Most interesting/innovative AGS games?

[Joshua]

There has been lots of talk as to what people think is the best AGS games, but I'm wondering what people consider to be the most interesting/innovative... those that push the boundaries of what an adventure game can be, those that introduce new ways of interacting with the world or approaching the game.... those that step boldly where no adventure game has before... and succeed (somewhat). The games don't have to terribly polished and indeed can significantly flawed - I'm not asking for nice graphics, good voice acting, great music or hours of game time.

I'm new to AGS and am keen to start developing my own games and am looking for games to inspire me and open up different ways of thinking about the genre. I've played through all of the 5 Days a Stranger games (which I enjoyed for their rational approach to puzzles and sense of immersion), Pleurghburg (which I found terribly flawed in terms of puzzles but still very interesting, especially the final scene with all its possibilities) and Nelly Cootalot (which was very cute and enjoyable but very much a traditional adventure game and as such not what excites me).

I'm particularly interested in:
- Clever and new ways to interact with the characters/environment
- Different approaches to linear/nonlinear story telling
- Games that move away from traditional accepted norms to more intuitive/believable interactions with the game world.
- Games that provide Interesting and significant choices that the player has to make.
- Games that have artistic merit: not so much visual merit but games that make you think or games that have a strong emotional impact... I'm getting less interested in pure escapism.

I hope to create games that offer new experiences rather than just recreate the feel of the past greats, but I would like to learn as much as I can from the community and past efforts first.

So what games should I (and other like minded developers) look at?
Also, what excites you? (This probably deserves its own post so be brief).

Josh.

[Vince Twelve]

You could start with the winners of the AGS innovation award.

2006- What Linus Bruckman Sees When His Eyes Are Closed (my own game)
2007- _Access
2008- ColourWise (not really an adventure game, but a very nice puzzle game nonetheless)

Edit: Another game that is springing to mind (I'm sure there are a bunch others) was Into The Light, which wasn't a terribly good game, per se, but I liked the unique attempt at making the main character blind, and imposing some of those limitations on the player.  An interesting game to check out.

Also, for linear/nonlinear storytelling innovation check out Deirdra Kiai's Chivalry is not Dead, or any of her other games for that matter.  They're not AGS games, but they're all fun experiments in storytelling: http://www.deirdrakiai.com/

Edit again: Also not AGS games, but check out Jonas Kyratzes games.  http://www.jonas-kyratzes.net/?page_id=66

Edit Edit: Radiant has done quite a bit of innovating.  Quest for Yrolg and Warthogs are both quite unique gameplay wise.  I loved Warthogs, and Yrolg was a good attempt at breaking the mold, but as attempts at trying something new will often do, I think it falls a bit flat in the fun department.  Just my own opinion.  I still really love it for thinking outside the extremely cramped adventure box.

[Raider]

Well something new Vince is that short term/long term memory GUI in your new game. I just checked it out and Josh you should take a look also. Very inventive.
I think that it's hard to splinter from the norm because that's what the market is. Lucas Arts and Sierra would have done testing and research to see what was the most fun/effective adventure gaming. Thus we build our ideas and games on those foundations.



I think the key is coming up with an original idea then testing it in your game with a few people and get feed back.

[Vince Twelve]

Thanks Raider!  That would be this video preview she's talking about if you're interested Joshua.

[Raider]

*He  8)

[LUniqueDan]

Hey!
I'm *somewhat* useful.

[Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens]

You'll be useful if you finish Zak Mckracken, Dan!

[blueskirt]

Dave Gilbert's The Shivah and Blackwell series were pretty unique too IMO, with their non-traditionnal way of dealing with discussion and puzzles.