The Best Action/Adventure Games for PC

Updated July 05, 2017

Games in the action/adventure sub-genre may not have the non-stop shoot 'em up action of a first person shooter, but they make up for it with in-depth storylines and game play that includes a mix of combat, adventure, and problem solving. The list of my top action-adventure games for the PC include some of the highest rated and most popular games as well as some personal favorites released over the past year or so. All offer some great storylines and a nice mix of combat, adventure, and problem solving.

01
of 10

Batman: Arkham Asylum
Release Date: Sep 15, 2009
Theme: Superhero
Rating: T for Teen
Game Modes: Single player
As the name suggests Batman Arkham Asylum is set in the famous prison for the criminally insane in the DC Comic world. While escorting The Joker off to prison, Batman falls into a trap and has the tables turned on him becoming locked up in the prison and face to face with some of his arch enemies. Players take on the role of Batman while he tries to escape from the prison and thwart The Joker's evil plot.
More Info | Demo
02
of 10

Grand Theft Auto IV
Release Date: Dec 2, 2008
Theme: Crime
Rating: M for Mature
Game Modes: Single player, multiplayer
Series: Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto IV is actually the sixth title in the Grand Theft Auto series of games to make it to the PC. In it players take on the role of Nikolai "Niko" Bellic who has come to Liberty City to start a new life. Soon after arriving Niko must fend for himself and turns to a life of crime.
More Info | Screenshots
03
of 10

Assassin's Creed
Release Date: Apr 8, 2008
Theme: Historical
Rating: M for Mature
Game Modes: Single player
Series: Assassin's Creed
Assassin's Creed is a third person stealth action/adventure game in which players take on the role of a 21st century man who is kidnapped and relives the memories of his ancestors as a 12th century assassin during the Third Crusade.
More Info
04
of 10

Resident Evil 5
Release Date: Sep 15, 2009
Theme: Survival Horror
Rating: M for Mature
Game Modes: Single player, multiplayer co-op
Series: Resident Evil
The Resident Evil series returns in Resident Evil 5. Players take on the role of either Chris Redfield or Sheva Alomar as they travel to Africa to arrest an arms dealer. Of course things don't necessarily go as planned and players encounter a new type of Resident Evil enemy called the Majini.
More Info
05
of 10

Prototype
Release Date: Jun 9, 2009
Theme: Sci-Fi
Rating: M for Mature
Game Modes: Single player
In Prototype, the mysterious out break of a horrific virus has the city of New York, more specifically Manhattan, in chaos. The military has been called in to restore order but the virus is turning people into savage mutants before their eyes.
More Info | Review | Screenshots
06
of 10

Trine

Release Date: Jul 3, 2009
Theme: Fantasy
Rating: E for Everyone
Game Modes: Single player, multiplayer
Trine is a side scrolling action/platformer game in which players control one of three characters as the try to complete different levels. The three characters include a knight, a thief, and a wizard and players can switch between playing one to another during game play. Trine also features a multiplayer co-operative mode. More »

07
of 10

Prince of Persia (2008)
Release Date: Dec 2, 2008
Theme: Fantasy
Rating: T for Teen
Game Modes: Single player
Series: Prince of Persia
This latest version of Price of Persia picks up the series with a new Price who on his travels home encounters and evil god of Darkness names Ahriman. Players assume the role of this new prince as he tries to rid the world of Ahriman. While all characters are new in this version of Price of Persia, the game play is very similar to the more recent titles such as the Sands of Time.
08
of 10

Tomb Raider Underworld
Release Date: Nov 18, 2008
Theme: Adventure
Rating: T for Teen
Game Modes: Single player, multiplayer
Series: Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider Underworld is the eigth title in the Tomb Raider series, in it players once again take on the role of Heroine Lara Croft as she fights her way through the jungles of Thailand and Mexico to the Mediterranean and Arctic Seas. The game picks up the story line from the previous title Tomb Raider Legend.
More Info | Demo | Screenshots
09
of 10

Saints Row 2
Release Date: Jan 6, 2009
Theme: Crime
Rating: M for Mature
Game Modes: Single player, multiplayer
Series: Saints Row
Saints Row 2 is an action/adventure crime game set in the fictitious city of Stilwater in which players wake from a five year coma after the events of Saints Row game and then goes about reforming his old gang seeking revenge against his old enemies in hopes of controlling the city once again.
More Info | Screenshots
10
of 10

LEGO Batman The Video Game
Release Date: Sep 23, 2008
Theme: Superhero
Rating: E10+
Game Modes: Single player, multiplayer
Series:
First it was the Star Wars universe, then Indana Jones, now the LEGO series of video games have moved on to the Dynamic Duo of Batman and Robin. But unlike the other LEGO video games LEGO Batman allows you to play the game as villains from the Batman universe.