Adventure games span a broad selection of video game genres, especially action- and story-based titles. The formula for adventure stories has rarely changed over the years, but players keep coming back to titles like Tomb Raider, Assassin's Creed and more. At the end of the day, adventure games are fun, and new titles can make waves without losing that key element.
For example, Bethesda will release a brand new Indiana Jones game for next-gen consoles. While this isn't the first time the whip-cracking hero has had a video game, it's easily his most ambitious outing. A new Indy title doesn't need to reinvent the wheel -- it simply needs to remind players why adventure games are fun, and keep them coming back for more.
Adventure games reward those who take the time to explore areas that aren't important to the story. These treasures could include gear, lore or artifacts. This is exemplified in open-world titles like Uncharted and Assassin's Creed Origins. It may not always seem necessary to explore behind a waterfall or an ancient pyramid, but what can be found within may prove otherwise.
The level design of adventure games often nurtures the base urge to explore the unknown. The story will tell gamers to go one way while leaving another path completely open. The Uncharted and Shovel Knight series do this best, by letting expert-level design do the talking. Fans of adventure games relish the chance to push the limits of exploration by seeing if there might be something in a ruin because it's entertaining and even feels unscripted from the main game.
That said, adventure games aren't usually lacking in compelling narratives. These titles feature nuanced characters and immerse players in the world, allowing them to feel in control even during cutscenes that don't necessarily require player input.
Adventure games also come with the promise of unique, dense, beautiful environments. Assassin's Creed is a shining examples of sprawling, well-designed environments. Adventure games can now evoke the wonder of a post-apocalyptic forest in Horizon Zero Dawn or the sense of dread that comes with the South American jungles found in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Gamers love a great story, a beautiful setting and amazing combat. The one thing adventure games can do that no other genre can match is make the players feel like they are the heroes of their own story. Bethesda's Indiana Jones has a lot to live up to, and hopefully it will exceed expectations.