Adventure games are always popular with gamers. They can transport us into whole new worlds, challenge us with mind-boggling puzzles, and captivate us with interesting stories. From those point-and-click classics to the most modern and thrilling epics, the best adventure games can take us on an unforgettable journey that sticks with us way after we put down the controller.
So, what exactly makes for a great adventure game? And what are the games that really stand out? Well, let’s take a look at exactly what makes a brilliant adventure experience — and pick out some that we think should be on every gamer’s bucket list.
What Makes a Good Adventure Game?
Ultimately, an adventure game is all about the story and exploration. While other genres are generally focused on trying to get high scores or having fast reflexes, adventure games are more about curiosity, critical thinking, and investing yourself emotionally.
The very best adventure games usually have a few factors in common:
- A Good Story: They have a plot that makes you care about what happens next.
- Immersive New Worlds: They have detailed settings that feel alive and make you want to explore.
- Tricky But Doable Puzzles: There should be enough brain-teasers to make you think – without ending up becoming frustrating roadblocks.
- Memorable Characters: They’ll have heroes, villains, or even quirky sidekicks that you’ll never forget.
Classic Adventure Games That Still Shine
So, with that being said, let’s look at some of those classic adventure games that stand the test of time.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
How could we compile a list and not include this iconic Nintendo masterpiece? Released way back in 1998, Ocarina of Time is considered by many to be one of the greatest games ever made. It has just the right mix of epic storytelling, memorable dungeons, and an amazing fantasy world that totally pushed the boundaries of what 3D gaming could do back in the day.
Almost 30 years later and exploring Hyrule as Link still feels as though we’re stepping into a timeless adventure.
Grim Fandango
Whenever anyone talks about the golden age of point-and-click adventure games, Grim Fandango is always a title that comes up. Created by LucasArts and Tim Schafer, this is a cool classic that blends film noir, Mexican folklore, and witty writing – and creates a game that feels both quirky and heartfelt.
If you’ve never tried a point-and-click before, this is the one to go with. And it’s even available on modern platforms as well!
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, then you can’t ignore The Witcher 3. This is a massive open-world adventure game that follows the iconic Geralt of Rivia through morally complex quests as he hunts down monsters and navigates his way through deeply human stories. Its world manages to feel alive in ways that few games manage to achieve, and the story stays with you long after you log off. So good is The Witcher, it even got its own show on Netflix!
Other Hidden Gems
Of course, not all of the great adventures get such global attention – and there are plenty of Indie studios that keep the genre fresh, but just don’t get as much of the spotlight.
Take Firewatch, for example. This is a first-person adventure game that’s set in the Wyoming wilderness. You play a lonely fire lookout who is communicating with your supervisor over a radio as a mystery slowly starts to unfold. There’s a sense of isolation and suspense that makes for a very atmospheric adventure.
In the world of casinos, some of the best Megaways slots create an adventure… such as Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, where our intrepid explorer takes us on a treasure hunting journey to find the lost city of Gold.
Or maybe try out Oxenfree, which is a supernatural thriller game that has stunning art, an eerie island setting, and a superb real-time dialogue system. It’s short, sweet… and unforgettable.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re a fan of vast fantasy epics, you prefer sci-fi mysteries, or even like those indie experiments, there’s an adventure out there that’s suited to your tastes. So grab your controller, pick a story… and set off on the adventure of a lifetime.
