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[MrWiggles]

So, I've been playing some adventure games, most recently The Cave.

And it got me thinking about the definition for Adventure Games. So I re watched the Extra Credit  episode on game genre, and the Core Aesthetic of Play.

So, I propose the following.

You primarily play, engage with Adventure Games for its Narrative and Puzzle. You solve the puzzles to continue the narrative! 

And this means that Adventure Games are a sub genre of Puzzle in general.

Now, lets apply this definition.

The Cave by Double Fine, it applies.

Limbo, having no narrative, is just a puzzle game.

Portal 1 & 2, are now Adventure Games not not Puzzle games.

Challenge my definition!

[Neonivek]

Challenge my definition!

Adventure games major distinction from puzzle games is the focus on narrative that superscedes its requirement for puzzles (Hense Adventure games with no puzzles existing). It isn't a subgenre of puzzle but rather shares many elements with it.

As well Narrative isn't required for an adventure game either the requirement is for there to be an 'adventure' so to speak. If all you do in a game is go down into a cave and look at rocks. That is an adventure game.

[Ozyton]

One could argue that despite Limbo not having a narrative it could tell stories just by locations you visit. Stories don't always need to be told through dialogue, and there's one game I'm thinking of that does it but I can't even remember anything about it at the moment, and it's not really the focus for this topic so whatever =p (Coming back to this, it was Journey... though that didn't have narrative or dialogue so to speak, but it did sort of show the story through hieroglyphic image sort of deals. Does that count? whatever) (EDIT: Also, Flower... made by the same guys I think... HMMMM...)

I personally figured that 'adventure' games had an exploration element to them...

"Adventure' isn't a genre I see by itself really, at least it's not listed like that. Usually it's "Action/adventure" or "Point and click adventure" etc. So, what makes an action game different from an action/adventure? I do see 'adventure' genre listed in places like Steam and GoG but there are many varying types of games in there I don't know if it really counts. I see 'Antichamber' 'Assassin's Creed' and 'Far Cry 3' in that category, and I'd consider those games to... not really be the same... kind of game.
If you want to be fancy and technical, here's the definition for 'adventure'

a : an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks

b : the encountering of risks <the spirit of adventure>
: an exciting or remarkable experience <an adventure in exotic dining>

So how does that apply to games? You could argue that many games involve an adventure of some sort if you're going by the definitions above, whether it be a platformer or a first person shooter. In fact, I don't recall Limbo ever being considered an 'adventure' game, but rather a 'puzzle platformer,' a genre that has become fairly popular with 'indie developers' it seems. Despite this, you do go on 'an adventure' wherein you 'encounter risks' during an undertaking (platforming). I can't speak much for The Cave as I've not played it, only seen someone else play it for a bit, but you do encounter risks and you do go on a journey of sorts.

Far Cry 3, Assassin's Creed, and Antichamber all have exploration elements to them, and you go on adventures of sorts...

It seems maybe 'adventure' as a genre is just too vague? They probably could have just had a genre called "Game with protagonist(s)"' and you'd get many of the same games in there as well it seems.
Bleh, topics like this are kinda difficult =p

[alexandertnt]

I don't see how a narrative is strictly necessary for an adventure.

Something like Limbo let you try and infer things from the enviroment, and while not having a narrative per se, it was definetely an "adventure".

In my book, an "adventure" game is any game where some form of an adventure is the main focus and entertainment for the game. Limbo is interesting because some people will enjoy it primarily for the platforming and puzzles (making it a "puzzle platformer") and others for "the experience" (much like I did, making it closer to an "adventure game").

But for most people's definition, an "adventure game" implies a style of game that is more specific than the name suggests. People will think of a point and click style game, with minimal gameplay elements beyond inventory puzzles, much like people think horror equals zombies or Role Playing Games equates to killing things and levelin' up

[Virtz]

But for most people's definition, an "adventure game" implies a style of game that is more specific than the name suggests. People will think of a point and click style game, with minimal gameplay elements beyond inventory puzzles, much like people think horror equals zombies or Role Playing Games equates to killing things and levelin' up

Because that's what they are. The genre terms RPG and Adventure were coined to describe that type of game. The name holds no meaning, it's there to briefly define what otherwise would be a long winded description of a genre. "RPG" is more wieldy than "Boost character skills and interact with world through character game", as is "Adventure game" easier to use than "Narrative-driven with puzzle-based progression game".

[alamoes]

RPG
Rocket-Propelled Grenade. 
ADVENTURE
That is a lot of letters to make into an acronym. 

Advanced Devastating Vehicle something something something?  Not really catchy.  I'm sure someone will find an awe-inspiring acronym for the word. 

I consider adventure games the kinds of games that either railroad you on plot, or give you nothing to do and free roam.  Either way, I get board very quickly.  Thus I turn to the mix of narrative and freeness, the strategy game. 

[Trif]

Challenge my definition!

Collossal Cave Adventure, the first Adventure game, doesn't have a narrative.