The adventure game genre comes in waves of interest for gamers. Initially popularized by LucasArts back in the 90s, it fell off during the 2000s, before seeing a resurgence in the 2010s thanks to Telltale. We’re taking a look at the best adventure games ever, with games from every era, to see which ones you should be picking up in 2024 and beyond.
Credit: LucasArts
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis was essentially the fourth Indie film, before Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was ever a thing. This title puts players in the driving seat of a quintessential Indiana Jones story, allowing them to forge their own path with different game modes changing the focus of the game.
Credit: Lucasfilm Games
Loom is arguably Lucasfilm Games’ (later LucasArts) most forgotten title. It has gameplay centered around four-note tunes, which the player can play on their distaff, while telling a serious fantasy story years ahead of its time. The ambition of Loom is remarkable, which lends well to its reputation over time, but it’s understandable why it struggled commercially.
Credit: LucasArts
The Secret of Monkey Island is arguably the game that established LucasArts as the adventure game developer. Spawning an entire franchise, it is frequently referenced among the best adventure games ever made, thanks to its humor and gameplay that felt fresh to the genre back in 1990. To play The Secret of Monkey Island in 2024, you should pick up the 2009 remake.
Credit: LucasArts
Sam and Max Hit the Road is arguably the best point-and-click adventure game of all time. It thrived due to its strong graphics and hilarious sense of humor, establishing Sam and Max as two essential figures in the adventure game genre.
Credit: Deck Nine
While not quite as charming as the original, 2021’s Life is Strange: True Colors was a much-needed return to form for the series. With new protagonist Alex Chen at the helm and an awesome new power for players to experiment with, Life is Strange: True Colors is one of the best adventure games out there.
Credit: Telltale
Borderlands and Telltale shouldn’t work together. Yet, Tales from the Borderlands shows it can, combining the series’ quirky humor and unique worldbuilding with Telltale’s consequential choices.
Credit: LucasArts
Grim Fandango might have been a commercial failure, but it’ll always have our hearts. Its charming aesthetic led Grim Fandango to develop a cult following, being the first LucasArts adventure game to use 3D graphics. We hope Grim Fandango can make a return again in the future, so it can get the love it deserves.
Credit: Telltale
Based on the Fables comic book series, The Wolf Among Us is a murder mystery that puts you in charge of the conclusion. Solve crime as Bigby Wolf, the Sheriff of Fabletown in one of the best adventure games stories you’ll find to date. Don’t let its age fool you – The Wolf Among Us could’ve been released today, and no one would bat an eye. The planned sequel is one of the best upcoming games, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store when The Wolf Among Us returns.
Credit: Dontnod
Life is Strange is a time-traveling adventure that sees players take on the role of Max Caulfield, a budding photography student at Blackwell Academy. When she discovers she can rewind time on a whim, her life changes forever. A chance encounter with her old friend Chloe Price sees these partners in time embark on one of the best adventure game stories ever told. Its dialogue is charmingly dated now, but in 2015, Life is Strange was all the rage.
Credit: Telltale
Telltale’s The Walking Dead single-handedly revived the adventure game genre. By 2012, the genre was dead on its feet, but the post-apocalyptic story of Lee Everett and Clementine brought gamers back in all over again. Not only is it the most influential adventure game ever made, but it’s also the best. A masterpiece yet to be topped in the genre.
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