Summary
- 2000s saw the evolution of iconic action-adventure games series like Uncharted, Assassin’s Creed, and Batman: Arkham.
- Majora’s Mask, GTA 3, and Metroid Prime were among the standout action-adventure games from 2000-2002.
- Games like Prince of Persia, GTA: San Andreas, and Shadow of the Colossus continued to excel in the genre in the mid-2000s.
The 2000s were an important period for the action-adventure genre. The likes of Tomb Raider had helped popularize these types of games in the ’90s, and in the 2000s, they would continue to evolve. This was helped by several big action-adventure series debuting, such as Uncharted, Assassin’s Creed, and Batman: Arkham.
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All of these new series and old favorites like Legend of Zelda and Grand Theft Auto significantly improved the genre’s popularity. There were so many great action-adventure games during this decade that it felt like an iconic one came out every single year. Here is the proof of that.
10
2000 – The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
- Released
-
October 26, 2000
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
-
Nintendo EAD
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
- Engine
-
Proprietary Engine
There wasn’t a whole host of action-adventure games released in the year 2000. Even if there were, though, it would be tough to top the iconic Majora’s Mask.
It’s a classic 3D Zelda game that involves the standard things you expect to see in the series, such as dungeons, puzzles, and creatures to fight. However, it sets itself apart by focusing on masks that allow you to transform into different creatures. Also, it includes a day and night cycle, which is unique for the series.
9
2001 – Grand Theft Auto 3
Grand Theft Auto 3
- Released
-
October 23, 2001
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Violence
- Engine
-
RenderWare
One of the best games of the entire 2000s was released in 2001, and it’s named Grand Theft Auto 3. It is certainly among the most influential games of its time because it helped popularize open-world gameplay.
It did this by giving you a beautiful city to freely explore and create chaos in. This was a rare sight back in 2001, so it was a huge deal when it was included in GTA 3. What also helped the game stand out was its interesting cast of characters and overly violent gameplay.
8
2002 – Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime
- Released
-
November 17, 2002
- ESRB
-
T For Teen Due To Violence
- Engine
-
RUDE engine
It isn’t easy for a popular series to reinvent itself. After all, fanbases expect certain things from their favorite series and aren’t always happy when it goes in a different direction. Yet, Metroid Prime is one of the most successful reinventions.
This game is the first entry in the series to be 3D and use a first-person perspective. Despite the change to first-person, it is still more of an action-adventure fare than an FPS. This is mainly down to how exploration takes priority over combat. Whatever genre it falls into, it’s still a fantastic game.
7
2003 – Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time
Ubisoft released two excellent action-adventure games in 2003: Beyond Good & Evil and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The latter, in particular, is an excellent game and ranks among the best in the Prince of Persia series.
It offers brilliant gameplay that includes a lot of parkour, a rewinding time mechanic, and a bit of sword fighting. All of it feels very smooth, helping it stand out among 2003’s top action-adventure titles.
6
2004 – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Released
-
October 26, 2004
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs
- Engine
-
RenderWare
- Multiplayer
-
Local Multiplayer
San Andreas is often regarded as one of the best GTA games. It has earned this reputation, as it’s a fantastic action-adventure title that is better than everything else that 2004 had to offer.
A lot of the praise it has gained over the years comes from its iconic open world. San Andreas is a great map to drive around. It’s filled with interesting places to visit and activities to engage with. The game also tells a compelling story about The Grove Street Gang and the complicated relationships its members share with one another. It isn’t the deepest tale, but it is well-written and includes some exciting moments.
5
2005 – Shadow Of The Colossus
- Released
-
October 18, 2005
- ESRB
-
T For Teen // Blood, Fantasy Violence
- Publisher(s)
-
Sony Computer Entertainment
- Number of Players
-
1
2005 was a good year for the action-adventure genre, as it saw the release of Ninja Gaiden Black, God of War, and Devil May Cry. Shadow of the Colossus was another critically acclaimed game that was released that year.
It’s an action-adventure title where you play as a young man who must defeat all the Colossuses roaming the land to help their friend. Everything from the presentation to the core gameplay is different from other entries in the genre. As such, it’s a unique and moving adventure.
4
2006 – Okami
Okami is one of Capcom’s most underrated games and the best action-adventure title of 2006. Set in Japan, the game explores Japanese mythology and folklore. The narrative revolves around a sun goddess who has taken the form of a white wolf.
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As them, you’re tasked with saving the land from darkness. The art style and presentation are outstanding. Plus, not many games allow you to play as a wolf, so it feels distinct from most others in the genre.
3
2007 – God Of War 2
God of War II
- Released
-
March 13, 2007
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Publisher(s)
-
Sony Computer Entertainment
- Engine
-
bluepoint engine
2007 saw the debut of two of the best action-adventure series ever: Uncharted and Assassin’s Creed. Yet neither of those games is the best in its respective series, while God of War 2 might be.
Like every other God of War game, GOW2 is incredibly fun. This is mainly due to the over-the-top, action-packed combat. The game does a great job of making you feel like an unstoppable force of nature, as Kratos should feel.
2
2008 – Grand Theft Auto 4
- Released
-
April 29, 2008
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Engine
-
rockstar advanced game engine
- Multiplayer
-
Local Multiplayer
Grand Theft Auto 4 is among the best action-adventure games the industry has ever seen, so, of course, it’s 2008’s best. The game continued the series tradition of providing you with a dense open world city to use as your sandbox.
However, in this game, the place is even more detailed, as GTA 4 is far more technically advanced than the previous entries. The storytelling is also improved, as Niko Bellic’s attempt to escape his past and live the ‘American Dream’ is a very well-told tale that other GTA narratives struggle to match.
1
2009 – Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
- Released
-
October 13, 2009
- ESRB
-
T For Teen due to Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Publisher(s)
-
Sony Computer Entertainment
- Engine
-
Naughty Engine 2.0
- Multiplayer
-
Local Multiplayer
What an incredible year 2009 was for action-adventure games. In this year, the likes of Batman: Arkham Asylum, Assassin’s Creed 2, Infamous, and Bayonetta were all released. Any of those games would be a contender for the best action-adventure game of the 2000s, but the equally good Uncharted 2 gets the top spot for 2009.
This game takes you on an epic adventure to different parts of the world as Nathan Drake searches for the priceless Cintamani Stone and Shambhala. Along the way, you meet various well-written characters, from allies to enemies. When you aren’t talking to them, though, you’re doing some fun parkouring, solving interesting puzzles, or engaging in fun shootouts. The game pretty much excels in every area.
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