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Top Adventure Games
 

Last updated January 25th – Black Circle (Independent adventures)

 

Have you been away from the genre for a while and wondering what’s been going on since you left? Or perhaps only been paying sporadic attention and worried about what’s fallen through the cracks? Maybe you’re even a newcomer to adventure games and looking for more.

Whatever the circumstance, we’re here to help! For easy reference, read on as we take you through the latest and greatest options of recent months, plus a few timeless gems you may have overlooked. Our selection runs the spectrum from full-fledged PC adventures to casual games to independent productions, plus Wii and DS choices for console gamers. There’s surely something here for everyone.

(Note: Along with each item on the list are direct links to online retailers and download sites. Many of these are affiliate links, meaning Adventure Gamers gets a small commission when you make a purchase, but these links are purely optional and most games are still widely available.)

Welcome (back), adventurers, and enjoy!

 


Top recent releases (PC)

Dark Fall: Lost Souls
The final installment of the popular horror series returns players to where it all began, with the pursuit of a missing little girl in the haunted train station and hotel in Dowerton. Now darker and more dangerous than ever, the third game guides players by flashlight through the derelict buildings of a long-lost era, this time interacting directly with the ghostly denizens. Some friends in need, some foes that feed, the tension and dread have never been more palpable as players can’t be certain which is which.
Our review:
“If you like an adventure that can send shivers down your spine as it flexes your brain, you owe it to yourself to check out Dark Fall: Lost Souls.
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK

Runaway: A Twist of Fate
The third and supposedly final chapter in the tale of Brian Basco and GinaTimmins proves to be a fitting conclusion to the popular comic adventure series. But does it end happily for everyone involved? The game begins at Brian’s funeral, after all, but this Twist of Fate has enough turns to make your head spin as you control both protagonists through past and present events in an attempt discover what happened and figure out how to get out of this latest zany predicament.
Our review:
“This is a great game for Runaway fans and newbies alike.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop

Machinarium
How would little independent Amanita Design top its popular Samorost series? Easy – by making Machinarium, the company’s first full-fledged adventure that exudes charm, style, and polish at every turn. Bigger and more complex than its predecessors, the game casts players as a little robot who must make his way back into a towering mechanical city. For a game about robots, it’s got far more heart than most adventures, and it’s a refreshing, imaginative title that’s not to be missed.
Our review:
“With an original charm all its own, Machinarium is a real winner and an instant classic.”
Where to buy: Machinarium website, Adventure Shop

Tales of Monkey Island
A few months ago, people were scoffing at the thought of a new Monkey Island adventure. And indeed, instead of one we’re getting five in Telltale’s latest episodic series. At long last, players are reunited with bumbling hero Guybrush Threepwood, his longsuffering but feisty wife Elaine, and of course the dread pirate LeChuck in a serial storyline that promises to take players across the Caribbean, spreading mirth, merriment, and an insidious, pirate-zombifying pox along the way.
Our review: (of Chapter 3 – Lair of the Leviathan)
“One of the all-time great adventure experiences and a must-play-NOW for every fan of adventures, past or present.”
Where to buy: Telltale Games store, Amazon US (Chapter 1, single episode only)

Nancy Drew: Warnings at Waverly Academy
Who knew going back to school could be so much fun? Especially when it’s filled with backstabbing, gossip-mongering mean girls, and one in particular that’s determined to eliminate all competition. Well, if you’re Nancy Drew and there’s a mystery to solve, that’s a surefire recipe for adventure. And a fine one at that, as Warnings at Waverly Academy gets largely top marks for its great cast and increased character focus, as Nancy tries to sleuth out the dangerous ‘Black Cat’ lurking in the prep school halls.
Our review:
“This is far and away the best of the Nancy Drew titles to date.”
Where to buy: Amazon US

Return to Mysterious Island 2: Mina’s Fate
If it was worth returning once (and it certainly was, in one of the more delightful games of 2004), it’s worth returning again, as Kheops takes players back to the tropical island made famous by Jules Verne. This time you’ll have help in the form of a little monkey named Jep, a second playable character who assists the stranded Mina in discovering the source of a mysterious green gas that is slowly poisoning the island, if only they can survive the many natural challenges themselves.
Our review:
“A charming, often engaging experience that’s capably supported by its modest but pleasing presentation.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Big Fish Games

Memento Mori
Playing the latest art-themed religious thriller may not seem like a matter of life and death at first, but it will once you get started. Playing as Russian Interpol agent Lara Svetlova and French former art forger Max Durand, players will need to sleuth out the connection between a stolen paiting, a mysterious Finnish brotherhood, and a centuries-old teaching about he Angel of Death called the “Art of Dying”.
Our review:
“A gripping story soaked in art and conspiracy… with one of the most shocking and memorable endings the genre has seen in a long time.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon US

Mata Hari
One of the most (in)famous figures of the twentieth century takes center stage where she belongs in her first full-fledged adventure, a game written and designed by LucasArts veterans Hal Barwood and Noah Falstein. Against the backdrop of an impending world war, players control (as much as anyone can do) the exotic dancer-turned-spy as representatives of opposing nations fall for her seductive charms even as they compete for her unique services.
Our review:
“ If you like mysteries with just a bit of conspiracy in a thoroughly detailed historical setting, Mata Hari is the right adventure for you.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon US

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper
What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Adventure fans will find out when the great detective takes on the brutal Whitechapel murders in the lastest Sherlock Holmes mystery from Frogwares. In real life, the Ripper’s identity was never solved, but he never had Holmes and his trusty assistant Watson following his trail. With players’ help, will the case finally be closed, or will the mystery linger on forever? The answer awaits, and can be reached using either first-person direct control or third-person, point-and-click methods.
Our review:
“If you’re interested in either Sherlock Holmes or Jack the Ripper, you’ll like this game for its rich atmosphere and keen sense of detail.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon US

Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis
Proving that Secret Files: Tunguska wasn’t just a flash in the Siberian pan, Nina and Max are back in an all-new adventure that’s even better than its predecessor. With a dastardly cult planning the apocalypse, the fate of the world is once again at stake in this highly-polished, visually stunning title that should appeal to both existing fans and newcomers alike. Available only in the UK at this time, but has been released for the Nintendo DS and Wii as well.
Our review:
“A highly-polished, enjoyable sequel that’s better than its Tunguskan predecessor in several key ways.”
Where to buy: Amazon UK

 

Honourable Mentions

Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures Telltale Games store
Gobliiins 4 Amazon UK
Ceville Adventure Shop, Amazon UK
Ankh 3: Battle of the Gods Adventure Shop
Emerald City Confidential Big Fish Games
Chronicles of Mystery: The Scorpio Ritual Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US
A Vampyre Story Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US
Nostradamus: The Last Prophecy Adventure Shop (Europe only), Amazon UK, Amazon US
So Blonde Adventure Shop, Amazon UK
Dracula 3: The Path of the Dragon Adventure Shop, Amazon US


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, here are the best of the newer DS adventures to build up that game collection.

Nintendo DS (DS Lite, DSi)
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

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box
You know what’s really the “diabolical box” in Professor Layton’s latest adventure? The one the game actually comes in, mercilessly sucking you in, charming you with its European cartoon aesthetic, and refusing to let you go until you’ve bested all of its 150-plus brain-straining puzzles. Not that anyone will mind. Even as you’re pulling out your hair over one mind-bender after another, you’ll love every second of the experience. And if you haven’t played its wonderful predecessor, get that one as well!
Our review:
"For puzzle fans it’s a brilliant way to spend your time."
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The Hardy Boys: Treasure on the Tracks
The Hardy Boys obviously got sick of standing in Nancy Drew’s PC shadow, so the sibling detectives have finally jumped into the handheld fray with their first DS adventure. Like Frank and Joe’s female counterpart, this game is also from Her Interactive, though designed for a decidedly younger audience. Not just for kids, mind you, but less experienced adventurers up for a short but sweet treasure hunt aboard the luxurious Royal Express.
Our review:
"I’d recommend this game for any 10-12 year olds (or thereabouts) who want to get into adventure gaming."
Where to buy: Amazon US

Jake Hunter Detective Story: Memories of the Past
Remember that awful Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles? Well, don't. Forget about it, put it out of your mind completely, and replace that with Jake Hunter Detective Story: Memories of the Past. The new DS interactive novel/adventure includes all three of the first game's cases plus another three to boot, all with significantly improved translations. There are also six comic cases and tons of other extras, all adding up to the game that Jake Hunter was always meant to be.
Our review:
"The stories themselves are engaging noir romps that will make you feel like you’re reading a real page-turner."
Where to buy: Amazon US

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut
Revolution’s classic first adventure of George Stobbart and Nico Collard is bulked up with new artwork and playable content, but trimmed of voice acting and shrunk down for play on Nintendo’s handheld. Even with the platform’s restrictions, the updated “Director’s Cut” proves once again why the game is often considered one of the finest adventures ever made.
Our review:
"The original quality still shines and the added content makes the game worth buying even for hardcore fans."
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’s 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

 


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

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
What’s this? Konami’s iconic survival horror series recommended here at Adventure Gamers? For the first time ever, you bet. No, we haven’t been walloped once too many times by the terrifying Pyramind Head: this reimagining of the original Silent Hill for the Wii, PS2, and PSP takes the franchise in a bold new direction. Now combat-free, there are still moments of action-based terror, but with far more emphasis on relaxed exploration and adventuring than ever before. Well, as “relaxed” as anyone can ever be in the ever-eerie, always-disturbing Silent Hill, anyway.
Our review:
“A masterpiece of atmosphere and storytelling that demands your attention.”
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

Tales of Monkey Island
Sure, you can play the long-awaited revival of Monkey Island on PC, but if you’d prefer to kick back on the couch instead, now you can guide Guybrush Threepwood through his five-part new adventure series with nunchuck and Wiimote in hand. Attempting to stop the spread of an insidious pox that he himself released, Guybrush sails the seven seas in search of a legendary sea sponge, but obstacles and much hilarity await him at every turn.
Our review: (of Chapter 3 – Lair of the Leviathan)
“No need to mince words—this is a breathtaking, spectactular game.”
Where to buy: WiiWare channel

Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis
Also available for PC and DS, the Wii version of Secret Files 2 gives console gamers the chance to control Nina and Max in an all-new adventure. Naturally, the fate of the world is in their hands, as a nefarious secret society is scheming to bring about the apocalypse. Available only in the UK in PAL format at this time, and note that Wii games are region-encoded.
Our review: (of the PC version)
“A highly-polished, enjoyable sequel that’s better than its Tunguskan predecessor in several key ways.”
Where to buy: Amazon UK

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut
Decisions, decisions… The enhanced update of the PC masterpiece is available not just on DS, but the Wii as well, presented with some new artwork and the original voice acting intact. Wii players can point-and-click their way through the George Stobbart’s epic adventure, plus play as Nico in new scenes that offer a glimpse into her background.
Our review: (of the PC original)
"This is adventure gaming at its very best! "
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 (now completed) became 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 owner 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: WiiWare Channel (Wii version), Telltale Games store (PC version)

 


Casual adventures

The line between what we’ve come to know as full-fledged adventures and casual games is gradually disappearing. Traditional “hidden object” games are increasing story and exploration elements, and integrating puzzles in recognizably adventure-like fashion. Adventure games, meanwhile, are beginning to embrace the more accessible pick-up-and-play appeal of casual games, becoming more streamlined than ever. Here are some of the best examples of games that have successfully bridged the gap between the two.

3 Cards to Dead Time
Having already dealt a winning hand with the original 3 Cards to Midnight, now the Tex Murphy creators are back with a solid sequel in their new “story game” franchise. A unique casual-adventure hybrid that turns the standard hidden object formula into a series of word game challenges, blends them with traditional adventure style puzzles and an evolving, in-depth storyline with twists at every turn, and you’ve got a lite game that provides a welcome change of pace from the usual adventure fare.
Our review:
"Will grab your attention tight and keep you on the edge of your seat, shocking surprise after shocking surprise, until the end."
Where to buy: 3 Cards to Dead Time website

Big Brain Wolf
Step aside, Professor Layton. Who says the DS gets all the good puzzle games? PC puzzle fans starving for new challenges to devour will find plenty of tasty morsels awaiting in Big Brain Wolf. This surprisingly substantial puzzle-adventure set in an offbeat fairytale world serves up brain teasers at every turn, and it’ll take more than big ears and big teeth to work your way through them.
Our review:
"A cheap and enjoyable little puzzle-based adventure that's more challenging than its cartoon visuals would have you believe. "
Where to buy: Big Fish Games

Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove
Not to be outdone by the competition, the Mystery Case Files series returns to prove it’s still the biggest fish in the casual adventure pond. Sending players into a wintry town afflicted by an ancient Celtic curse, Dire Grove expands on the ideas started in last year’s Return to Ravenhearst, blending hidden object sequences with lite adventure gameplay and an FMV backstory that players must piece together along the way. Available both in “Collector’s Edition” and (soon) a standard version for download.
Our review:
"For anyone tempted to take the plunge into the realm of casual game hybrids."
Where to buy: Big Fish Games Collector’s Edition, Standard Edition

Hidden Expedition: Devil’s Triangle
Like the Mystery Case Files series did before it, now the Hidden Expedition series has made the move from its strictly “hidden object” origins to more traditional adventure fare. Still a casually streamlined game, Devil’s Triangle lets players probe one of the world’s greatest mysteries with free exploration, a variety of inventory and logic puzzles, and of course a bit of item scavenging for good measure.
Our review:
"An enjoyable lite adventure excursion that’s worth going along for the ride."
Where to buy: Big Fish Games

Nancy Drew Dossier: Resorting to Danger
As if one recent success wasn’t enough, now Nancy Drew is back with the second installment of her entertaining Dossier series, a casual game spin-off of the main adventure franchise that features a unique pair-matching technique for clue gathering. The new game sends the teen sleuth undercover to match wits against a mad bomber intent on sabotaging a luxury spa, solving a variety of puzzles and minigames along the way.
Our review:
"Continues to establish the unique Dossier series as one of the premiere casual adventure experiences available."
Where to buy: Big Fish Games, Amazon US

Drawn: The Painted Tower
If the line between casual games and full-fledged adventures is starting to get too blurry to make out anymore, maybe it’s because you’re distracted by the stunning artwork in this new “lite” offering. Full of charming touches and puzzles galore, the fairy tale adventure sends players into fantastical realms of paintings come to life, all in the name of rescuing a young princess imprisoned atop a cursed, treacherous tower.
Our review:
“Its fascinating atmosphere and splendid production values… make for some nice, gentle adventuring.”
Where to buy: Big Fish Games

 


Independent adventures

The adventure genre has often been home to ambitious indie developers, but without widescale distribution, it can be hard for these games to get the exposure they deserve. Since you won't find them on regular store shelves, don't forget about these self-published titles.

Black Circle: A Carol Reed Mystery
Who knew that Sweden was such a dangerous place to live? For the sixth consecutive year, tragedy has struck the scenic town of Norrköping. Lucky for the local residents and mystery lovers alike, amateur sleuth Carol Reed is on the scene and ready to crack her toughest murder case yet. This time around, however, her investigation will take her to some darker parts of town, where dangers and disturbing truths may just be lurking.
Our review:
“Once again manages to deliver an intriguing if darker little adventure that’s well worth a return visit.”
Where to buy: Carol Reed website

Casebook: Episode III – Snake in the Grass
Though the gameplay returns to the simpler design of the debut episode, the third installment of this FMV mystery series pushes the storyline and filmic quality to new heights. An engaging blend of investigation through free-roaming environments and evidence processing through various minigames combine with an impressive presentation for a memorable live-action cinematic experience rarely seen in the genre anymore. All three come highly recommended, and the earlier episodes are available at discounted prices.
Our review:
“Will certainly please fans of the series and every adventurer in search of a gripping mystery.”
Where to buy: Casebook website

Last Half of Darkness: Tomb of Zojir
Question: What has eight eyes, eight legs, and spins webs? Answer: Well, whatever it is, there’s three of them in your game box! The third Last Half of Darkness installment (don’t do the math) provides another dose of eerie chills, sending players to the Isle of the Dead for a little tomb raiding, adventure style. The solitary point-and-click horror offers plenty of puzzles and exploration, and while it won’t scare you out of your wits, a little tolerance for spiders will go a long way.
Our review:
“A solid experience for fans of first-person adventures.”
Where to buy: Last Half of Darkness website

Pizza Morgana: Episode 1 – Monsters & Manipulations in the Magical Forest
The indie adventure scene just keeps picking up steam. Hot out of the development oven comes the debut episode of a lighthearted fantasy series that looks like it just might deliver on its potential. When a pizza delivery vampire mistakenly teleports into young Jackie's house, she'll need Jackie's help to get back home to the magical land of Terramagia. Unfortunately for Jackie, the solution sweeps her along, too, in what is clearly only the first leg of the ride of her life.
Our review:
“A magical little adventure which shows great promise for this episodic series.”
Where to buy: Pizza Morgana website

Time Gentlemen, Please!
Zombie Cow's Time Gentlemen, Please! is a throwback. Not just a retro throwback to the classic adventures of the early '90's – though it definitely is that – but a throw way, WAY back in history, as the game's stars find themselves on a madcap romp through the ages. A commercial (but minimally-priced) follow-up to the freeware adventure Ben There, Dan That!, the sequel is bigger and badder (in a good way) in every respect, deserving any longtime adventurer’s attention.
Our review:
“With a longer, funnier, and even wackier story, Time Gentlemen, Please! is an admirable follow-up to its freeware predecessor.”
Where to buy: Zombie Cow Studios store

The Blackwell Convergence
It's been almost two years since the last Blackwell installment, but the indie series from Wadjet Eye games is aging beautifully. Maybe that's because many of its stars are ghosts (although stunning new artwork helps), as medium Rosa Blackwell and her wisecracking spirit guide Joey Mallone must help a variety of seemingly disparate ghosts while figuring out what the connection is between them. Along the way, the protagonists will also need to combine their human and spectral abilities to contend with a malevolent ghost intent on causing them harm.
Our review:
“If you liked the first two Blackwell games, buy Convergence immediately.”
Where to buy: Wadjet Eye Games store, Big Fish Games

Yoomurjak’s Ring
A new full-fledged FMV adventure? Have we stepped into a time machine? You may soon think so, as this game not only conjures up fond genre memories of days gone by, but explores the rich history of a scenic Hungarian town in the process. A foreign-language release with English subtitles only, the latest adventure from Private Moon manages to present an engaging dramatic mystery that dates back many centuries, with a link that only time travel may be able to fully explain.
Our review:
“The natural acting and strong filmic qualities combine with a well-written mystery to make for a lengthy, challenging, foreign-language FMV adventure.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop

 


Classic past releases

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.

The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition
If you missed it the first time around, the 1990 LucasArts piratey classic is now back, bigger and better than ever. Available for download only, the new enhanced version includes high definition graphics, full voiceovers, a re-mastered orchestral soundtrack, revamped control scheme, and a multi-teried hint system. And for those who prefer the game in all its retro glory, the original version is fully intact as well, easily accessed at any time throughout the game. It’s the best of both worlds!
Our review:
"Everyone who loves adventure games should experience it at least once."
Where to buy: Steam, Direct2Drive

Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
Never mind that updated “Director’s Cut” nonsense! You can still go back to where it all started and play the PC version, which was just fine as it was, thankyouverymuch. Beginning with a bang (literally), the globetrotting conspiracy thriller is smartly written and beautifully designed, aging beautifully over the years. Originally known as Circle of Blood in North America, for reasons known only to the Knights Templar, the debut of George Stobbart and Nico Collard is still the benchmark of the series, and one of the finest adventures ever made.
Our review:
"This game remains an absolute masterpiece."
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

Grim Fandango
Leave it to the mind of Tim Schafer to not only find inspiration for a game in the Mexican Day of the Dead, but to create a noir-styled masterpiece in the process. The unique four-year excursion of otherworldly travel agent Manny Calavera across the land of the dead is often brilliant and always imaginative, and though its direct control scheme takes some getting used to, this game has lost none of its charm in the decade since release.
Our review:
"With so many good points, where does one start?"
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The Longest Journey
At a time many had written off the genre, along came Funcom and Ragnar Tørnquist’s opus to remind everyone of what a classic point-and-click adventure has to offer. The epic tale of young “shifter” April Ryan, as she learns to embrace her destiny and bring balance back between two worlds of magic and science, remains a fan favourite even today for its gorgeous design and ambitious storytelling.
Our review:
"The Longest Journey is a piece of art… an adventure game for the books!"
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US

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 has recently been ported to the Nintendo DS, though the PC original is still the recommended version to play.
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. The highly-anticipated sequel didn't quite live up to its predecessor's standards, but 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

King’s Quest Collection
When one classic adventure just isn’t enough, how about seven? Over the years, the King’s Quest series proved to be one of Sierra’s best, with each sequel achieving new breakthroughs for its time. This collection covers the first seven games created by Roberta Williams and chronicles the adventures of Daventry’s royal family. Now updated to run on modern computers and sold at a bargain price, there’s no reason to skip over this groundbreaking anthology anymore.
Our review: (of King's Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow)
"Story and gameplay come together in perfect balance… one of the best games Sierra gave us."
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

Police Quest Collection
In an era dominated by comedy and fantasy, Jim Walls and Sierra defied the odds with a series full of gritty realism and real-life police procedures. Tackling more serious themes like drug abuse and suburban violence, the Police Quest collection presents the first three adventures featuring Sonny Bonds, along with the fourth game created by Daryl F. Gates, the retired Police Chief of Los Angeles. Inexpensive and fully playable on current hardware, it’d be a crime to miss out of this landmark series.
Our review: (of Police Quest 2: The Vengeance)
"Not only the best of its series, but one of the very best of Sierra’s Golden Age."
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

 


Assorted other recommended releases

The selection so far should be plenty to get you going, but if you just can’t seem to get enough, there’s still plenty more where those came from. Better yet, these highly recommended older titles are still widely available, often at bargain prices.

Syberia II Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US
Myst IV: Revelation Amazon UK, Amazon US
Bad Mojo Redux Amazon UK, Amazon US
Samorost 2 Official website, Big Fish Games
Runaway: A Road Adventure Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US
Gabriel Knight 3 Amazon UK, Amazon US
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US
Indigo Prophecy/Fahrenheit Amazon UK, Amazon US
The Moment of Silence Amazon UK, Amazon US
Return to Mysterious Island Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US


Still want more?

We hope this guide has been helpful to you, but keep checking back for more new releases! And of course there are many other adventures not listed, as we’ve included only games that rated 3½ stars or higher right here at Adventure Gamers. For additional information about other top games, be sure to check out our Aggie Award winners from last year. For still more over the years, you’ll find what you need in our Reviews section (sorting by “All” and “Article Date” will put them right at your fingertips). For now, though, this list should be everything you need to get you started.


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