 1998 with the releases of ''[[Metal Gear Solid (1998 video game)|Metal Gear Solid]]'', ''[[Tenchu: Stealth Assassins]]'', and ''[[Thief: The Dark Project]]''.

=== 1990s to present ===
The [[cinematic platformer]] ''[[Prince of Persia (1989 video game)|Prince of Persia]]'' (1989) featured action-adventure elements, inspiring games such as ''[[Another World (video game)|Another World]]'' (1991) and ''[[Flashback (1992 video game)|Flashback]]'' (1992). ''[[Alone in the Dark (video game)|Alone in the Dark]]'' (1992) used [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]], which would later be popularized by ''[[Resident Evil (1996 video game)|Resident Evil]]'' (1996) and ''[[Tomb Raider (1996 video game)|Tomb Raider]]'' (1996). ''[[Resident Evil]]'' in particular created the [[survival horror]] subgenre, inspiring titles such as ''[[Silent Hill (video game)|Silent Hill]]'' (1999) and ''[[Fatal Frame (video game)|Fatal Frame]]'' (2001).<ref name=justadventure />

Action-adventure games have gone on to become more popular than the pure [[adventure game]]s and pure [[platform game]]s that inspired them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Ernest |date=2009-07-09 |title=The Designer's Notebook: Sorting Out the Genre Muddle |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/the-designer-s-notebook-sorting-out-the-genre-muddle |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=Game Developer |language=en}}</ref> Recent examples include the ''[[Uncharted]]'' franchise, ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]'' and ''[[Ark: Survival Evolved]]''.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{Commonscatinline|Action-adventure games}}

{{VideoGameGenre}}

[[Category:Action-adventure games| ]]
[[Category:Games and sports introduced in 1980]]
[[Category:Video game genres]]
[[Category:Video game terminology]]