Hi everyone-
I'm on a short vacation, and I have found that picking my next adventure game has been a challenge. Lots of games are coming out these days. But there are also dozens of older games I haven't played yet. Add to that the great AGS games being added to the scene, and it can be hard to pick the game that you (I) should play next.
I've spent a lot of time on these forums, as well as adventuregamers and justadventure, looking for the best way to spend my gaming time...
I decided to put together a list of the first 50 adventure games someone should play. Like a curriculum for someone who has never played adventures.
This is a bit different from a "Top 50" because all game series must be in release order. No MI2 before MI1. So, some games higher up may not be BETTER, they're just more important to play first. Make sense? I hope? It's a map for someone to see the important parts of the genre. Even if you can only play 30 of them, you can know you're using your gaming time wisely.
I'm sticking to third person games for this list for some unknown reason. I think I recently burned out on 1st person playing Myst IV.
Anyway, here's the incomplete list:
The First 50 (http://www.puzzleforge.com/adventures/First50.html)
And my question is, what games did I miss? What games should be pushed out of the first 50? What games should be added? Which games should be moved up the list for a better Adventuring Phd?
Reply with your thoughts and I'll keep updating the list!
I think you made a pretty good list!
In my personal opinion, I would consider Quest for Glory (1 or 2) between 10-20 and perhaps Space Quest 3 and 5 could fit somewhere around 30. Other note-worthy AGS games that somewhat rival the quality of the olden adventure games include the Apprentice series and Pleurghburg.
Thanks, TheJBurger!
I agree. I just moved Quest for Glory 1 up to #15 and Quest for Glory 2 up to #28.
I also added Space Quest 2-5 at #34-#37.
I also added the Apprentice games at #30 and Pleurghburg at #32.
Thanks again!
Nice first attempt, I will look forward the final result as I am constantly looking for suggestions of adventure games to play.
If I were you, I would ditch the positions, sort the games alphabetically and make it clear that these are "50 Adventure games you should play" and not a "Top-50 list", because if it's a Top-50 list, you'll spend all of your time adjusting the games' positions in the list instead of adding new games. I would also remove the indie adventure games from that list and compile another list just for them because there are enough great commercial games and great indie games to fill two lists.
Second, unless if you combine the several games and their sequels into one single entry named "The <insert game's name here> Series", remove all King's Quest games from that list except King's Quest 6 because there is easily much better adventure games out there to avoid occupying the empty slots with mediocre games like King's Quest. Escape From Monkey Island doesn't belong in such list too.
Also if Syberia is the pinacle of adventure games produced nowaday, then I suppose most adventure games produced nowaday aren't very good because Syberia is hardly worth playing.
I would also suggest that you play much more adventure games before compiling such list. The games present in this list are mostly from LucasArts, Sierra and Revolution. Where are the Coktel Vision and Legend Entertainment games and every other great adventure games produced by other insignificant companies, games like Gobliins 2, Discworld, Superhero League of Hoboken, Star Trek: Judgement Rites or Flight For An Amazon Queen? Even Myst isn't there.
Edit: Changed "to occupy" for "to avoid occupying"
Yes, good point. I'm going to move Syberia down in the play order. Are there other games folks think would push Syberia out of the list entirely?
Also, I am combining some of the game series into one entry as you suggested. In some cases though, I'm leaving them split out for emphasis and variety in ordering, especially for the first games in a series.
Wow, I've never played any of these:
Gobliins 2
Discworld
Superhero League of Hoboken
Star Trek: Judgement Rites
Flight For An Amazon Queen
Do you think they belong in the first 50? If so, I'm in for some fun!
I do like the idea of keeping the ordering (even though it isn't a top 50). My reason for this is that I would like to use the list to come up with an order I can play the games. So after Monkey Island one there are a few great games before I play Monkey Island two. There are too many to get through them all unless I'm on vacation, especially when you include the AGS games. Geez, I'm having a hard time explaining the ordering and sounding convincing to myself. It's all about knowing what I'm better off playing first. Sometimes because the game is amazing, and sometimes because it's significant in AG history, or any other reason.
The idea of separating out 'amateur' or 'underground' games sounds good to me if I can get some more names of games that are really GREAT. Are there more you all would consider on par with commercial games? I have been impressed with Trilby, Blackwell and Apprentice so far.
For example, I think right now I'd rather dig into Pleurghburg than many commercial games in the list. (I'm playing it now.)
For reference, since I'm updating it after every post, here's the list as it stands now. Numbers are getting lost in the cut and paste, but you can still see them by following the link in the first post. Observant readers will notice there aren't yet 50:
The First 50 Adventure Games You Should Play, In Play Order
The Secret of Monkey Island (1)
Grim Fandango
Full Throttle
Broken Sword 1
Gabriel Knight 1
King's Quest I
The Day of the Tentacle
Indianna Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Sam and Max Hit the Road
The Longest Journey
The Dig
Monkey Island 2
Beneath a Steel Sky
Gabriel Knight : The Beast Within (2)
Quest for Glory 1
The Legend Of Kyrandia 1
Space Quest I
Simon the Sorceror
The Curse of Monkey Island (3)
Broken Sword 2
Runaway
Dreamfall : The Longest Journey
Escape from Monkey Island (4)
Gabriel Knight : Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned (3)
Loom
Syberia
Indigo Prophecy
Quest for Glory 2
The Lengend of Kyrandia 2
Apprentice 1 and 2
The Trilby Quadrilogy
Pleurghburg : Dark Ages
The Blackwell Series 1 and 2
Space Quest 2 - 5
Runaway 2
Sanitarium
Syberia 2
King's Quest 2 - 6
Quest for Glory 3
Simon the Sorceror 2 - 3
QuoteDo you think they belong in the first 50? If so, I'm in for some fun!
I don't know if they belong in the
first 50, but these are in par with all the games listed here, much better in several cases.
QuoteAre there more you all would consider on par with commercial games?
Hard to say. Commercial games had big teams, budget and could create projects of such proportions that only a handful of indies games can compete with. It doesn't means the indies one aren't great, but I find it very difficult to compare a great commercial adventure game that can last for 5 days with a great indie game that last 3 hours.
That being said, a similar list for indies games would increase their visibility and serve as a good tutorial to those who haven't heard of them yet. And if it include games made with any engine, such list would help indie adventure games players to discover great games they could have missed.
Maniac Mansion should DEFINATELY be in that list. ;D It's the prequel to Day Of The Tentacle.
A couple of independant games I think should be included:
Frasse & Pease Of Kejeck - wonderfully funny, rich graphics, fantastic music. A definate must.
What Makes You Tick? - A graphic adventure kinda simial in style to LucasArts\ Sierra, but a brilliantly written story.
:)
You missed Kyrandia 3, and seem to have put Simon the Sorceror 2 at the same level as 3. You also Put Monkey Island 4 and KQ1 way, way higher than a lot of other games that should be played first. The sequelish order seems a little strange, because that would mean that in some cases you'd have to play a pretty bad game to get to the good one. I'd also think Eric the Unready should be somewhere in there (Perhaps around 19-20?). The Discworld games should definitely be in there somewhere, but I'm not so sure about Flight of the Amazon Queen.
I definitely think that Star Trek 25th Anniversary and Star Trek Judgment Rites are must plays for star trek fans and non-star trek hating adventure gamers. Both have an excellent mix of combat and puzzle solving with multiple solutions available.
Maniac Mansion - Woops, ok I added it.
Quote from: Blueskirt on Thu 06/12/2007 10:32:13
That being said, a similar list for indies games would increase their visibility and serve as a good tutorial to those who haven't heard of them yet. And if it include games made with any engine, such list would help indie adventure games players to discover great games they could have missed.
Yes! This is what I'm hoping!
Quote from: Babar on Thu 06/12/2007 10:50:13
The sequelish order seems a little strange, because that would mean that in some cases you'd have to play a pretty bad game to get to the good one.
Yeah, I'm not completely happy with that fact yet. I'll try to figure something out. Maybe list the really notable ones with a note about others that could be played first to keep the overall series story arch?
Quote from: Babar on Thu 06/12/2007 10:50:13
You also Put Monkey Island 4 and KQ1 way, way higher than a lot of other games that should be played first.
OK, moved those down, I think, appropriately.
Quote from: ProgZmax on Thu 06/12/2007 10:52:31
I definitely think that Star Trek 25th Anniversary and Star Trek Judgment Rites are must plays for star trek fans and non-star trek hating adventure gamers. Both have an excellent mix of combat and puzzle solving with multiple solutions available.
I HAVE to check these out. Just finished watching season one of the original series tonight while compiling this list! :)
I'm going to start adding some of the suggested games to the list(s). I haven't played many of the missing suggestions (obviously). So any help putting them in a good play-first order would be great. Oh, and a disclaimer seems good. I am blown away by the idependent games I have played, but I haven't played many. So my order may be a bit arbitrary until I get feedback. I have looked at the percentage scores, but I fear they may sometimes take into account limited dev timeframes and stuff like that. I want to list based on play-value per unit time only. :)
OK, the list has taken another step. I have uploaded a new version.
Here it is.
(http://www.puzzleforge.com/adventures/First50.html)
My suggestions for independent games:
Just Another Point'n'Click Adventure (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=detail&id=169) Maybe funniest AGS game ever.
Larry Vales series (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=search&sterm=larry+vales&submit=Search%21) True classics!
Prodigal (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=detail&id=644) Best AGS game ever, with only Pleurghburg as considerable rival. MUST be in top three!
Quest for Glory 4 1/2 (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=detail&id=38) Another historic giant
Emily Enough: Imprisoned (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=detail&id=602) No description needed
Permanent Daylight (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=detail&id=19) The game that brought probably many people to AGS
The Shivah (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=detail&id=739) Gilbert's a master... it's commercial now though.
It's quite hard to call yourself an AGSer without knowing those games.
Whee, I've only ever finished 3 of them! In my personal list I'd be adding the Big Red Adventure and Zak MacKraken & the Alien Mindbenders...
The Trilby Quadrilogy 1 - 4
I have to play all 4 at the same time? That's impossible. I don't even have four computers that can run them.
Text adventures: you missed The Hobbit (a true classic) and the Enchanter/Sorcerer/Spellbreaker trilogy.
Indie adventures: you missed Hugo's House of Horror, which deserves the honor of being the first indie adventure game ever. It is easily five years older than AGS. It's not that great overall, but it does have the nostalgia factor.
Graphical adventures: I strongly disagree with grouping all sequels together like this, and then sticking the first part up somewhere higher. Usually, the first is not the best. For instance, Quest for Glory 2 and 4 are generally considered to be better games than the first part.
Based on forum discussions, when people are asked which adventure game they consider the Best Ever, there are two games that consistently turn up tops: King's Quest 6, and Monkey Island 2. These should probably near the top of the list, and certainly should be higher than KQ1 and MI1.
Legend of Kyrandia 1 doesn't belong in that list, it isn't that good. The third part (Malcolm's Revenge) is highly innovative, though, and the second part is certainly a lot better than the first.
Simon the Sorcerer doesn't belong either, while it's funny it's a far cry from being one of the greatest games of all time.
The Star Trek games shouldn't be listed either, as the main reason people play them is because of the "star trek" name on there.
Loom should be higher, at least in my opinion. It is truly a game like no other.
Space Quest 2-5 can't be listed together like that, as they're widely differing games (and you left out #6). While space quest 5 is great, and 2 is very nice, 4 is not all that interesting and 3 is mediocre at best.
Likewise, it is even more obvious that King's Quest 2-6 can't be listed like that, and you've left out #7 (#8 is not an adventure game). #6 is without doubt the best of the lot, closely followed by #4 (which has the honor of being the first game with a female protagonist). Otoh, #2 is frequently derided as a copy/paste of #1; #3 was disliked when it first came out because the connection to the earlier two isn't obvious, and #5 is downright abysmal in design, and is mainly liked because for many people it is the first adventure they ever played.
Some things that deserve adding are Manhunter (while I don't like it, it is certainly innovative), Future Wars (first ever adventure game in VGA), Police Quest (because of its serious design by an actual police officer) and its sequel PQ2, Myst (although one can argue that it isn't actually an adventure game) and Gold Rush (which is one of the first historical adventures, and is rather innovative as well).
Leisure Suit Larry should be up there somewhere, if only on the lower end of the scale. The 6th and 7th games are generally considered the best of the series- either one is worth a mention.
QuoteLegend of Kyrandia 1 doesn't belong in that list, it isn't that good. The third part (Malcolm's Revenge) is highly innovative, though, and the second part is certainly a lot better than the first.
Simon the Sorcerer doesn't belong either, while it's funny it's a far cry from being one of the greatest games of all time.
The Star Trek games shouldn't be listed either, as the main reason people play them is because of the "star trek" name on there.
You word these comments like they're indisputable facts and not just your opinion ;\. Suggesting that someone play something they might enjoy is rather different from saying 'don't put this on your list because it sucks.' I happen to know a lot of people who greatly enjoyed all three of those series (myself included aside from Simon) and I'm not a particularly ardent Star Trek fan, they were just well-crafted games (imo). Why don't we let him play these games and decide for himself where they should be on his list?
I noticed you split up your new list from independent games (which I think is a good idea). As it currently stands (just my opinion) I would move Kyrandia 1 down about 10-20 spots. It was a good game (somewhat) but certainly nowhere near the level of some of the other games up there. Also QFG2 should probably deserve a higher spot.
edit: oh yeah, and even though they had dead-ends, Zak McKracken and Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade are still classics worthy of mentioning.
If you're looking for more AGS games, you could check out the picks of the month (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=pickofmonthhistory)and this thread: http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=30398.msg388851#msg388851
There's still a lot more note-worthy AGS games yes, but just about every game in that thread is worth playing.
Ooh, great thread! I'm going to go through it and check out all the games mentioned.
In the meantime, the list has been updated based on some of the comments.
I have decided to list a series as one entry, but note the best games in the series in parenthesis. I think most series earn a place in our minds and hearts because of their best game, so I'm listing it that way. And that keeps the list in a playable order which is inexplicably important to me for some reason.
Thanks everyone for your comments, I think I have a plan for my days off! And some weeks after that it seems...
Ahem, erm... *cough* now I know there is nowhere near enough to make a list of 1rst person adventures AKA Myst Clones, that would be any good...but, I, well, I think Myst is an important adventure game. Wether you love it or hate it, you should at least give it a try. I loved it by the way, the music, the ambiance, yes even MOST of the puzzles. Its something special, even if it spawned a whole legion of crap. Now it doesn't really fit into any of those lists, and like I said, there isn't enough good first person adventures to make a list...but, but, Myst deserves something. That's what I think anyway.
QuoteThe Star Trek games shouldn't be listed either, as the main reason people play them is because of the "star trek" name on there.
QuoteSpace Quest 2-5 can't be listed together like that, as they're widely differing games (and you left out #6). While space quest 5 is great, and 2 is very nice, 4 is not all that interesting and 3 is mediocre at best.
Both Star Trek games are essentially a much longer and non parodic version of Space Quest 5, a game that is featured in the list. Both Star Trek games offer an epic storyline spreading over 7-8 episodes, have lot of freedom regarding moral choices and method to solve the puzzles, present a good mix of ship fighting and puzzle solving, the CD versions of both games feature the voice of the original TV series actors and the games have a computer database that react to nearly any characters, ships, species and star systems featured the original series.
Your "Star Trek in the title" argument apply to a lot of Sierra games with "Quest" in the title and the Sierra logo in the opening scene, I find it rather hypocritical that the Star Trek games, which are easily of higher quality than Space Quest 5, should simply be discarded from the list because, according to you, the main reason people play the Star Trek games is because of "Star Trek" in the title, yet Space Quest 5 and several other Sierra games aren't discarded for the same reason.
I am not questioning whether Space Quest 5 should be in this list or not as Space Quest 5 is easily one of the better game produced by Sierra, but to discard the Star Trek games yet keep Space Quest 5 in the list, when both are essentially the same in spirit and the Star Trek games are easily of better quality, is the equivalent of giving Spaceballs an oscar and Star Wars a razzie.
Edit: Complete syntax overhaul
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.
Quote from: LimpingFish on Fri 07/12/2007 19:34:32
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)
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.
Quote from: InCreator on Wed 12/12/2007 06:00:18
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?
Quote from: InCreator on Wed 12/12/2007 06:00:18
I know that I'm no fan of H.P. Lovecraft nor his monster gibberish...
Fair enough.
Quote from: InCreator on Wed 12/12/2007 06:00:18
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?!
QuoteYes, 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" :D
QuoteYou 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.
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
So we should include especially controverisial games because so that the newb can for their own opionions on the matter. :)
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.
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.. ;)
Thanks for the Apprentice mention. ;)
Nice list, too!
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.