We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS action-adventure games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of action-adventure games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS 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. Tomb Raider: Underworld
- Release Data: Santa Cruz Games/Eidos Interactive, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Tomb Raider: Underworld is a mix of unremarkable platform elements punctuated with some fun puzzle-solving.
The game isn’t without its flaws and there are definite places where the game could use some tweaking, but in all this DS game is a solid and enjoyable Tomb Raider design.
#24. Scurge: Hive
- Release Data: Orbital Media, Inc./SouthPeak Games, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
All told, Scurge: Hive is the sort of action adventure that should appeal to anyone who’s into the Metroid-style of sci-fi dungeon-crawling.
Furthermore, the stylish graphics and great music give the game the kind of artful presentation that only a handful of games produced for portable systems have ever achieved.
#23. Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition
- Release Data: Altron/THQ, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Sandbox
Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition features action-oriented gameplay that involves punching or stomping on bad guys and leaping across platforms to make it to the end of each level.
The gameplay itself is basic, but where this game really shines is in the way it lets players draw dozens of different objects that become part of the environment.
#22. Resident Evil: Deadly Silence
- Release Data: Capcom, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Resident Evil: Deadly Silence is surprisingly successful at translating the scary bits of the original to a much smaller format, and the end result has a lot to offer Resident Evil fans.
You wouldn’t expect a portable game to be able to scare you, but Resident Evil: Deadly Silence packs in a lot of gory, atmospheric moments.
#21. Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery
- Release Data: Griptonite Games/Ubisoft, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
In spite of its flaws, Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery does a good job of bringing the Assassin’s Creed vibe to a handheld platform.
The scope is condensed but the spirit remains, thanks to fluid combat animations, familiar sound effects, and little touches, like cowering citizens, that pay homage to the vibrant cities of the console games.
#20. Lost in Blue
- Release Data: Konami Computer Entertainment Hawaii/Konami, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Lost in Blue is a game that demands so much of your attention that it might wear you down in the end.
Still, it’s a fun little journey into the land of the lost that does a good job of making you realize that true survival is a bit more complicated when you can’t just vote yourself off the island.
#19. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
All in all, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith for the Nintendo DS is a fun action-adventure game, but its real value lies in its 3D starfighter levels and the accompanying multiplayer mode that are exclusive to this version of the game.
#18. Drawn to Life
- Release Data: 5TH Cell/THQ, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » Sandbox
While the opportunity to draw so much of the game makes Drawn to Life special, you don’t need to be an artist to play.
It’s easily charming enough to win over younger kids and casual players, and it’s an innovative and unique piece of work that’s certainly worth at least a cautious look by any DS owner.
#17. Dementium: The Ward
- Release Data: Renegade Kid/Gamecock Media Group, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
At the end of the day, your enjoyment of Dementium will depend heavily on whether you like survival horror games with a first-person shooter element.
The game certainly has some flaws, but it is definitely something different, and it’s something that people will generally enjoy.
#16. Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter
- Release Data: 5TH Cell/THQ, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Sandbox
Just like last time, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter is all about what you make of it in terms of how you draw and how creative you think.
While the gameplay can’t exactly be hailed as superior, the Drawn to Life sequel opens up the imagination in new ways, and the improved storytelling makes it highly worth the while.
#15. LEGO Batman: The Videogame
- Release Data: TT Fusion/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Unlike earlier games that largely stuck to the story lines of the movies they portrayed, this game sets its own story, which is not a bad thing.
And the game, like its predecessors, is a classic action adventure title with platforming elements.
Overall, there is no doubt that this is a great game for young kids.
#14. Dementium II
- Release Data: Renegade Kid/SouthPeak Games, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Dementium II is a decent game with lots of interesting elements combined with a surprising amount of impressive technology.
The campaign at four hours long is short, but it’s definitely sweet.
The developer made a great first step with the original Dementium, and Dementium II has enough interesting elements to give it a try.
#13. Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales
- Release Data: h.a.n.d. Inc./Square Enix, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
It might look like just another kid’s game, but there is a lot of quality gaming buried under the cute visuals.
Chocobo Tales never condescends to its audience, making it an attractive choice for young and old gamers alike.
It’s also a special treat for Final Fantasy fans, who will be delighted by the recognizable characters and monsters that make appearances.
#12. Chibi-Robo! Park Patrol
- Release Data: Skip Ltd./Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Overall, Chibi Robo: Park Patrol is an exceptional game.
It’s a really enjoyable to play and has plenty of replay value when compared to other games out there.
If you’re the type of person who must find or unlock everything in a game, this is for you.
#11. Dragon Ball: Origins
- Release Data: Game Republic/Bandai Namco Games, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Dragon Ball: Origins is one of the most complete Dragon Ball game adaptations.
It sticks closer to the stories from the show than most Dragon Ball games, and it does so while also delivering a well-polished and highly enjoyable adventure.
Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply looking for a fun action-adventure, you can’t go wrong with this title.
#10. Spider-Man 3
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
As action-adventure games go, Spider-Man 3 for the Nintendo DS doesn’t really bring anything new to the table.
However, its innovative touch-screen controls go a long way toward breathing fresh life into the old brawler formula.
Not only that, the slick 3D visuals and charming voice-overs are pretty sweet, too.
#9. Alice in Wonderland
- Release Data: Etranges Libellules/Disney Interactive Studios, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Alice in Wonderland isn’t simply an admirable attempt at adapting a licensed property for a game, but a great game in its own right.
By blending creative puzzle elements into a fantasy world, it manages to not merely do justice to the source material but build upon it in a way that only video games have the capacity to do.
#8. LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
- Release Data: TT Fusion/Activision, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Like the other LEGO games, this title adapts a popular mainstream movie series into a lovable series of levels full of hidden secrets and unlockable characters.
This game fully focuses on the Indiana Jones movies, and it recreates the movies in funny dialogue-free cutscenes.
If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones and enjoy a simplistic adventure, this one will do.
#7. Okamiden
- Release Data: Capcom, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Okamiden tells the story of a small celestial wolf who travels around the land of Nippon, engaging with children and fighting demons.
The gameplay is a mixture of exploration and action, featuring a fun “brush” mechanic that will have you drawing on your screen.
The game is lengthy and satisfying, so if you like unique adventures, there’s plenty to like here.
#6. Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
- Release Data: TOSE/Square Enix, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
If you’re one of those people who likes open world games with cute critters and a “gotta catch ’em all” mentality, this game makes a good fit.
Likewise, if you’re a fan of the Dragon Quest series, there’s enough nostalgia and genuine amusement to make Rocket Slime worth checking out.
#5. Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
- Release Data: Team Ninja/Tecmo, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
All in all, it may be watered down a bit, but Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword is still a spicy and savory mix of familiar combat and sweet stylus action, and it pulls you into its world of treacherous enemies and mysterious martial artists.
#4. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition
- Release Data: GREZZO/Nintendo, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition is a game that has hours of replay value and a multiplayer component that is a joy to play.
Not only that, the single player is also an accomplishment of thoughtful design.
Overall, this is a terrific new version of the Four Swords Adventures, lovingly crafted and full of content.
#3. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This fun Legend of Zelda adventure sees a young Link who is ready to become a certified train conductor.
Players control Link and his train to move around, stopping at towns and dungeons as they play through the story.
In the narrative, Link must search the land with Princess Zelda, attempting to solve the mystery of the disappearing train tracks.
#2. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Like Wind Waker, this game uses a cool cel-shaded art style.
Players control Link, and explore various islands and dungeons while sailing around the open world.
Most players will find the most enjoyment in the game’s lengthy single player story, where you’ll defeat bosses and complete dungeons while obtaining new items and weapons.
#1. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
- Release Data: Rockstar Leeds/Rockstar Games, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This mature-rated action game is currently the highest rated game on the Nintendo DS, and with good reason.
The game is played from a top-down perspective, much like the original Grand Theft Auto games.
And players will spend dozens of hours exploring the vast city and completing missions, rising to the top of organized crime.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS action-adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!