10 Best Adventure Games That Were Instant Classics

The adventure genre is a broad one, encompassing everything from point-and-click to first person shooters. Many gamers would argue that this category has become so diversified that it should simply be done away with to allow for more specific classifications, and I do not disagree. However, for the sake of my own list here, and the historical context of how these games were originally presented, I've considered the entire, nebulous clump of sub-genres which fall under the header of "adventure games", and to heck with the consequences. Because there are so many worthy candidates, it was difficult to narrow it down, and I know at least one of these titles is likely to get me shouted at by several of my own friends, not to mention the internet at large. But feel free to leave your own lists in the comments. As if I even needed to suggest it.  

In no particular order.

King's Quest series 

The kingdom and royal family of Daventry is in trouble. It's always something with these people. The king is sick, the prince needs a wife, the queen needs her own game, they never seem to live happily ever after. And yet, every time a new episode was released, I flocked to it, even backtracking to earlier titles I would have been too young to enjoy upon their original release.  

      It's difficult to choose one game from the series. If one discounts varying levels of graphic sophistication, each game tends to be equally, but differently strong, which is why I am nominating the entire series and one big chunk of game. I know it's kind of cheating, but they were made over such a long span, and each one relative to its time was pretty revolutionary. 

      I used to consider these games a skeleton in my gaming closet. After all, they do not involve a lot of fighting skill, nor is there any fast-paced platforming. But in some ways, they are infinitely more difficult. For example, there is a part in one of the games that involves climbing a beanstalk and walking across a cloud bridge to get to solid ground. For each footfall, there is only one acceptable spot on which to place one's foot. Any misstep, off by even one pixel will involve a comical but frustratingly long death sequence. Instances such as this abound throughout all the games, as well as dwarves which permanently steal items from inventory (some of which are necessary to complete the game, so if you've saved over the dwarf, kiss it goodbye), and some fairly brutal ways to die. Looking back, I have to say that the King's Quest series is actually some of the most hardcore gaming of any genre, and I will stand by that. Because Contra it ain't, but go ahead and give them a shot if you don't believe me. See if you don't die just as hard, just as much. 

The Secret of Monkey Island 

As with the King's Quest series, nearly any title associated with Monkey Island would be an acceptable addition to this list, however I would be rescinding my last shred of decisiveness if I were to pull that stunt twice in the same list. So, for nostalgia and sheer accessibility, I'm going with the original.  

      Guybrush Threepwood wants to be a pirate. In our world, all you really need to do is get fed up with being impoverished, acquire some buddies with boats and guns, and start hijacking. But in the world surrounding the Caribbean island of Mêlée, there's a whole process in place with formalized steps, including the theft of a statue, discovery of buried treasure, and insult swordfighting. Many of the series's most memorable characters are introduced here, as well, including love interest Governor Elaine Marley, and prime villain, the undead LeChuck.  

      This game is a must-play for any adventure fans. Especially now that there are numerous ways to play the game. If you don't happen to have an old Sega CD lying around, the game can be played in a DOS emulator, of course, but it's also available are part of a bundle on Steam for both Windows and OS X, PSN, Xbox Live Arcade, and even for iOS. No excuse for missing out on this one! 

Myst 

This first person adventure presents the island world of Myst, home of Atrus and Catherine, as well as Atrus' "inking books" which are capable to transportation to various "ages", as well as trapping two brothers, Sirrus and Achenar, who both claim to be innocent of the murder of their father, and accuse the other of responsibility.

      Through investigation of each age, the player must draw conclusions and make decisions which can eventually affect the game's outcome. Myst was a huge commercial success, spawning multiple sequels, and was one of the first games to be referred to as "art" (though of course, this debate rages on and on. Even if Ebert did eventually retract his game-damning statements on the matter).  

Page 1    Page 2    Page 3