As 2023 gets into full swing, it's shaping up to be a massive year for gaming. While fans will be focused on the notable AAA titles coming to next-gen consoles, it's important to look across the range of genres including that of the point-and-click style adventure games, like The Wolf Among Us 2, which releases later in the year.
No matter what approach these incredible studios have taken to this particular format, revisiting these classics of the medium will demonstrate to fans that they are well worth the time and are mechanically unique compared to what gamers are most familiar with. From a storytelling perspective, the point-and-click adventure line is often strong.
Telltale Titles
Telltale are a unique video game studio that have produced a range of point-and-click narrative-based titles for some of the biggest IP in the world. Whether it's Batman, The Guardians of the Galaxy, The Walking Dead, or Game of Thrones, the developers never manage to fail in their delivery of gorgeous graphics and intriguing character arcs.
While there are usually some action mechanics built into these adventure games, they are far from conventional in the way in which players interact with these set pieces. Sequences usually utilize quick-time events, while the decisions of the players themselves genuinely make all the difference for their protagonist.
Indiana Jones And The Fate Of Atlantis (1992)
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis is just one example of an awesome retro video game for fans of the archeologist. Very few titles were made by LucasArts in the Indiana Jones line, but what was so brilliant about Fate of Atlantis is that it put the player at the center of an adventure that felt like it could happen in one of the feature-length productions.
Visually it was quite inventive in its portrayal of this fictional world, and as a premise, it certainly fit with the rest of the franchise. Set on the eve of WWII, the time period meant that the traditional Jones antagonists were included, as players race to find the mythical land while making significant game-changing choices along the way.
Twelve Minutes (2021)
If movie makers are looking to make an accurate video game adaptation then Twelve Minutes might be the perfect place to start. Featuring a genuinely phenomenal cast, this time loop experience from Luis Antonio and Nomada Studio was cinematic in its framing and execution.
With events playing out repeatedly, this thrilling and horrifying story will have players attempting to find a solution, as they puzzle their way through the violent scenarios of a twelve-minute window, taking different paths each time. The interactive nature of this point-and-click adventure is on another level.
Grim Fandango (1998)
LucasArts and LucasFilm's gaming department were superb in the point-and-click adventure category and the innovation featured in Grim Fandango demonstrates why some of the best in the genre are from the studio. From a design perspective, the combination of visual themes, especially with day of the dead imagery, are gorgeous.
Set in the underworld itself, the player explores the land of the dead and its quirky inhabitants, in a video game that feels like a predecessor to Coco. Vibrant and colorful in its character portrayals, the puzzle-solving elements of the title made up the core gameplay mechanics.
Broken Age (2014)
The point-and-click adventure gaming category will find most of its greatest hits in the '90s. The retro style is making a bit of a comeback though and Broken Age is a perfect example of that. Created by developers Double Fine Productions, they sought to revitalize the genre with modern technology.
With two playable characters in separate worlds, it's interesting to see how the two protagonists are controlled differently in their narratives, but still paralleled and narratively connected as this fantasy landscape is adventured through. There is mystery, puzzle solving, brilliant NPC interaction, and an artistic visual cornucopia.
Day Of The Tentacle (1993)
Another LucasArts video game that demonstrates why the studio should begin crafting further original narratives in the medium, the point-and-click adventure known as Day of the Tentacle was also a sequel to Manic Mansion, another major hit of the genre.
With a cartoonish style that was very whimsical in its gameplay, the simple command structure allowed players to control their protagonists in a surprisingly detailed set of ways. The puzzle solving and plot development not only relies on the premise of the monstrous creatures throughout but also a time travel mechanic which really makes this a unique video game outing.
Papers, Please (2013)
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Papers, Please from 3909 LLC might not seem like an adventure game on the face of it despite its point-and-click setup. Indeed, it plays a lot more like a simulation title. Yet, when actually following the narrative fully and making key decisions throughout the process, a thriller will begin to emerge.
The unconventional title sees players sort through various passports and other documentation at the border of a fictional state. However, as political fascism begins to further show itself, the player has some tough moves to make in who they decide to endorse. It's a complex game with a lot of potential directions to go in and a streamlined interface.
The Secret Of Monkey Island (1990)
LucasArts is back again with yet another fantastic entry into the genre, adding to its portfolio of excellent point-and-click adventure games. The Monkey Island brand recently made a much-desired comeback and there are so many great entries into the line. The Secret of Monkey Island kicked it all off though.
Discovering that very secret became the obsession of players, who wanted to inhabit this bombastic and goofy universe. With inspiration actually taken from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, completing trials is just as compelling as getting to know the islanders and their backstories.
Aperture Desk Job (2022)
The original Portal series contributed some of the best couch co-op experiences that the industry has to offer. It was only natural that developer Valve wanted to return to the franchise when equipping the Steam Deck with a few exclusives and thus Aperture Desk Job was born.
While players might start out in another sim title similar to that of Papers, Please, where they are actually testing plumbing equipment, the point-and-click adventure element unravels as the robotic mayhem associated with the series comes out in full force in a surprisingly action-packed title.
Sam & Max Hit The Road (1993)
It only seems right that a LucasArts title caps off some of the best point-and-click games of all time. Sam & Max Hit The Road is just as outlandish and cartoonish as fans might expect from the release. Interestingly, this experience is actually inspired by the comic series from Steve Purcell.
Players will get to control this comedic duo as they search for the missing Big Foot, a detective case they take on after the mysterious disappearance from a local circus. It's ridiculous, heaps of fun and a slightly less tense version of the gaming category for those looking for a relaxed play.. and to become freelance police!
Source:gamerant.com