Recipe for the Perfect Action / Adventure Game

Many of you probably think that the perfect action / adventure game already exists and it’s called Uncharted. Well, I disagree. A little bit. Uncharted is a gorgeous game with a very engaging story and enthralling gameplay, but it’s missing out on a few key ingredients. At the same time, it’s over-spiced in other areas. Of course, this is not an issue with just that game… the truth is perfection doesn’t exist, and they all need that little extra something to achieve the perfect flavor. 

With that in mind, I’ve tried to come up with a glorious recipe that’ll make your gaming taste buds sing. These are the ingredients we’d use in order to make the perfect action / adventure video game. If you allow it all to meld and simmer, it should come out just right (and if not, feel free to add your own touch).

Storyline and Environments – Uncharted

Yes, in order to cook up the perfect game you have to start with Uncharted. Without a doubt, this game series has one of the most engaging plots to date, Indiana Jones-style. The story moves you forward and it gives you a purpose, plus it progresses at a good pace and with enough twists to keep you wondering. What’s more, the characters matter to the player, and that’s something not every game manages to achieve. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same without the amazing locales that surround you, be it ancient ruins, a war-torn urban setting, or a wild jungle. Uncharted is truly a splendid work of art and would make the perfect base for our dish. I mean… game. 

Intrigue – Beyond Good & Evil

You may have played it back in the days of the GameCube, PS2, and Xbox, or you may have given it a chance now, after it was remade in HD. Either way, the intrigue factor of Beyond Good & Evil hasn’t changed. Involving a serious political conspiracy that affects the main characters, you can’t help but wonder who’s right and who’s wrong, who to trust and who to ignore. If you add a dash of this to the recipe, you’ll be sure to complete the savory plot.

Skill Progression and Powers – God of War

If anyone has it figured out, it's Sony. Those God of War games are so darn addictive, not just because of the mindless, gore-filled combat, but also because the sense of empowerment is like no other. You start out a little weak, but you’ll get stronger and stronger, along with your amazing weaponry, which you get in small doses and it’s oh-so-rewarding. Upgrading your combo attacks, achieving new and badass magic powers, and receiving new weapons is what it’s all about. Mix this well with the story, and it’ll be quite a delight.

Platforming – Prince of Persia

Wall-running, jumping over obstacles, rolling under spikes, climbing columns, swinging from poles, grappling onto objects, shimmying your way across a ledge… that’s platforming at its best, and Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia series excels at that. I wouldn’t be afraid to throw a scoop of this into the mix, because when you add this kind of excitement, there’s no way it’ll taste bad. 

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