From "King's Quest" to "Tomb Raider" and "Zelda," the adventure game genre is rich in imaginative storytelling and thrilling characters. Over the decades, the games have evolved from point-and-click interactions to seemingly living, breathing open environments. With virtual reality on the horizon, it's only a matter of time before our own surroundings become the fictional kingdom of Daventry or the perilous rooftops of Victorian London.
Following are a few recent action-adventure games worth checking out on the Playstation, Xbox, and PC. You'll soar over Gotham, scour maps for lost treasure, duel over honor, and hide under cover. Most importantly, however, you'll smile from ear to ear as you once again save the world and defeat the bad guys. Ready player one?