Explore the best retro games in the action-adventure category

Tomb Raider (1996) is a groundbreaking action-adventure game that introduced players to the iconic Lara Croft. Developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive, it set new standards for 3D exploration, puzzle-solving, and platforming.

Captain Claw (1997) is a side-scrolling platformer starring a swashbuckling pirate cat on a quest for treasure and freedom. Developed by Monolith Productions, it became a cult classic for its smooth 2D animation, challenging gameplay, and adventurous pirate theme.

Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb is a third-person action-adventure game that throws players into a globe-trotting quest with the legendary archaeologist. Packed with fistfights, puzzles, traps, and cinematic flair, it's a true Indy experience developed by The Collective, Inc. and published by LucasArts.

MDK 2 is a fast-paced third-person sci-fi shooter developed by BioWare and published by Interplay. With three quirky heroes, over-the-top weapons, and a mix of action, puzzles, and humor, it’s a cult classic that pushes the boundaries of weird and fun.

Madagascar is a fun, family-friendly action-adventure game based on the hit DreamWorks animated film. Play as your favorite zoo animals—Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria—as you break free from New York and explore the wilds of Madagascar in this lively 3D platformer.

Blood II: The Chosen takes players into a dark, gothic world filled with intense first-person shooter action, immersive storytelling, and brutal violence. As one of the last surviving members of the Cabal, you must navigate a dystopian world, battling fierce enemies with unique weapons and abilities. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone offers an enchanting adventure through Hogwarts with exploration, puzzle-solving, and platforming. While it doesn’t reinvent the action-adventure genre, it’s a delightful experience for fans of the franchise.

Rayman is a beautifully hand-drawn 2D platformer that introduced players to the limbless hero in a vibrant and whimsical world. With its imaginative levels, quirky characters, and challenging gameplay, it's a standout classic in the platforming genre.

Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is a vibrant, fast-paced platformer with tight controls, colorful graphics, and a great sense of humor. It's one of the best platformers of the 90s, offering both single-player and multiplayer fun.

Prehistorik 1 is a quirky, prehistoric platformer with a sense of humor. While it’s not as refined as other platformers of its time, it’s a fun and nostalgic experience for fans of retro gaming.

Strife is a unique blend of first-person shooter and RPG, offering an engaging story, exploration, and combat. With its atmospheric world and engaging quests, it stands out as one of the most memorable FPS-RPG hybrids from the 90s.

Outlaws is a Western-themed FPS that combines classic shooter mechanics with a compelling narrative. Its unique setting, memorable soundtrack, and innovative features like sniper zoom and reloading mechanics set it apart in the genre.​

Call of Duty (2003) redefined the WWII shooter genre by immersing players in the perspectives of American, British, and Soviet soldiers. Its emphasis on squad-based tactics, cinematic presentation, and intense combat scenarios set a new standard for first-person shooters.​

Worms Armageddon is a timeless turn-based strategy game that combines tactical gameplay with whimsical humor. Players control a team of worms, using a variety of weapons to eliminate opposing teams on destructible landscapes.

Magic Carpet 2 is a thrilling blend of first-person action and spellcasting set in a surreal fantasy world. You ride a magic carpet through 3D environments, blasting enemies with spells, collecting mana, and reshaping terrain in real time.