We already published the list of best Dreamcast games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Dreamcast action-adventure games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Dreamcast definitely has a great library of action-adventure games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Dreamcast and action-adventure games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. The Ring: Terror’s Realm
- Release Data: Asmik Ace Entertainment, Inc, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
It’s yet another rehash of an old gameplay concept, and the same has been done a lot better before.
Diehard survival-horror fans might possibly get a quick fix from this game, but even it’s not guaranteed.
You’d really be better off playing through Code Veronica again.
#24. Evil Dead: Hail to the King
- Release Data: Heavy Iron Studios/THQ, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
In the end, it’s not the graphical problems that hurt the game the most though; it’s the lackluster combat.
If the battle sequences weren’t so frustrating and frequent, Evil Dead: Hail to the King would at least weigh in as a decent Resident Evil clone, but they work to make the game almost unplayable.
#23. Nightmare Creatures II
- Release Data: Kalisto/Konami, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
As it stands, Nightmare Creatures 2 is a good idea fumbling over itself to be better.
The visuals are good but repetitive. Levels are realistic and full of secrets, but there’s nothing to break up the monotony.
If there’s one saving grace, it’s that the game is a masterwork of storytelling.
#22. Chicken Run
- Release Data: Blitz Games/Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
All told, the gameplay of Chicken Run is innovative and exciting to play through, and since expectations were probably fairly low anyway, it’s a pleasant surprise.
Though quite challenging, it would still win young fans over.
However, you might want to try a quick session and see if the frustrating camera doesn’t stop you from ditching this otherwise enjoyable game.
#21. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
While Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation is an acceptable game based on its own merits and set against its own legacy, it is for all intents and purposes indistinguishable from the games that came before it.
As it stands, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation seems like a low effort title and simply has no soul.
#20. Illbleed
- Release Data: Crazy Games/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
The game’s mechanics aren’t entirely sound.
However, the game does have a unique, quirky character that might perhaps warrant a look, albeit a quick one.
Because its core play mechanics start to wear on you after even a few hours of playing, anything beyond a quick look makes little sense.
#19. D2
- Release Data: WARP, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Taken in pieces, the game has an excellent interface, a number of innovative gameplay features, and enough variety to satisfy even the most jaded gamer.
And with a great story, uniquely mature visuals, and a glowing soundtrack, D2 is a game to be highly recommended.
#18. Omikron: The Nomad Soul
- Release Data: Quantic Dream/Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
The cyberpunk setting of the game is extremely cool, and since the game is a little similar to Shenmue in style, it’s one that action-adventure fans will like.
If the developer spent a little more time and polished up the port more it would have been a must-have action-adventure for Dreamcast owners.
#17. Tomb Raider: Chronicles
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
If you are a big fan of the series, you’d probably enjoy this one as it treads on a similar ground with the previous titles.
Tomb Raider Chronicles is a worthy enough “sequel” to the original and can deliver an adequate number of thrills, though nothing unique or surprising.
#16. Blue Stinger
- Release Data: Climax Entertainment/Activision, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Blue Stinger has great visuals, great music, brilliant creature design, varied gameplay, incredible boss encounters, and deep puzzles, making the experience enjoyable, to say the least.
While it may disappoint Resident Evil fans, Dreamcast newcomers looking for an adventure fix on their console should be pleased.
#15. Carrier
- Release Data: Jaleco Entertainment, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Overall, Carrier isn’t an awful game, and it really does manage to grow on you after a while, but it definitely has problems.
It’s worth having if you’re an absolute survival-horror nut, but otherwise you might want to look into it as a casual session.
#14. Grand Theft Auto 2
- Release Data: DMA Design/Take-Two Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
GTA 2 provides the same ridiculous violent gameplay as that of the original.
If shooting each other with a variety of weapons easily offend you, or if exploding cars and police sirens turn you off, then don’t waste your time with GTA 2.
#13. Maken X
- Release Data: Atlus, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
It’s not every day that a game as unique as this one comes along.
A solid game in its own right, Maken X gives you the impression that great things could happen in a title, if its designers really put their minds to it.
As it stands, the game is definitely worth checking out.
#12. Dino Crisis
- Release Data: Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
All in all, Dino Crisis is a wonderful game.
Choosing to create a survival horror game using dinosaurs was a brilliant move by Capcom, as Dino Crisis has sparked a lot of attention to the already popular genre.
With its great storyline and impressive gameplay, it’s no wonder why Dino Crisis is such an attention-grabber.
#11. Draconus: Cult of the Wyrm
- Release Data: Treyarch/Interplay, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Little things detract enough to keep Draconus from being an absolute A-list title, but it still ends up providing a lot of fun.
In the end, it’s the kind of game that titles like Deathtrap Dungeon and Xena: Warrior Princess should have been.
#10. Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
- Release Data: Darkworks/Infogrames, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Dreamcast owners who are fans of the genre will instantly feel at home with this game.
While there are better games available for the console, the game is sure to please just about any gamer willing to take the plunge into this well-saturated genre.
On the whole, it is a solid, playable game that offers many hours of enjoyment.
#9. Shadow Man
- Release Data: Acclaim Studios Teeside/Acclaim, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
All in all, Shadow Man is a welcome addition to the Dreamcast’s library of games that fills a void in the Dreamcast action-adventure genre.
Easily the best console version of this survival-horror title, fans of dark storytelling and action-adventure fans alike will find a lot to praise here.
#8. Resident Evil 2
- Release Data: Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
If you haven’t actually play Resident Evil 2, this is most likely the best version you can have.
All the pros and cons of the series are maintained here, and the Dreamcast hardware doesn’t do anything to add or detract from the game.
Resident Evil 2 has always been a great game, and this is no exception.
#7. Spider-Man
- Release Data: Treyarch/Activision, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Fans of the comic book series and players in search of a classic would do themselves a favor by checking out Spider-Man.
The Dreamcast version of the game is definitely great, though there really isn’t enough in it to warrant a new look from those who’ve played the previous versions.
Dreamcast owners who haven’t, though, are urged to check it out.
#6. Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future
- Release Data: Appaloosa Interactive/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Ecco the Dolphin isn’t for everyone.
If you like to boot up a game for an action-packed twenty minutes at a time, look elsewhere. However, those that enjoy a slowly paced game experience will find it enjoyable.
The game contains sufficient depth and length to give patient players a satisfying and rewarding experience.
#5. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
- Release Data: Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Resident Evil 3 Nemesis remains a very worthwhile game even though not much has been added to the port.
If you’ve already played the original, there’s little reason to pick this one up, but if you haven’t, you should.
While Resident Evil 3 Nemesis may not be the definitive product in the Resident Evil series, it’s still a very good game.
#4. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
- Release Data: Nixxes Software/Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
While Shadow Man has terrifically-disturbing images and stories worthy of awards and accolades, Legacy of Kain takes everything that makes the horror genre compelling and improves on it in nearly every way.
Some flaws aside, Kain is easily a favorite, and is a great choice for your growing collection.
#3. Shenmue
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This is not a game for those who demand action, violence and fast-paced fantasy gaming.
It is a very mellow experience and one that inspires as much dislike as it does adoration.
If you are one of the lucky ones who “get” the appeal of Shenmue then this will probably remain one of your favourite games.
#2. Shenmue II
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Shenmue II is a good game and a definite pick-up for action-adventure fans, but more should have been done with this sequel to make it more accessible to those who never played the original.
It’s certainly a love or hate type of game, which means that you should only buy it if open world games appeal to you.
#1. Resident Evil Code: Veronica
- Release Data: NexTech/Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
In the end, Resident Evil: Code Veronica is the best game in the series, thanks to features like dynamic real-time camera angles, a wonderful linear story, and some of the best graphics seen on the Dreamcast.
To call it a must-own game is a definite understatement.
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See also: Best Saturn Games & Best Gaming Chairs
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Dreamcast action-adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!