From Astro Bot to Black Myth: Wukong, the best action-adventure games of 2024 made us sweat

GamesActionFrom Astro Bot to Black Myth: Wukong, the best action-adventure games of 2024 made us sweatWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. GamesActionFrom Astro Bot to Black Myth: Wukong, the best action-adventure games of 2024 made us sweatWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Sony) With such strong competition, how is it possible to narrow down a list of the best action-adventure games of 2024 to just five? We’ve parried all-comers to narrow this list down and come up with just that. It’s been a great year for the genre, with the cute and charming cheerily jogging alongside the tense and disturbing – which you’ll see reflected in our selection. So good are these, that most also appear in ourbest games of 2024list too. Whether you fancy bouncing around in colorful environments or facing off against twisted creatures, there’s something for everyone here. There’s a good variety of formats represented, too, meaning you can see for yourself just how good they are no matter where you play. Some of the greatest games only became greater with thebest expansions of 2024, while thebest early access games of 2024showed us that the best is, possibly, still to come. The below however is a list of games that are complete, self-contained, and full of surprises. Games that prove “action” doesn’t have to mean “simple”, and “adventure” doesn’t have to mean “long tedious story crammed full of cliches and neon-signposted twists”. Equally, our list is proof that a family-friendly action-adventure has just as much value as one with a dark and distinctly mature style. 5. Black Myth: Wukong (Image credit: Game Science) Developer:Game SciencePlatforms:PC, PS5 In large part thanks to the fact that it draws from the 16th Century Chinese novel Journey to the West,Black Myth: Wukongpresents a world of wonder unlike any that you’ll have seen in a game before. There’s the occasional issue that might make you grit your teeth or say a naughty word, sure, but any annoyances will quickly evaporate into the stunningly detailed world around you. Combat is enjoyable, including multiple boss encounters that are as impressive as they are tough. In addition, it’s perhaps not as accurate to say that Black Myth: Wukong has secrets as it is to say that there’s a whole layer of game you could miss. The more curious you are, the more you’ll find; it’s theoretically possible to miss about half of all the content if you rush through to the end, though that will ruin your chances of seeing the “true” ending… Learn more in ourBlack Myth: Wukong review, where we said it “feels like the modern God of War games viewed through the lens of Chinese mythology” 4. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Image credit: Nintendo) Developer:Nintendo, GrezzoPlatform:Nintendo Switch It took decades of waiting, but finally, Zelda gets to be the star of her own adventure, and it was worth the wait. There’s a definite Link’s Awakening vibe – the engine for that game’s 2019 remake sits behind the scenes here – but it’s no asset-swapping clone.The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomgives Zelda her own brand-new set of magical powers that allow her to conjure and control enemies, as well as summon various objects into being (you can’t magically produce an infinite number of rupees though, sorry). In addition to a fresh angle on combat, this also opens up a new world of puzzle possibilities that Nintendo and Grezzo are more than happy to introduce you to. The whole experience gently simmers in a gorgeous orchestral soundtrack, putting the finishing touch to those magical kingdom vibes. This is a fantasy world worth adventuring in. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more Learn more in ourThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom review, where we called it a “a refreshing, albeit brief, series experimentation that blends modern and classic series elements” 3. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (Image credit: Ninja Theory) Developer:Ninja TheoryPlatforms:Xbox Series X, PC Learn more in ourSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 review, where we called it “haunting, confrontational, and deeply cathartic all at once” 2. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Image credit: Ubisoft) Developer:UbisoftMontpellierFormats:PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch The Prince has been on a lot of adventures over the years, with both the character and his games maturing like a real person (Remember his embarrassing teen emo Prince of Persia: Warrior Within phase? Banger soundtrack, though).Prince of Persia: The Lost Crowngoes back to the series' side-scrolling 2D roots, but this time, with a hefty spoonful of metroidvania spice. The result is one of the best Prince of Persia games to date, with thrillingly intense platform combat and some brilliant time-twisting environmental manipulation puzzles. Boss battles built on a foundation of spectacle and challenge are peppered throughout a map that opens up through a combination of mastering your combat options, and powering through some tough puzzles that reward you with a deep sense of satisfaction when you finally crack them. Learn more in ourPrince of Persia: The Lost Crown review, where we said it’s “filled with intrigue, neat brain-teasing puzzles, masterful platforming, and spectacle-fueled boss battles” 1. Astro Bot (Image credit: Sony) Developer:Team AsobiPlatform:PS5 Astro Botis the best Super Mario game Nintendo never made. It’s a 3D platformer that’s colourful and furiously inventive, thriving on variety. Everything about it – from the uptempo music and enchanting art design, to the multitude of inventive mechanics, constellations of secrets and Easter eggs to pry out, and parade of cameos fromSony’s history – celebrates play and joy. Okay, the aforementioned cameos often serve as a reminder of some much-loved series that Sony is frustratingly happy to allow to gather dust, but the fact that Astro has finally been given his first full-sized standalone game after 11 years gives us hope that our favourite little bot won’t meet the same fate. Long may his leaps from one fantastically implemented gadget to the next continue. Learn more in ourAstro Bot review, where we said it “soars above and beyond to serve up a near-perfect platformer” Want more like this? We’ve got plenty of recommendations! Check out ourbest action gamesorbest adventure gamelists to see what takes your fancy next! TOPICSBest List TOPICS CATEGORIESPS5PS4PC GamingNintendo SwitchXbox OneXbox Series XPlatformsPlayStationNintendoXbox CATEGORIES PRODUCTSAstro BotPrince of Persia: The Lost CrownBlack Myth: WukongThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of WisdomSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 PRODUCTS More about action"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki": 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beHideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game"Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about action"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beHideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game"Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about action"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beHideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game” More about action “Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beHideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game” “Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be “Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be Hideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game” Hideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game” Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► Latest 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” See more latest► Most Popular"This is incredibly rare”: How Mouthwashing quietly became 2024’s breakout horror hitI’m no Grinch, but will someone please direct me to the good Christmas games?This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chancePatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - 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This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chance Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics” Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s past Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé 17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding” Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over Christmas Spy x Family season 3: Everything we know so far One of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strength How Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”