We already published the list of best Xbox 360 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Xbox 360 action-adventure games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Xbox 360 definitely has a great library of action-adventure games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Xbox 360 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. Beyond Good & Evil HD
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Beyond Good & Evil HD is a total no-brainer, and it’s highly recommended.
This is a game that deserves to be played, and Xbox 360 owners who like a varied and absorbing action adventure would be fools to miss out on this second coming.
#24. Dead Rising
- Release Data: Capcom, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Though Dead Rising may seem like a simple, mindless game when you first pick it up, it eventually reveals itself as a deeper experience.
As it stands, Dead Rising is one of the more unique and entertaining titles on the Xbox 360.
#23. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent
- Release Data: Ubisoft Shanghai/Ubisoft, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Double Agent‘s twists on Splinter Cell’s single-player gameplay don’t result in a remarkably different experience from the previous games, though that doesn’t mean it still isn’t some of the best stealth action out there.
The multiplayer portion, meanwhile, introduces some inventive changes that seem to be for the better and that help make this unique mode easier to get into.
#22. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
- Release Data: Starbreeze/505 Games, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Getting used to controlling two characters at once can be a bit tricky but is never too tough.
And the world, marked by beautiful skies and colorful lands filled with fantastical creatures, is a visual treat.
The adventure lasts a brief three hours, but they’re three hours you won’t soon forget.
#21. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
In short, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag presents a world full of adventure and opportunity.
There’s an incredible scope to what you can do in Black Flag, with a level of harmony between its component parts that encourages you to try it all, and a story that keeps you invested throughout the whole thing.
#20. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Square Enix, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is a great adventure, whether you’re playing co-op or flying solo.
With a great new look, clever puzzles, and loads of fun stuff to collect, this is an extreme makeover for Lara of which you will surely approve.
#19. Resident Evil 5
- Release Data: Capcom, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Resident Evil 5 successfully builds on the foundation of its predecessor while taking it in a drastically different direction.
Having a partner introduces new degrees of gameplay depth and dramatic tension that make the game more exciting to play.
Though the slow movement and shooting may not appeal to everyone, the large-scale battles and co-op play offer an exciting adventure.
#18. DmC: Devil May Cry
- Release Data: Ninja Theory/Capcom, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
DMC: Devil May Cry is a stunning, fast paced, fun, uniquely designed, badass reboot to the beloved series and although it may not keep die hard fans happy in every department there is certainly enough there to see that the effort really pays off.
#17. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
The gameplay is fast, and Sam has been transformed into the ultimate killer.
It’s an amazing game, but so different from its predecessors you might not recognize it.
In the end, its stellar storytelling, fantastic co-op play, and rewarding executions make Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction a legitimately great game that delivers frequent surges of excitement.
#16. Resident Evil 4 HD
- Release Data: Capcom, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
If you already own Resident Evil 4 on other consoles, there is absolutely no reason to get this one other than the HD graphics.
Fans of superior graphics should adjust their own levels of interest accordingly.
Additionally, this is a nice way to get the extra content of the PS2 port along with the superior graphics of the GameCube original.
#15. Tomb Raider
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Square Enix, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
In this Tomb Raider reboot, the single-player campaign is the main attraction, and it is excellent.
It doesn’t try to rewrite the book on third-person action adventure games.
And with its excellent controls, engaging heroine, thrilling combat, and fascinating setting, it doesn’t need to.
#14. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack isn’t a more-of-the-same DLC.
The combat isn’t as good, the story isn’t as compelling, and the missions aren’t as varied.
On the flip side, the humor is plentiful, the arsenal is imaginative, the soundtrack is spooky, and the horses are now well worth the fairly minimal effort that it takes to track them down.
#13. L.A. Noire
- Release Data: Team Bondi/Rockstar Games, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
L.A. Noire may not reach the emotional heights of a game like Heavy Rain, but it’s something everyone must try out.
It reaches high and almost succeeds as a brilliant new type of video game narrative.
L.A. Noire‘s absorbing investigations and intoxicating sense of style make it an unforgettable journey through the shady side of Los Angeles.
#12. Dishonored
- Release Data: Arkane Studios/Bethesda Softworks, 2012
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
It’s a rare game that feels so compulsively replayable, but Dishonored is such a game.
The compelling abilities, the bold artistic design, the colorful characters, and above all, the freedom of choice—these are the things that mark Dishonored as one of the truly remarkable games on the Xbox 360.
#11. Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
You might be disappointed that this episode doesn’t bring much in the way of new multiplayer content to the table, and it’s true that one or two of the optional activities aren’t as much fun as they might have been, but the incredible value offered by The Ballad of Gay Tony is undeniable.
#10. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
- Release Data: Eidos Montreal/Square Enix, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
While Deus Ex: Human Revolution can’t be the revelation that Deus Ex was in 2000, it’s an achievement nonetheless.
It’s a visionary, considered piece of work, and it is a smart, rewarding piece of the video game industry that does justice not just to Deus Ex, but to the fiction that inspired it.
#9. Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
At the end of the day, GTA IV: The Lost and the Damned is a great DLC for the series and is something substantial to the franchise.
With great characters and a brilliant gaming engine, this title is highly recommended to all people who have the original GTA IV and loved it.
#8. Bayonetta
- Release Data: PlatinumGames/Sega, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Full of often silly but always memorable moments, Bayonetta is hard to get out of your mind even after you’ve stopped playing it.
More than anything else, almost everything about Bayonetta feels just right.
In the end, this is one action adventure game that you absolutely must not miss.
#7. Assassin’s Creed II
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Assassin’s Creed II is a better game than its predecessor and is a beautiful and memorable experience on its own terms.
But it’s more than just a game—it’s an escape to a place and a time that feel so welcoming, you’ll be making return trips even after your initial adventure is over.
#6. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Almost every aspect of the series has been enhanced in Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, from travel to replay value.
And the little touches are constant reminders of what makes these games so enchanting.
In the end, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is too irresistible to ignore.
#5. Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Release Data: Rocksteady Studios/Eidos Interactive, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Regardless of whether you’re getting sucked into the Story mode or competing for high scores in the Challenge mode, Batman: Arkham Asylum does an outstanding job of letting you be Batman.
Everything about this game feels like it has been lovingly crafted by a development team that’s both knowledgeable and passionate about the source material.
#4. Batman: Arkham City
- Release Data: Rocksteady Studios/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
From the speedy exhilaration of soaring high above the streets to the atmospheric thrill of discovering long-forgotten secrets in the tunnels below Gotham, this is an unforgettable adventure that will keep you coming back to the cape and cowl long after you’ve seen the credits roll.
#3. Red Dead Redemption
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Between the Free Roam and competitive modes, there’s enough great content to keep you playing Red Dead Redemption long after you’ve watched the credits roll at the end of the superb single-player mode.
This is an outstanding game that tells a great story with memorable and occasionally funny characters.
#2. Grand Theft Auto V
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
GTA V is an imperfect yet astounding game that has great characters and an innovative and exciting narrative structure.
It also raises the bar for open-world mission design in a big way and has one of the most beautiful, lively, diverse and stimulating worlds ever seen in a game.
#1. Grand Theft Auto IV
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Grand Theft Auto IV is a game that you simply have to play.
The single-player game, which you can still play after you complete the story, is the series’ best by far.
The minor flaws that you’ll experience are greatly outnumbered by the features that will impress and surprise you.
There’s lots to see in Liberty City, so you’d best get started.
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See also: Best Original Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Xbox 360 action-adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!