The Most Beloved Adventure Video Games of All Time

The adventure genre is one of the most important video game genres ever. Some of the medium most foundational titles were a part of the adventure game boom in the 1990s. The last 20 years have been a golden age for adventure titles as gaming continues to grow and change. Although the industry is currently going through a rough patch of layoffs, the titles released continue to be some of the best the medium offers. Gaming would not be as interesting as it is today without these beloved adventure games. Here are 15 of the most beloved adventure video games of all time.

15. A Space For The Unbound

• Release Date – January 19, 2023
• Release Platform – PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 85 (Generally Favorable)

A Space for the Unbound is one of the best games of this decade. The title is a heartwarming tale that explores the themes of youth, nostalgia, hope, and healing from trauma. Multiple game publications have praised the game for how it approached its themes and it even was nominated for an award for impact at last year’s Game Awards.

14. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

• Release Date – September 22, 2020
• Release Platform – PlayStation®4 and Nintendo Switch
• Metacritic Score – 85 (Generally Favorable)

Vanillaware is a modern pioneer of storytelling and their title, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim deserves all the accolades it gets. The game is praised for its worldbuilding and visuals, however, the game’s narrative is an acquired taste. This isn’t a title for everyone but those who play it tend to leave with it lingering in their mind.

13. Sumire

• Release Date – May 27, 2021
• Release Platform – IOS, Steam, and Nintendo Switch
• Metacritic Score – 86 (Generally Favorable)

For gamers who are fond of Japanese culture and games, Sumire should be right up your alley. The game feels like a love letter to Japan and provides a simple but beautiful narrative. Expect an emotional rollercoaster when playing this title.

12. Pentiment

• Release Date – November 15, 2022
• Release Platform – PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 86 (Generally Favorable)

Developed by adventure role-playing veteran studio, Obsidian Entertainment, Pentiment is a nice change of pace from the rest of the list. This title is praised for its replayability, the game never gives you enough time to do everything in one playthrough through a well-designed time-pressure mechanic. Every decision has pros and cons, truly making the player feel like they have agency.

11. Her Story

• Release Date – June 24, 2015
• Release Platform – IOS and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 86 (Generally Favorable)

Her Story is another “mileage may vary” title on this list but what makes this game a beloved entry are those who are nostalgic for adventure design of the 90s. Detective games of that era were known for not holding the player’s hand and this title follows that train of design. Her Story is masterfully written and acted. The title provides a case and trusts the player to solve it. A perfect adventure game in my book.

10. Overboard!

• Release Date – June 2, 2021
• Release Platform – IOS, Nintendo Switch, and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 86 (Generally Favorable)

For fans of puzzles, Overboard! is sure to scratch that itch. The title is a bit heavy on reading but if the player can meet it on its terms it’s truly something special. The game is a bit on the short side but it is packed with so much replayability. There’s always something new to see in each run.

9. Tales From The Borderlands

• Release Date – June 2, 2021
• Release Platform – PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 85 (Generally Favorable)

Many fans see this title as the de facto best Borderlands title. Some people believe that this game’s narrative is so good it can compete with television. Adventure games from the 90s are known for their comedy and Tales From The Borderlands can fit in with the greats. If you’re a fan of Borderlands or even just a fan of comedy in games, this title is a must-play.

8. Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure

• Release Date – October 23, 2007
• Release Platform – Nintendo Wii
• Metacritic Score – 87 (Generally Favorable)

Another title for those who like puzzles in their adventure games. Zack & Wiki is a perfect blend of the Wii’s motion technology and great puzzle design. The game brings back the feel of the point-and-click adventure game which perfectly vibes with the Nintendo Wii hardware. Those nostalgic for the older type of adventure game design will find themselves at home with Zack & Wiki.

7. Immortality

• Release Date – August 30, 2022
• Release Platform – PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 87 (Generally Favorable)

If you’re a fan of Her Story and are in search of more games like it, then you will LOVE Immortality. This game is even more polarizing than the other games released by Sam Barlow. However, Immortality shouldn’t be overlooked. The game has been praised for its acting performance and publication, Edge awarded the title with a perfect score, making it the 24th game in Edge’s history to receive a perfect score. Yes, Edge believes this game is as good as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Tears of the Kingdom.

6. Night in the Woods

• Release Date – February 21, 2017
• Release Platform – PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 88 (Generally Favorable)

If you’re a young adult struggling with being a young adult, this game is perfect for you. Night in the Woods is a beautiful adventure game that starts slow but is profound in how it speaks to young people. Many games of all genres try to appeal to the younger generations but none quite succeeds like this game. If one word could describe this game it would be, real.

5. A Short Hike

• Release Date – August 18, 2020
• Release Platform – PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 88 (Generally Favorable)

A Short Hike has been referred to as a palate cleanser. The title is far from perfect but it offers a relaxing unique title and arrived at the perfect time. Most fans love this game because of its approach to player freedom. The game shows that padding isn’t necessary and you’re able to tell a grand adventure in a fraction of the time.

4. Chicory: A Colorful Tale

• Release Date – June 10, 2021
• Release Platform – PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 90 (Generally Favorable)

The world needs games like Chicory. Games that bleed creativity and that aren’t afraid to touch on sensitive topics. This title is a game that has a lot to say and it finds a way to make its themes easy to understand. Easy enough that even a child can understand what it’s trying to say. Everyone should give Chicory: A Colorful Tale a shot.

3. VIDEOVERSE

• Release Date – August 7, 2023
• Release Platform – Steam
• Metacritic Score – 90 (Generally Favorable)

Similar to Night in the Woods, this game appeals to a very specific audience. This game is for those who are nostalgic for the early 2000s. It’s a special title that can evoke emotions in a way no other modern adventure game has. Again, its quality depends on if you are old enough to remember the early 2000s but even if you aren’t nostalgic for that time this game deserves your attention.

2. Outer Wilds

• Release Date – August 7, 2023
• Release Platform – PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Steam
• Metacritic Score – 85 (Generally Favorable)

Outer Wilds kicked off a trend of time loop games and it’s one of the best of that genre. The game is filled to the brim with genius level, narrative, and game design. While the game isn’t perfect it’s one of the more unique titles of the modern age and that alone is enough to earn it a spot on the list. If you can only play one game on this list, it should be Outer Wilds.

1. Kentucky Route Zero

• Release Date – January 28, 2020
• Release Platform – PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, Android, and IOS
• Metacritic Score – 86 (Generally Favorable)

Depending on who you ask, this title might be one of the best adventure games ever. Kentucky Route Zero has won the Game of the Year award 3 times. Journalists have even considered the title the most important game of all time. This title resonates with those who play it and its DNA is present in almost every game on this list. Whether you agree with the praise this title gets doesn’t matter one thing is for certain. This game is one of the most talked about titles of the 2010s.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Collage of Beloved Adventure Titles.