Nintendo DS adventure games
The Nintendo DS handheld system has become a popular platform for playing adventure games. According to our last survey, almost a third of AG's visitors already play adventures on the Nintendo DS. If you haven't yet climbed aboard the handheld bandwagon, this is your chance to jump on. If you already own the system, it hasn't been the strongest of years for new DS adventures, but there are still some quality suggestions for expanding your DS game collection.

Nintendo DS Lite
It's the device you need to play touchscreen-enabled DS games. It includes a stylus, built-in microphone, wireless connectivity and more. And, of course, it's entirely portable, so you no longer need to be tied to your computer to play the latest adventures.
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

Time Hollow
One of the genre's oft-overlooked gems is Shadow of Destiny, and this year the game's creator has returned with an all-new time travelling adventure exclusively for the DS. Using the stylus, players must rip open holes in time to repair a series of problems that have wiped out all traces of the last twelve years of young Ethan Kairos' life.
Our review:
"The most engrossing, couldn't-put-it-down DS gaming experience I've had in the three years I've owned a DS."
Where to buy: Amazon US

Professor Layton and the Curious Village
While many would argue that this game is more a puzzle collection than full-blown adventure, few debate the excellence of the overall experience. The titular top-hatted archeologist and puzzle-solving extraordinaire is called to the small town of St. Mystere, whose citizens are equally infatuated with puzzles, putting players through a rigorous series of brain teasers in pursuit of a hidden treasure called the Golden Apple.
Our review:
"An engaging title with a bouquet of charm, intelligent art design, and plenty of challenge."
Where to buy: Amazon US, Amazon UK

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
The acclaimed courtroom series gets a new protagonist this year, as Phoenix Wright steps aside for a supporting role this time. And while the game's new ace attorney doesn't bring quite the came cachet as his predecessor, the first installment created exclusively for the DS puts another another solid entry into the palm of your hands.
Our review:
"A well written adventure filled with quirky humour, offbeat scenarios and ever-twisting plots."
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

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. We still haven't seen many original adventures designed for the system, but more and more existing PC games are being ported to the Wii, giving players the chance to kick back in front of the TV and still enjoy some point-and-click classics.

Nintendo Wii
The hit game console that took the industry by surprise and shows no signs of stopping. While famous for its motion control, the system's remote controller is what makes it so ideally suited to the genre. Designed for ease and simplicity of use with even casual gamers in mind, the Wii may just be the one home console that adventure gamers can embrace.
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People
While not the first original adventure to appear on the Wii, this five-episode series (with four released to date) is the first to be sold through Nintendo's WiiWare service. Also available for PC, the games represent a faithful adaptation of the popular Homestar Runner web cartoons. The quirky cast and oddball humour is something of an acquired taste, but it's a series no Wii owners should overlook.
Our review: (of Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner)
"A light, enjoyable experience that succeeds mostly as a platform for its humor."
Where to buy: Nintendo WiiWare Channel (Wii version), Telltale Games online store (PC version)

Safecracker: The Ultimate Puzzle Adventure
Hardcore puzzle fans haven't been as well served by the genre in recent years, but this title is a clear exception to the rule. Originally released for PC in 2006, the Wii port casts players in the role of an expert safecracker who must work through a complex series of puzzle-protected safes to locate the will of a deceased eccentric. (Where's Professor Layton when you need him?)
Our review: (of the PC original)
"A must-have for puzzle fans and definitely worth a look for anyone who values an intellectual challenge. "
Where to buy: Amazon US, Amazon UK

Sam & Max: Season One
These two again? You betcha. The long-awaited PC return of the Freelance Police in 2006 after a 13-year gaming hiatus proved well worth the wait, and now their particular brand of crimefighting mayhem is available for the Wii. In the six-episode collection of Season One, Sam & Max make stops at the White House, an alternate virtual reality, and even the moon as they pursue a nefarious mind-controlling villain, without caring who their DeSoto runs over in the process.
Our review:
"These games are a delightful homage to everything that's great about the franchise... an important achievement for the genre and a true must-play collection."
Where to buy: Amazon US, Amazon UK

Past Releases (multi-platform)
We already listed the best of the newer titles, but adventures are renowned for their long shelf life, so there's still time to catch up on these slightly older games that come just as highly recommended.

Syberia
This classic from Benoît Sokal and Microïds is as beautiful as it is moving; a journey of both fantasy and self-discovery; a tale of hope yet touched by melancholic sadness. Players follow the exploits of big city lawyer Kate Walker in her pursuit of a handicapped but brilliant inventor, himself on the trail of the world's last living mammoths. Now six years after release, the game is still widely available on PC, and has recently been ported to the Nintendo DS. Whatever the platform, it's an adventure not to be missed.
Our review:
"The story is so elegantly and subtly told that you feel as though you are reading poetry or being sung a sonnet that has been transformed into a game."
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US

Still Life
Another gem from the now-defunct Microïds Canada casts players in dual playable roles of FBI agent Victoria McPherson in modern day Chicago and her grandfather Gus in 1920s Prague, as each pursues a murderer whose methods and motivations bear striking similarities. With a highly-anticipated sequel due early next year, now's the perfect time to see where it all began if you missed it the first time around.
Our review:
"If it isn't an instant classic, it is nipping at the heels of the all-time greats."
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey
The follow-up to one of the most beloved point-and-click adventures of all time had large shoes to fill, and further risked public backlash by moving the series to a full 3D, direct-control experience with some light action sequences. And indeed it's a much different game than its predecessor, but it's a powerful cinematic experience and a fine adventure in its own right that's well worth every gamer's attention.
Our review:
"A modern classic that falls just short of being the gaming masterpiece it could have been."
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US

Myst IV: Revelation
Considered by many to be superior to Cyan's own final Myst game, the fourth installment in the phenomenally popular series continues the fine tradition of beautiful landscapes and surreal worlds to explore, set against the narrative backdrop of family tragedy and misused power. The game is still sold separately or conveniently bundled with other Myst games in a variety of compilations.
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

Bad Mojo Redux
You know the old expression: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! For all those who have an irrational fear (or even perfectly rational loathing) of bugs, maybe you just need to become one for perspective. Or at least just to experience one of the most unique, compelling adventures to date. Controlling a cockroach, players must navigate an obstacle course of real-world challenges in order to regain human form. The "redux" re-release makes the game accessible once again and adds important technical enhancements that help the game run on modern computers.
Our review:
"An absolute must-play for any adventure fan with even a passing tolerance of insects."
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

Turn the page for still more recommendations, including indie adventures, bargains and games in other genres that you might also enjoy!