Adventure games have their roots in PC gaming, with classic adventures from LucasArts being the prime example of this, such asDay Of The Tentacle. However, nowadays, even these old classics are being ported to consoles.
This is by no means a bad thing; with point-and-click adventure games rarely being released in the modern day, injecting these classics further into the mainstream can only be good for the dying genre. Unfortunately, many modern adventure games, especially the lesser-known indies, are still exclusive to the PC.
Special Mention: Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Set to release on Steam in 2024,Duck Detective: The Secret Salamiis looking to be a promising detective adventure. In the game, players take on the role of the titular Duck Detective, investigating his latest case.
The game features a charming aesthetic that combines colorful 2D sprites with 3D environments in a way that’s not dissimilar toPaper Mario. With a demo currently available on Steam that putsDuck Detective’scharm on full display, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this upcoming adventure game.
6Sunday Gold - A Slick, Dystopian Adventure
Steam User Rating: 79%
Set in a grim dystopia,Sunday Goldis a point-and-click adventure game that features tactical turn-based combat.Sunday Gold’sgreatest strength is its palpable atmosphere, slick tone, and superb character designs. However, while its combat attempts to break up the gameplay, it does ultimately - arguably - bring the overall experience down.
Taking place in the grim future of the City of London,Sunday Goldputs players in the shoes of a small gang of criminals. The game’s story is narrated by a handful of talented voice actors, and the game’s visuals are consistently impressive, makingSunday Goldan adventure worth having despite its lackluster combat.
5The Blackwell Legacy - An Old-School Indie
Steam User Rating: 89%
This initial entry in theBlackwellseries is a point-and-click adventure brimming with old-school charm. DespiteThe Blackwell Legacy’suneven visuals, there has been a clear attempt at replicating the classic pixelatedadventures of the 90s.
The Blackwell Legacy, like many adventure games, is a detective story. The narrative follows a young woman named Rosa Blackwell and her spirit guide, Joey Mallone, a ghost from the 1930s. However silly it may sound,The Blackwell Legacytells a captivating story, and the latter entries in the series only improve on its formula.
4Pony Island - A One-Of-A-Kind Puzzler
Steam User Rating: 95%
This pixelated puzzle game was developed by Daniel Mullins, who would later go on to create the hit escape-room deck-builder,Inscryption.Pony Islandis nothing likeInscryption, but it’s a well-written adventure that’sfull of clever puzzles.
Pony Islandtakes place inside a malfunctioning arcade machine, where it tasks players with solving a variety of puzzles which are often surprising. Much like Mullins' latter game,Inscryption,Pony Islandis best played with little prior knowledge. Furthermore, for those who enjoyPony Island, an upcoming sequel was recently announced in the form ofPony Island 2: Panda Circus.
3STASIS - A Truly Dark Isometric Adventure
This horror-infused sci-fi adventure game is an isometric point-and-clicker set on an abandoned spaceship.STASISuses an isometric perspective that’s relatively uncommon among adventure games and combinesits horror narrativewith retro gameplay seamlessly.
STASISfeatures a dark and grimy aesthetic that matches its gruesome tone, and the soundtrack by Mark Morgan (ofFalloutfame) is tremendously fitting.The dark story, gloomy visuals, and downtrodden tone won’t be for everyone, butthe atmosphere it provides is tangible.
2Hyperbolica - A Mind-Bending Puzzle Adventure
Steam User Rating: 84%
Developed by YouTuber, CodeParade,Hyberbolicais a labor of love adventure game set in a mind-bending, whimsical world.Hyberbolicais packed with quirky characters to meet, strange environments to explore, and interesting puzzles to solve.
Hyperbolicadoes some tremendously unique things with its perspective, using hyperbolic space to create mind-bending puzzles. The game’s visuals are cute and colorful, adding to the whimsical atmosphere of the experience and managing to keep the game grounded despite its heavy ideas.
1Through The Fragmentation
Steam User Rating: 97%
This wildlyunderrated first-personadventure game takes place in a unique world populated by strange, bird-like characters. The game’s flat color, 3D aesthetic, and well-designed environments makeThrough The Fragmentationa joy to explore, furthered by its immersive soundscapes.
Through The Fragmentationis an immersive indie adventure, and one that is clearly under-looked (judging by its mere 146 reviews on Steam, at the time of writing). With a relatively low price point and a dreamy soundtrack,Through The Fragmentationis worth a try for any fan of exploratory, contemplative experiences.
Special Mention: Fragmented City
Through The Fragmentationis set to receive a spiritual successor in the form ofFragmented City, which currently has a demo available on Steam. Players can also enjoyThe Hidden Fragmentation,currently available on Itch.
Fragmented Citylooks and feels similar toThrough The Fragmentation, continuing developer Mate Pribelszky’s trend of wonderfully strange characters and immersive urban environments. Fans ofThrough The Fragmentationshould certainly keep an eye on this promising successor.
