The First 50 Adventure Games You Should Play

[LimpingFish]

I wouldn't choose games simply for nostalgia's sake. Rating something high because it was the "first" to do something renders a list such as this pointless. These games are meant to be the best of the best (aren't they?) and not a trudge through the history of adventure games.

I'm no Star Trek fan, but I enjoyed the Star Trek adventures. The space combat in 25th Anniversary was a little off-putting, and I was glad it became optional in Judgement Rites, but other than that I was pleasently surprised by the high-quality of both games.

To dismiss them as licensed fodder is a little harsh, especially considering the Kings Quest games are, at best, a mixed bag.

"King's Quest Series (notably #6)" could simply be ammended to "King's Quest 6". Maybe the remakes could also be included (if you must). The original 1-3 are little more than museum pieces now, a 4 and 5 (certainly 5) were never any great shakes to begin with. 7 is just horrible.

I was never a fan of the Simon games.

In fact, I would go so far as to remove all those "series" entries, as most of them could be reduced to a single title (Broken Sword 1, Gabriel Knight 1, Discworld, etc). If you're compiling a list of the first 50 games people should play, then I would pick the best from each series and let the sequels/prequels be discovered afterwards.


Two games I would add to the list (in no particular order):

Shadow of the Comet
Cruise for a Corpse

Personally, I would drop the Runaway games, Dreamfall, and possibly the Syberia games.

But that's just me.

Aside from that, it's a solid list.

[ManicMatt]

Personally, I would drop Dreamfall, and possibly the Syberia games.

I agree, if I'd played those before other adventure games they'd put me off playing anymore, but they're okay for when there's nothing better to play. (Not played Runaway games, probably never will)

[InCreator]

Shadow of the Comet?

I just finished it for 3rd time in my life -- few days ago, for that "nostalgia's sake" and I don't recall much more horrible adventure games on PC!

If it's a game "you should play", then for sake of knowing how NOT TO make an adventure game.

Stupid, inexcusable, disorienting maze? Check!
Or maybe two? Forest? Check!
Random deaths around every corner? Check!
Horrible, abysmal controls? Check!
Pixel hunting? Check!
Illogical puzzles? Check!
Totally linear and unforgiving gameplay? Check!
Totally unbalanced graphics, with ugly photo scans, comic-book art and pixelart all together? Check!
Arcade sequences based purely on trial and error? Check!
No way back if you made an error... unless you save in every 30 seconds? Check!
Timed puzzles? Check!
All kinds of other adventure game bummers, for example, head-aching navigation around screens, unknown hotspots, lack of hints, etc? Check.


I know that I'm no fan of H.P. Lovecraft nor his monster gibberish, and many are, but this game runs quickly out of excuses to exist. Even though atmosphere really kicks arse.

There are games that can be critcized as much, but they almost always make up for it, take Dreamweb for example: For about the same amount of problems, it still rewards you with really good cyberpunk story and atmosphere, some of best music tracks found in an adventure game, and very original game system and layout overall.

Ah, and I don't see Grim Fandango anywhere near even first 10 of the games "you should play". There's so much better games to pick from.

[LimpingFish]

Shadow of the Comet?

I just finished it for 3rd time in my life -- few days ago, for that "nostalgia's sake" and I don't recall much more horrible adventure games on PC!

You didn't notice it was "horrible" the first time around?

I know that I'm no fan of H.P. Lovecraft nor his monster gibberish...

Fair enough.

Ah, and I don't see Grim Fandango anywhere near even first 10 of the games "you should play". There's so much better games to pick from.

Yes, how can it possibly compete with the likes of The Longest Journey or Gabriel Knight 2?!

[InCreator]

Yes, how can it possibly compete with the likes of The Longest Journey or Gabriel Knight 2?!

Heh, your sarcasm is true. But I didn't even manage to play through first 5 screens of GK2... Well, in this case, Shadow of the Comet fits in this list like a glove: Just the title of the list should be changed -- "50 worst games ever"   

You didn't notice it was "horrible" the first time around?

Well, it was quite a lot of years, games and game generations ago. Also, it was before AGS, which means before getting some ideas of a good and bad game and how they differ.

But pairing your suggestion with Cruise for Corpse, which I find quite cool game - even though a bit difficult, makes huge contrast.

Anyway, Shadow of the Shame... er, Comet is available on abandonia. I suggest you to drop the nostalgia factor, have clear head and healthy criticism --- and try it again. Maybe it shatters some good old impressions you might had.

[Blackthorne]

Lists are all subjective:  I read an opinion in this thread that Space Quest III was mediocre, while I believe it to be one of the best adventure games of all time.

I think your list, however, is a pretty good jumping point for a beginner to take notice of.  One must play these games and form their own opinions.


Bt

[lo_res_man]

So we should include especially controverisial games because  so that the newb can for their own opionions on the matter.   

[blueskirt]

Shadow of the Comet has a marvellous story that gave me nightmares when I was a kid, it's spooky, the atmosphere is tense, you couldn't expect any less from the maker of Alone In The Dark, but the gameplay is flawed on so many levels, I'm not sure it has its place in this list. A great story can't save a game with abysmal gameplay. When I talk about remaking games that really worth it rather than remaking games that are perfectly playable and prefectly enjoyable like the Sierra or LucasArts games, it's games like Shadow Of The Comet that I have in mind.

[Nathan23]

I think that Phantasmagoria I must be in the list, but not sure in what place.. but it's a good game... good history..great backgrounds.. like GK2, the puzzles are normal so the role playing and i'm sure that must be placed in the commercial list, however like Blackthorne said is all subjective, blame me if I like this game..

[Gregjazz]

Thanks for the Apprentice mention.

Nice list, too!

[Supersheep]

Hey great list! I'm getting on to playing Pleurghburg : Dark Ages right now! You've also tempted me to buy Broken sword 1 and 2 again. Lost them years ago.