Are you feeling nostalgic for a simpler time, when adventure games reigned supreme and you could lose yourself in a fantastical world for hours on end? Look no further than these ten classic adventure games, all of which are sure to bring back fond memories of the days when King’s Quest was king.
1. The Secret of Monkey Island
This irreverent, hilarious adventure game from LucasArts is a true classic. Follow the misadventures of Guybrush Threepwood as he attempts to become a pirate, win the heart of the beautiful governor Elaine Marley, and defeat the dastardly ghost pirate LeChuck.
2. Grim Fandango
Another LucasArts masterpiece, Grim Fandango takes place in the afterlife and follows the journey of Manny Calavera as he tries to unravel a conspiracy that threatens the balance of the underworld. The game features stunning art deco-inspired visuals and a memorable jazz soundtrack.
3. Myst
If you’re in the mood for something a little more cerebral, Myst is the game for you. This puzzle-solving adventure takes place on a mysterious island filled with hidden secrets and strange machines. It’s a slow-burning game that rewards careful exploration and patience.
4. The Longest Journey
This epic adventure game from Norwegian developer Funcom follows the journey of April Ryan, a young woman who discovers she has the ability to travel between two parallel worlds. With an intricate storyline, memorable characters, and stunning visuals, The Longest Journey is a must-play for adventure game fans.
5. Full Throttle
Another LucasArts gem, Full Throttle follows the adventures of biker gang leader Ben Throttle as he tries to clear his name after being framed for murder. With its gritty, post-apocalyptic setting and memorable characters, Full Throttle is a classic adventure game that shouldn’t be missed.
6. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
This LucasArts game takes inspiration from the Indiana Jones movies and follows the titular hero as he searches for the lost city of Atlantis. With its clever puzzles and exciting action set pieces, Fate of Atlantis is a must-play for fans of the whip-wielding adventurer.
7. Day of the Tentacle
Yet another LucasArts classic, Day of the Tentacle is a time-traveling adventure game that follows three unlikely heroes as they attempt to prevent an evil purple tentacle from taking over the world. With its wacky premise, clever puzzles, and unforgettable characters, Day of the Tentacle is a true standout in the adventure game genre.
8. Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers
This spooky adventure game from Sierra On-Line follows the adventures of Gabriel Knight, a struggling novelist and bookstore owner who discovers a dark family secret that leads him to investigate a series of grisly murders in New Orleans. With its gripping storyline and intense atmosphere, Sins of the Fathers is a must-play for fans of horror and mystery games.
9. Sam and Max Hit the Road
This hilarious adventure game from LucasArts follows the adventures of Sam and Max, a mismatched duo of anthropomorphic animals who travel around the country in their trusty car, the Freelance Police. With its zany humor and wacky characters, Sam and Max Hit the Road is a true classic in the adventure game genre.
10. Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars
This classic adventure game from Revolution Software follows the adventures of George Stobbart, an American tourist who gets caught up in a conspiracy involving the Knights Templar and a stolen manuscript. With its intricate puzzles, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, Broken Sword is one of the best adventure games ever made.
In conclusion, these ten classic adventure games are sure to bring back fond memories of the days when King’s Quest was king. Whether you’re in the mood for an irreverent pirate adventure, a spooky mystery game, or a cerebral puzzle-solving experience, there’s something on this list for everyone. So fire up your old PC or console, dust off your gaming skills, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure into the unknown.
FAQs:
1. Are these games available to play on modern computers?
Most of these games have been re-released on modern platforms, such as GOG or Steam, and can be played on PC, Mac or consoles.
2. Which game should I start with?
It depends on what type of adventure game you’re in the mood for. If you want something irreverent and funny, start with The Secret of Monkey Island or Sam and Max Hit the Road. If you want something more cerebral, try Myst or Broken Sword. If you’re in the mood for a spooky mystery, go for Gabriel Knight or Grim Fandango.
3. What makes adventure games different from other types of games?
Adventure games are typically focused on exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling, rather than action or combat. They often have complex storylines and memorable characters, and require the player to think creatively to progress.
4. Can I play these games on my phone or tablet?
Some of these games have been ported to mobile devices, but they may not be as enjoyable to play on a smaller screen. It’s best to play them on a PC or console if possible.
5. Are there any newer adventure games that are worth playing?
Yes, there are plenty of great adventure games being made today, such as Life is Strange, Firewatch, and Oxenfree. However, these ten classics are a great place to start if you’re new to the genre or looking to relive some classic gaming moments.
