Adventure game holiday shopping guide feature
Nintendo DS adventure games
The Nintendo DS handheld system has quickly become very popular for playing adventure games. According to a recent survey, almost a third of AG's visitors already play adventures on the Nintendo DS. If you are not one of them, this is your chance to jump in. If you already own the system, here's some suggestions for expanding your DS game collection.
It's the device you need to play touchscreen-enabled DS games. It includes two styluses, microphone, wireless connectivity and more. Not only can you play many adventure games on this system, it is also the home to such popular titles as The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and Brain Training.
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US, eBay
There are people who bought a Nintendo DS just to play Phoenix Wright. We know this, because we were among them. The Phoenix Wright series casts you as an attorney, but don't expect court cases to be dry and boring. Phoenix Wright is part comedy, giving a larger-than-life quality to the courtroom proceedings. Trials and Tribulations is the latest installment in the highly successful series, and the last game before the new character Apollo Justice takes over from Phoenix.
Our review:
"Trials and Tribulations is the high point of the series, wrapping together great storylines, dialogue and characters into one portable package. Buy it now before I make use of Franziska's whip."
Where to buy: Amazon US, eBay
In this noir detective game you play Kyle Hyde, an ex-cop turned salesman trying to track down a missing friend. The game is presented largely through hand-made sketch animation (think A-Ha's "Take on Me" music video from the '80s), which is a welcome diversion from the 3D rendering that's become commonplace in game graphics.
Our review:
"Hotel Dusk is another good DS release from Cing. The game is entertaining, and a worthwhile purchase for any DS owner who enjoys a lot of story in their games and doesn't mind the occasional lame puzzle."
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US, eBay
More Nintendo DS recommendations
| Touch Detective 2˝ | Touch Detective is another DS-exclusive adventure game series, and this is the second installment. | Amazon UK, Amazon US, eBay |
| Another Code | The first adventure ever made for DS, and still a favorite. Also known as Trace Memory. | Amazon UK, Amazon US, eBay |
Nintendo Wii adventure games
The Nintendo Wii is the first-ever console with an easy-to-use pointer device, making it a perfect platform for adventure games. It's taking a while for developers to get going with the new system, but a whole fleet of Wii adventures is expected to arrive in the months and years to come. The first one has just been released, making this the perfect time to start gaming on the Wii.
The hit game console that took the industry by surprise. Now in greater stock than last year (when it was nearly impossible to find) and with a bigger library of available titles.
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US, eBay
It's the first adventure game for Nintendo Wii, and a bit of an odd beast at that. Hardcore followers of the genre might wonder if it's a “pure” adventure game, since it looks a bit like a platformer and the box makes reference to bosses, but rest assured it's not a game that involves any combat. Inspired by classic adventure games but with a unique twist, Zack & Wiki offers puzzle-based challenges that have to be solved by using the Wii remote in many different ways. Some early reviews are even calling it the "first true Wii game".
Where to buy: Amazon US, eBay
Past Releases (PC)
We already listed some of the newest titles from recent months on page one, but many more recommended games were released well before that. If you missed these games when they first came out, be sure to give them a look.
Were you a fan of games by LucasArts back in the day? Then you owe yourself to try the new Sam & Max by Telltale Games. Even if you have never heard of Sam & Max, all you need to know is that these characters are hilarious and absurd. If you are looking for a good laugh while also solving unusual (but logical) puzzles, then Sam & Max is your best bet.
Our review:
"Characters as adored as Sam & Max are easy to mess up—making it all the more impressive that in both technical and creative aspects, Telltale got Sam & Max right, and the result is a delightful series of short games that could potentially have become one great lengthy game."
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US, eBay, the official Telltale store
This criminal investigation game has parallel stories in which you try to hunt down a murderer in both the 1920s Prague and modern day Chicago. If you like Jack the Ripper or Se7en, Still Life is just the game for you.
Our review:
"Still Life tells a story that is a masterful blend of challenge, characters and story."
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US, eBay
A pseudo-sequel to the renowned adventure story by R.L. Stevenson, Destination: Treasure Island has you setting out as an older Jim Hawkins, once more in search of treasure. Expect sensible puzzles and an adventurous story. From the creators of Return to Mysterious Island.
Our review:
"While it's a little short, Destination: Treasure Island is a game that anyone who loves a little adventure in their lives should have in their collection."
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon US
Myst IV continued the tradition of beautiful landscapes and surreal worlds to be explored. It is considered by many to be slightly superior to the final Myst game, Myst V: End of Ages, but both are of high quality. Today you can get all Myst games in a convenient bundle.
Our review:
"A fateful return of a venerable series proves it still has legs even 10 odd years on."
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US, eBay
Other recommended releases
Turn the page for indie adventures, bargains and games in other genres that you might also enjoy!
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Why go to the store or wait for shipping? You can buy and download full version games at Adventure Shop any time, no matter where you live.
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