We already published the list of best PS1 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS1 action-adventure games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS1 definitely has a great library of action-adventure games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS1 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. Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
The game would have scored higher if it had come with the original game, but without it, it must simply be judged as an expansion pack for Metal Gear fans who crave a little more of that stealth action.
While it would have been a bit cooler as a complete set, the VR Missions belong in any MGS fan’s library.
#24. Tail Concerto
- Release Data: CyberConnect2/Bandai, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Tail Concerto‘s world and gameplay basics could create an exceptional game when fleshed out beyond their current state.
And even in its current state, however, Tail Concerto is definitely worth a look – games this pleasant and light don’t come along that often, and they are a welcome change from the norm.
#23. Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire
- Release Data: Eurocom/SCEE, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a really fast-paced 3D action-adventure game that brings enough fresh new elements that makes it deserving of a look if you’re still in the market for games of this kind on the system.
It does by no means re-invent the genre, but it’s a solid effort that’s turned out to be quite enjoyable.
#22. Spider-Man 2: Enter: Electro
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro is not without problems and is not quite as a memorable as Activision and Neversoft’s debut effort, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an enjoyable game that’s worth checking out.
It is recommended playing it back to back with its prequel to experience one of the best chapters in Spider-Man’s video game legacy.
#21. Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
- Release Data: Darkworks/Infogrames, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
In truth, Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare is not a bad game.
It would have been a solid title to play at the time, despite being inferior to other games in the genre.
However, it doesn’t justify a playthrough today, not for its own merit or for any historical significance.
#20. The Misadventures of Tron Bonne
- Release Data: Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
What Tron Bonne lacks in audiovisual splendor, it makes up for in fun.
Gamers with eclectic tastes and open minds will find a title with endearing characters, solid gameplay, and pure charm.
When all is said and done, The Misadventures of Tron Bonne is simply a delight to play.
#19. Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Eidos Interactive, 1998
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Tomb Raider III is a deeper, bigger, more varied game than before, and it’s a better game for it.
Lara is more capable of immersing the player with more agile and athletic stunts.
If you loved the first two Tomb Raider installments and can’t wait for more, then Tomb Raider III is worth checking out.
#18. Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins
- Release Data: Acquire/Activision, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Tenchu 2 is an excellent sequel in that it provides better graphics and sound, more levels and characters, superior enemy AI, and a host of other improvements over the first title.
However, if the camera responded better and the difficulty level wasn’t quite so high, Tenchu 2 could’ve been considered one of the best games of its era.
#17. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Capcom, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Lara can do plenty of new things that add to the gameplay and the new puzzles add a great deal to the game, but there’s nothing revolutionary.
But, if you do enjoy the Tomb Raider games, this is the best one yet and is a must have game for Tomb Raider fans.
#16. MediEvil II
- Release Data: SCE Studio Cambridge/SCEE, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
In the end, MediEvil II feels as though it contains all the features that Sony Cambridge wanted to fit into the original game but didn’t have time to include.
They’re wonderfully original and fun, but unfortunately the perspective problems make certain points far more difficult than they should be and keep this very good game from being great.
#15. MediEvil
- Release Data: SCE Studio Cambridge/SCEE, 1998
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
MediEvil may not be as graphically appealing or as accurate in camera controls as Spyro the Dragon, but to keep that analogy going, it provides the level of diversity, challenge, and fun that Spyro may have somewhat lacked.
All in all, it’s a welcome surprise.
#14. Dino Crisis 2
- Release Data: Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Dino Crisis 2 is an original, enjoyable experience that can no longer be considered just another entry into the survival-horror genre.
This title avoids the stereotypes of the genre and delivers one of the most refreshing takes on the third-person action shooter to date.
#13. Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix
- Release Data: Kronos Digital Entertainment/Eidos Interactive, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is a game that successfully blends the action, survival-horror, and role-playing genres into a single outstanding product.
It does have its flaws, but if you’re even mildly interested in games like Resident Evil, Parasite Eve, or Metal Gear Solid, you’ll probably love Fear Effect 2.
#12. Dino Crisis
- Release Data: Capcom, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Dino Crisis is less disturbing than the Resident Evil series, but possibly more frightening since each of the creatures in Dino Crisis hold about the same shock value as the Dobermans did in Resident Evil.
The storyline is sound, and the replay value is high, with three different endings to reveal and a multitude of secrets to find.
#11. Alundra
- Release Data: Matrix Software/Psygnosis, 1998
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
If you’re a fan of Zelda, Landstalker, or other open world games or action RPGs that have hit consoles before, then Alundra should be your next stop.
It’s an addictive, well-rounded game that is balanced, challenging, and, most of all, fun to play. If you’re speedy, on the quick end it’ll take around 40 or so hours to complete.
#10. Tenchu: Stealth Assassins
- Release Data: Acquire/Sony Music Entertainment Incorporated, 1998
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
This tale of two ninjas lets you play as two distinctly different characters.
Both characters have their own storylines, which are told over 10 levels of exciting gameplay.
As a ninja, your greatest weapon is stealth.
You’ll sneak through levels and dispatch enemies using a wide variety of signature ninja weapons.
#9. Fear Effect
- Release Data: Kronos Digital Entertainment/Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Like Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil though, the overall experience that Fear Effect provides is hugely entertaining.
It’s one of the few games that creates a story compelling enough to make you want to play through it in a single long sitting.
#8. Silent Hill
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Silent Hill may not be the right choice for those looking to blast their way through a zombie-filled town with a super grenade-launcher.
But for any gamer searching out a solid, innovative title that succeeds in telling a wonderfully crafted story that appeals to the darker stuff of nightmares, Silent Hill cannot be beat.
#7. Spider-Man
- Release Data: Neversoft Entertainment/Activision, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Fans of the long-running comic series and players in search of the ever-elusive novel game would do themselves a favor by checking out Neversoft’s Spider-Man.
Though the game isn’t perfect, it remains a wonderful accomplishment on the part of the developers, and it is simply very fun to play.
#6. Resident Evil
- Release Data: Capcom/Virgin Interactive, 1996
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
This is it. This is the game that started it all.
Survival horror at its best and only surpassed by the sequels and remakes.
The dramatic voice acting and short story lower the overall experience but it offers scares and balanced difficulty.
Play this game.
#5. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Eidos Interactive, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Overall, this title is an excellent game that offers plenty of gameplay, fun, and challenge.
The story is satisfying except for the abrupt ending and the combat is fun.
The puzzles are well-balanced and the combination of the material realm, spectral realm, and the demon realm is a great addition.
#4. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
- Release Data: Capcom, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
While it may seem as if Resident Evil fans are getting shortchanged on this one, it really isn’t the case.
Judged on its own merits, Resident Evil 3 is a truly outstanding game.
Unlike other series that offer incremental “improvements,” the Resident Evil lineup continues to refine an already excellent premise.
#3. Tomb Raider
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Victor Interactive Software, 1996
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Tomb Raider is simply a smart game, bursting with great touches.
But, its only real problem lies in the graphics. To be frank, the seams in the textures are glaringly noticeable. Some of the background images are also pretty chunky.
These points aside, though, Tomb Raider is one of the best games of the 90s.
#2. Resident Evil 2
- Release Data: Capcom/Virgin Interactive, 1998
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
In the end, Resident Evil 2 is one of the most entertaining games on the PS1.
With its unique camera angles, storyline, graphics, sound effects, and music, Resident Evil 2 seems more like a product out of Hollywood than the video game industry.
Overall, Resident Evil 2 surpasses its predecessor in nearly every aspect of gameplay.
#1. Metal Gear Solid
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 1998
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Metal Gear Solid has such a ridiculous plot line, it would be hard to sum it up quickly.
Basically, dangerous military weapons are being produced, and the appropriate military branches send Solid Snake in to defuse the situation.
You’ll spend time sneaking through facilities, shooting guards with tranquilizer darts, and even fighting tanks.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best PS2 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS1 action-adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
