We already published the list of best original Xbox games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best original Xbox action-adventure games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the original Xbox definitely has a great library of action-adventure games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the original Xbox 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. Hitman: Blood Money
- Release Data: Io Interactive/Eidos Interactive, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Though very similar to the last two games in the series, the open-ended stealth action gameplay offered by Hitman: Blood Money is still just about as exciting as ever.
A few new twists to the formula, an intriguing story, and a memorable diverse, cinematic sequence of missions further make Blood Money worth it.
#24. Shenmue II
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Microsoft Game Studios, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Despite some shortcomings, Shenmue II‘s gameplay and story still make for a solid game, especially considering the absence of anything quite like it for the system.
So while the Xbox version isn’t perfect, there is still a good, atmospheric game with a strong story to be found in Shenmue II if you’re open to it.
#23. Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Silent Hill 2 is a much prettier, somewhat smarter, but less-compelling game than the original.
Those who had hopes that the sequel would improve upon every aspect of Silent Hill will be disappointed, because it doesn’t.
But high expectations aside, you’re still left with a sturdy game, whichever system you end up playing it on.
#22. Otogi: Myth of Demons
- Release Data: From Software/Sega, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Otogi stacks up favorably against all the best-looking, best-sounding Xbox games yet.
But unlike some of those games, something about how the graphics and sound all fit together with the action makes this the sort of experience that’s really enthralling, and at the same time, Otogi is filled with plenty of challenging and exciting sequences.
#21. Tomb Raider: Legend
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Eidos Interactive, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Tomb Raider: Legend is a good return to the roots of the series.
It doesn’t do anything new or different, but it has a great blend of action and adventure that will always keep you moving and interested.
The problem is that it moves a bit too fast, and it’s all over way too soon.
#20. Spider-Man 2
- Release Data: Treyarch/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Even with all the repetition, Spider-Man 2 is still a good game, since it does succeed at capturing the sheer thrill of webswinging through a metropolitan area.
However, it also feels like a missed opportunity.
With some more variance in its mission design, Spider-Man 2 actually could have been something truly amazing.
#19. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
- Release Data: Radical Entertainment/VU Games, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Sure, it isn’t the deepest, longest, or most technically proficient game out there, but fans of the comic book are sure to have a blast smashing their way through every destructible obstacle the game throws at them, and anybody else with a penchant for obliteration ought to at least give Ultimate Destruction a look.
#18. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Director’s Cut
- Release Data: Tecmo, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Director’s Cut is an absolutely great update to what was already a wonderfully spooky game.
There’s a little something for everyone here—first-time players can enjoy the easier traditional modes, experienced players will enjoy the added challenge of the survival mode, and the extras flesh out the game for all.
#17. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
- Release Data: Io Interactive/Eidos Interactive, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Hitman 2 is exceptionally well done in most every way and represents a major improvement over the original.
Even the most experienced gamers will find a serious, rewarding challenge in the game’s highest difficulty mode, yet the well-rounded design of Hitman 2 means almost everyone will like the game and its distinctive cinematic style.
#16. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Those who primarily enjoyed The Sands of Time for its original charm and subtle character development may not find quite what they’re looking for in this sequel.
But even with this caveat, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is easy to recommend for any action-adventure fan, and its lengthier campaign should keep players busy for a lot longer this time around.
#15. Deus Ex: Invisible War
- Release Data: Ion Storm/Eidos Interactive, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Deus Ex: Invisible War is certainly a bold undertaking that delves into some philosophical and science-fiction territory that most games wouldn’t dare touch, and though it may not be a superior game to its predecessor, on its own merits it’s a great and original experience that’s well worthwhile.
#14. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
- Release Data: Traveller’s Tales/LucasArts, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
LEGO Star Wars II is a great entry-level title for young Star Wars fans looking to expand their videogame horizons.
Its violence is never scary, its humor is always funny, and its gameplay is always fun.
Sure it’s easy and simple, but it’s a lot of fun and has a great amount of lasting appeal beyond a single playthrough.
#13. Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction
- Release Data: Pandemic Studios/LucasArts, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Of the games that have tried to borrow the GTA style of play, Mercenaries is one of the most successful.
This is partially because it infuses the structure with its own style, and in the process turns it into something of its own.
#12. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Though some new gameplay mechanics have been introduced, such as the speed kill and the new tricks of the Dark Prince, The Two Thrones is still basically very similar to the other two games.
For those who love solving the environmental puzzles and seeing the beautiful environments that the series is known for, The Two Thrones delivers perfectly.
#11. Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Xbox owners who’ve never played Metal Gear Solid 2 will find in Substance a highly intriguing, original action adventure game with some truly impressive production values and considerably more lasting value when directly compared to the previous version.
The extras in Substance help make this version justifiable, but in the end, it’s the core game itself that’s still very worthwhile.
#10. Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
- Release Data: Oddworld Inhabitants/Electronic Arts, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
The game manages to combine its third-person and first-person viewpoints extremely well, and the little things, like using bugs and rodents for ammo, really give the game a unique flavor.
If you’re looking for an exciting action game with a unique sense of style, then Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath is a perfect fit.
#9. Beyond Good & Evil
- Release Data: Ubisoft Milan/Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
While the game’s repetitive nature and short length take away from its overall impact, Beyond Good & Evil is a fantastic-looking game that tells its story well.
It may be short enough to complete in a day or two, but fans of action adventure games will find enough to love in the game’s overall design to make it worth playing.
#8. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent
- Release Data: Ubisoft Shanghai/Ubisoft, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Though different from the Xbox 360, this version features its own exciting stealth-action campaign, plus a solid new multiplayer mode and great cooperative missions.
All told, it’s still not the greatest story ever told or anything, but there’s substantially more and better dialogue, stronger characters, and a better ending.
#7. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
GTA San Andreas has you doing many, many more things than any previous GTA game, and the strength of all these different elements makes for a powerful package that doesn’t disappoint.
With its strong story, well-written dialogue, terrific voice cast, impressive graphics, and extremely entertaining and varied gameplay, GTA San Andreas is a stupendous thrill ride that shouldn’t be missed.
#6. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow
- Release Data: Ubisoft Shanghai/Ubisoft, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Judged solely on its single-player offering, Pandora Tomorrow would still be a great follow-up to its predecessor.
And then there’s the fascinatingly complex multiplayer mode, which truly is one of a kind and potentially gives Pandora Tomorrow much more lasting value than its predecessor.
#5. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
If you’re easily frustrated by games, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell probably isn’t for you.
Yet it’s undoubtedly one the best examples of a stealth game to date, and it will surely appeal to those who’ve enjoyed similar games in the past.
#4. Ninja Gaiden
- Release Data: Team Ninja/Microsoft Game Studios, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
The rebirth of the series didn’t leave one classic aspect behind: Difficulty like you wouldn’t believe.
But don’t worry, it’s all worth it.
From its detailed and twisting story to its absolutely perfect control scheme, Ninja Gaiden is a worthy successor to the original series.
#3. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a game that can be recommended wholeheartedly.
It looks fantastic and features responsive controls, some original play mechanics, a good story, and plenty of thrilling adventure.
In the simplest terms: Do not miss out on this game.
#2. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory fulfills a lot of the previously untapped potential of its predecessors’ single-player portions, while successfully extending the impressive multiplayer offerings of Pandora Tomorrow.
It’s got to be the most fully featured stealth action game to date, so if you like the idea of high-tech espionage, it’s certainly going to have plenty to offer you.
#1. Ninja Gaiden Black
- Release Data: Team Ninja/Tecmo, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Ninja Gaiden Black fulfills the last bits of untapped potential in what already was a truly extraordinary game and an instant classic.
Though the underlying gameplay is mostly unchanged, by presenting so many more modes and options, Ninja Gaiden Black unleashes the absolute best this gameplay has to offer.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Xbox 360 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which original Xbox action-adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
