Though the point-and-click genre isn't as prominent as it once was, recent releases like Return to Monkey Island prove there is still some life left in the classic adventure format. With a laid-back gameplay style and an emphasis on puzzles, the best point-and-click games offer a relaxing experience that doesn't consume too much time.
Whether it is genre-defining games like King's Quest VI or modern indie hits like Primordia, there is more to point-and-click games than tapping a few buttons. While the golden age of computer gaming produced a wealth of classic point-and-clicks, users on Reddit took to the site to call out the games that best represent the graphic adventure genre.
Beneath A Steel Sky (1994)
Using movies like Blade Runner for inspiration, the cyberpunk adventure game Beneath a Steel Sky pushed the boundaries of what many believed to be a limited gameplay style. Hailing its place in gaming history, one Redditor wrote "Beneath a Steel Sky is one of my favorites...It's this sci-fi story that's half comedy, half Orwellian dystopia...It's a real classic."
Most point-and-click games have similar mechanics and gameplay, but it's the way that the standard format is approached that helps Beneath a Steel Sky stand out. Fully taking advantage of its cyberpunk premise, the game involves hacking to solve puzzles, a gimmick that would be seen in later games like Cyberpunk 2077.
The Neverhood (1996)
From the outset, the one-of-a-kind adventure game The Neverhood was destined to be one of the best cult classic games ever, and fans still look back fondly on its weirdness. User Bradalax praised the game from top to bottom, saying "The Neverhood, fantastic game...great concept, great puzzles, amazing music."
Using a claymation style, the simple gameplay was supplemented by visuals that are still unique today. Despite its cute tone, the game was surprisingly difficult at times, with moments that could result in a complete game over if the player wasn't careful.
Technobabylon (2015)
Newer point-and-click titles must find the perfect balance between classic gameplay and modern sensibilities, and few games achieved that goal like the epic Technobabylon. Professing their love for the game, user splice_of_life explained "Technobabylon is my favorite, because I am a sucker for cyberpunk. The puzzles make sense and the cast is great."
With a sprawling narrative involving sharp political commentary, the game manages to integrate its puzzles into the story without feeling unnecessary. Though it isn't particularly challenging, Technobabylon's story shines the brightest, and it puts the adventure back in graphic adventure games.
Grim Fandango (1998)
Usually ranking highly among the best LucasArts video games of all time, Grim Fandango was a critical hit, but it had pitiful sales at the time of its release. Not afraid to heap praise upon the hidden gem, user Crayton777 wrote "Grim Fandango is my favorite of all time...Nothing touches Grim Fandango."
Putting the point-and-click style to good use, the game is a mystery that pulls inspiration from classic noir films of the 1940s. On top of that, it is set in the Land of the Dead, and features character designs inspired by the calaca artwork of Latin American cultures. Grim Fandango is a rare point-and-click title that gives even the biggest console games a run for their money.
Primordia (2012)
The land of indie gaming is where the point-and-click genre has found new life in recent decades, and it is games like Primordia that prove they are still abundantly relevant to modern gamers. Of the game, user SpiderProvider wrote "Primordia has a real fun theme, great atmosphere, and is the only point and click to hold my attention in the last 10 years."
As games have become more complicated, it is inevitable that many players just don't see value in the point-and-click style. However, as the user mentioned, Primordia manages to grip the audience with its post-apocalyptic setting, and it establishes a mood that is chilling because of its plausibility. On top of all that, the puzzles are rooted in reality, and there is usually more than one way to advance in the game.
The Longest Journey (1999)
Eschewing action-based gameplay, point-and-clicks live and die by their story, and games like The Longest Journey offer story in spades. User Neurosss had a lot to say about the game when they commented "Hands down the greatest I have ever played due to the amazing story and characters is the longest journey."
Essentially a metaphor for gaming itself, the plot involves a young woman who can travel between parallel worlds that are either dominated by industry or magic. The story is rather open-ended, and the massive world that the game takes place in serves to further flesh out the lore. While it is known as a great obscure video game in most circles, The Longest Journey is an oft-cited classic in the point-and-click fandom.
Broken Sword: The Shadow Of The Templars (1996)
Unlike most genres that are a bit more elusive and difficult to define, the graphic adventure game follows a familiar template that most examples adhere to. Mentioning a point-and-click series that is the gold standard of that template, one Redditor wrote "Broken Sword 1 and 2 are the quintessential point and click experience."
Sending players off on a globe-trotting adventure involving history and conspiracy, the original Broken Sword title had the perfect mix of story and challenging puzzles. Though the plot was enough to keep players clicking on, the possibility of character death meant it was a much more active experience. Though the series eventually moved into 3D, the animated style of the original games is still remembered fondly.
King's Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow (1992)
Many of the best graphic adventure games of the '90s owe a debt of gratitude to the King's Quest series, and the sixth installment was particularly influential. Speaking of the aforementioned King's Quest sequel, user Hiluxus wrote "It's an old game but probably one of the finest point and click games made so far."
The cheekily named Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow bridged the gap between computer game generations and was the first in the series to have direct point-and-click gameplay as opposed to a text-based interface. Despite this update, the game was just as difficult as its predecessors, and players had to get used to dying over and over again.
Maniac Mansion II: Day Of The Tentacle (1993)
While the original Maniac Mansion game was one of the grandfathers of the genre, Day of the Tentacle was a high point in the history of point-and-click gaming. Summarizing the game, user plastikmissile commented "IMO the greatest adventure game of all time. It's a classic but it has also aged extremely well."
The vibrant and cartoonish style is timeless, and the game's signature sense of humor was just the thing it needed to put it over the top. While it does offer a lot of challenge, it doesn't suffer from the unfairness that many early point-and-clicks did, and the player can never get stuck in a no-win situation.
The Secret Of Monkey Island (1990)
LucasArts outdid themselves when they developed the early point-and-click classic The Secret of Monkey Island, and created a gaming experience that necessitated the term "graphic adventure" to describe it. Showing its importance even outside the point-and-click fandom, user KingOctavious said "This is my all-time favorite game of any genre. It has the perfect balance of storytelling, puzzles...difficulty, and humor."
The developer knew exactly how to manage all aspects of the game to deliver a playing experience that was perfectly balanced without being too easy or too difficult. Also, the swashbuckling adventure story had the feel of a feature film, helped along by cutscenes that further immersed the player in the world.
Source:gamerant.com