The 10 Best Adventure Games That (Almost) No One Has Ever
Played
By Randy (The Martha Stewart of Adventure
Gaming) Sluganski
Continuing in our quest to emulate Gamespot (just
kidding), we here at Just Adventure are proud to present another in our series
of “lists for adventure gamers.” So now joining our legendary 10
Scariest Games of All-Time, 10
Biggest Turkeys of All Time, 10
Games You Won’t Believe, and Son
of 10 Games You Won’t Believe is our newest entry–The 10 Best Adventure Games
That (Almost) No One Has Ever Played.
Every one of these games is a gem.
Many of you will have never heard of some of them. A few have been only rumored
to exist. No matter. Their quality is determined not by their recognition, but
by their ability to captivate the adventure gamer. These games all suffered from
the same stigma: poor or no marketing, computer magazines indifferent to the adventure
genre, or publishers that did not have a clue as to how to sell their product.
You
will also notice that many of the companies that created these games no longer
exist. The sad truth is that it does not matter how great your game may be; if
consumers have no outlet from which to purchase the product, then it will not
sell.
If you would like to know more about any of the games on this list,
please read the entire Just Adventure review. Where possible, we have provided
information on purchasing the game.
10.
Secrets of the Luxor
Developer/Publisher: Mojave
Release Date:
March 1996
Just Adventure Grade: A+
From Darcy
Danielson’s JA review:
The game overall is haunting,
mesmerizing. What can you say about a game endorsed by the Miller brothers of
Myst fame? The introduction really has a cinematic air (which I love),
similar to LucasArts’ The Dig, or Mechadeus’ Daedalus Encounter.The
environment is particularly well-designed, richly detailed in every respect and
very immersive. Based on the “Egypt as an ancient space civilization”
premise, the graphics nicely mix ancient archeological artifacts with lots of
high-tech equipment.
Secrets of the Luxor is one of
the few games to rise above the now-derogatory label of Myst clone. Live-motion
video and 3D rendering recreate an ancient pyramid and an uncertain future as
you traverse time and space 300 years in the future trying to convince a madman
not to blow up the sun. Well-written and immersive, Luxor is one of those
games that very few adventure gamers have had the pleasure of playing, but those
who have relish the memory.
Secrets of the Luxor is occasionally
available on eBay and the Game
Trading Zone.
9.
Dinotopia
Developer: The Dreamer’s Guild
Publisher: Turner Interactive
Release Date: 1995
Just Adventure Grade: Not yet reviewed
Soon to
be a major movie release in 2002 and an ABC mini-series, Dinotopia is an island
populated by dinosaurs and humans living in harmony. Author James Gurney’s three
Dinotopia books are available in over 30 countries and have inspired countless
cottage industries. Dinotopia, the game, was a marketing disaster. An adventure
game geared toward family participation, Dinotopia was erroneously advertised
to hard-core gamers, who shunned it.
Dinotopia is an interactive
world full of art, science, and invention. This 2D animated point-and-click recreation
lets you play as Nathan, a young man who has been separated from his twin sister
Constance as the result of a shipwreck. Dolphins have rescued the pair and transported
them to the island. The game is an exploration of the world of Dinotopia and visits
many of the areas–Waterfall City, Treetown, the World Beneath–made popular in
the books. There are over 130 characters with whom to interact. The player must
learn the language and alphabet of Dinotopia in addition to solving audio and
visual puzzles. As the game progresses in difficulty, the younger gamer may find
the going thorny, but this is a game that parents will enjoy sharing with their
children.
The graphics and sound are representative for the year the game
was released, and today’s gamer may be annoyed by some of the pixelation and sparse
sound effects. Yet Dinotopia is a solid, nonviolent adventure game that
could have influenced a generation of gamers to gravitate to other products in
the genre. Instead, it is impossible to find and a little-known collector’s item.
There is no known source for this game.
8.
Feeble Files
Developer/Publisher: AdventureSoft
Release Date: 1997
Just Adventure Grade: A
From Craig
White’s JA review:
The Feeble Files deserves your
consideration for a very important reason: if you’re reading this review, you
are most likely an avid adventure gamer. And, as an avid adventure gamer, you
seek true adventure–games that challenge you and give you the thrill of accomplishment,
that make you feel as though you actually lived the adventure. The word “adventure”
itself denotes a challenge that involves investing a good amount of time and that
involves using your reasoning, creativity, and tenacity. When I say The Feeble
Files is an adventure, I mean it is a true adventure.
From
the makers of Simon the Sorcerer, Feeble Files is, as would be expected,
also chock-full of the same dry humor and cutting sarcasm. Feeble is a downtrodden
alien caught up in a rebellion of epic proportions. Beautifully rendered animation
enhances the gameplay as you and Feeble adventure your way through a galaxy of
over eighty locations. The voice of Feeble is superbly created by Robert Llewellyn,
renowned for his role in the excellent Red Dwarf television series. If
you are a fan of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy or just need a good hearty
laugh, then this game is a must-have. The bad news is that The Feeble Files
has never been sold in North America; the good news is that it can still be
directly purchased from the Adventuresoft
website.
7.
Pilgrim
Developer: Arxel Tribe
Publisher: Infogrames
Release
Date: February 1998
Just Adventure Grade: A
From the JA
review:
Pilgrim is the kind of game that gives
the term “graphic interactive fiction” a good name. Because that’s what
this game is: a lovely, mysterious, educational, and compelling story told with
words, beautiful pictures … and me. It’s the kind of game that reminds me why
I like to play adventure games.
Pilgrim is subtitled “Faith
as a Weapon” and, as you may guess, this game ventures into areas of theology
and superstition that were previously foreign to adventure gamers. The year is
1208, and a Knight Templar brings a mysterious manuscript back from the Crusades.
Simon de Lancrois has agreed to deliver the document to a friend of his late father.
Now he finds himself stalked by the Inquisitor of Pope Innocent III as angels
and demons struggle for control of his mind and soul.
Written by Paulo Coelho,
author of the best-selling The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage, and
designed by Moebius, the artist of Blueberry and The Incal, Pilgrim
is an artistic tour-de-force for those with an adventurous mind. The gameplay
is clunky at times, but any shortcomings are overshadowed by the sheer power and
scope of the theme.
Pilgrim was rumored to be included as a bonus
with the upcoming release of Pilgrim 2, but it seems this idea has been
scraped (yet another marketing mistake). Very rare, but can occasionally be found
on eBay and the Game
Trading Zone.
6.
Riddle of Master Lu
Developer/Publisher: Sanctuary Woods
Release Date: 1995
Just Adventure Grade: B+
From Randy
Sluganski’s JA review:
An almost perfect blend of humor,
puzzles and storytelling has been intricately woven together to create an unforgettable
gaming experience. You, playing in the third person as Robert Ripley, must traverse
the world in an attempt to find the “key” that will unlock the secret
of Master Lu’s tomb and obtain the world’s most coveted treasure. Along the way,
you must be on a constant lookout for bizarre exhibits to display in your Odditorium,
keep your cartoon series updated by sketching interesting objects in your journal
and stay one step ahead of the nefarious foes who are intent on taking your life
and the “key” you have discovered that will open the door to eternal
life. A blockbuster of a surprise ending awaits those whom solve the riddle and
the knowledge that the world can again sleep in peace thanks to your vigilant
efforts.
Riddle of Master Lu is the kind of game they used
to make back in the good ol’ days of adventure gaming: puzzles that advance the
plot, characters with personality, and historically accurate and authentic environments.
The year is 1936 and, with the planet on the brink of a world war, the Imperial
Seal of the first emperor of China has become the focus of a plot to rule the
world. Written by Lee Sheldon, the dean of adventure gaming, Riddle succeeds
in turning a real-life person, Robert Ripley of Believe It or Not! fame,
into an Indiana Jones-type personality without subjecting the gamer to the usual
awkward action elements. A roller coaster ride from start to finish, Riddle
of Master Lu is readily available at various Internet stores for as little
as five dollars.
5.
The Neverhood
Developer: The Neverhood
Publisher: DreamWorks Interactive
Release Date: 1995
Just Adventure Grade: A
From the JA
review:
“Embark on a clay adventure that breaks the
mold.” This quote appears on the box of the adventure game The Neverhood.
I almost missed out on this adventure for two reasons: (1) I thought it was a
kid’s game. I somehow missed the statement on the box “for ages 17 and up.”
(2) Even if it was for adults, I thought, “how good can a game using claymation
be?” It turns out the answer to that question is, “it can be one of
the best!” I did eventually play the game and found it to be an excellent
adventure, and it remains one of my favorites today.
The Neverhood
is one of those rare games that auctions for upwards of $100 on eBay. It is
lovingly remembered by anyone who has ever slogged through its world of clay and
strange noises. Published by a major company (Dreamworks), The Neverhood just
never seemed to find its niche. Adults thought it a kid’s game and kids found
it too difficult. Through the years, word of mouth has transformed this game into
the Holy Grail of gaming claymation. Three tons of clay and over 50,000 frames
of animation bring to life a fantasy land of terrifying creatures, extraordinary
machines, and mysterious artifacts. Oddball humor is the order of the day as you
guide Klaymen through his bumbling attempt to save the Neverhood. A sequel was
released for the Playstation, but, though it also was excellent, this version
was a platform game.
Almost impossible to find, The Neverhood does
make an occasional expensive appearance on eBay.
4.
Sherlock Holmes: Case of the Rose Tattoo
Developer: Mythos Software
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: 1996
Just Adventure Grade: Not
yet reviewed
Rose Tattoo was the second adventure in the Lost
Files of Sherlock Holmes series, the first being the award-winning Case
of the Serrated Scalpel. As well-written as any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s
Sherlock Holmes narratives, Rose Tattoo is a masterpiece of adventure gaming.
The game’s afoot as Sherlock and Dr. Watson explore the cause of an explosion
that has severely injured Holmes’ brother. The investigation involves the duo
in a tangled web of theft, treason, and murder. Your journey through Victorian
England will require you to unravel heinous crimes, protect the national security,
and preserve the honor of England’s most famous family.
Rose Tattoo is
by no means a short game and, similar to reading a Sherlock Holmes novel, demands
strict attention to spoken dialogue and visual clues. This is a journey for advanced
adventurers with no apologies given. A unique mix of video-captured characters,
3D locations, and movie-style video sequences bring the cast of familiar characters
to life. Watson’s journal tracks your progress from 221B Baker Street to the seedy
underside of London. A must-play for any adventure gamer, Sherlock Holmes:
Case of the Rose Tattoo is a little-known classic that is next to impossible
to find for sale or trade.
3.
Duckman
Developer: Illusions
Publisher: Playmates Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: 1997
Just Adventure Grade: Review not yet published
For
years I wondered why this game was never released in the United States. It is,
after all, based on a hit television show. It does feature superb voice acting
by Tim Curry and Dweezil Zappa, among others, and the animation is top-notch.
Here’s a clue: the game’s subtitle is “The Graphic Adventures of a Private
Dick,” and they ain’t just whistling Dixie. For Duckman is probably
the most sexually suggestive, and funniest, game I have ever played. The back
of the box claims that Duckman is appropriate for children age 11-14. Quite
simply, Playmates Interactive did not have a freakin’ clue as to Duckman’s identity
when they marketed this game.
I would have loved to be a fly on the wall
at the corporate board meeting of Playmate Interactive Entertainment when they
voted on their clueless decision to release Duckman: The Graphic Adventures
of a Private Dick as a children’s computer game. Having been privy to numerous
board meetings in my “real life” jobs, I can almost guarantee it went
like this:
Suit #1: Hey, he’s a talking duck. Ducks are funny!
Suit #2: Donald, Howard, Huey, Dewey and Louie … They’re all a gold mine!
Suit #3: Plus he already has his own hit television series on the USA network!
Now
understand that probably not a single one of them had ever seen the show. So imagine
their surprise when the opening game scene featured Duckman in a Jacuzzi surrounded
by naked women, their long hair covering their huge breasts. Duckman asks one
of the beauties to massage the webbing between his toes and then loudly sighs,
“Ah, that’s enough to make the cock crow.” Okay, anyone out there still
not understand why Playmates cried fowl and ducked out of distributing this game
stateside?
It took me three years to find a boxed Duckman; if you
ever spot a copy, snatch it up immediately, for this game will quack you up.
2.
The Last Express
Developer: Smoking Car Productions
Publisher:
Broderbund
Release Date: 1997
Just Adventure Grade: Not yet reviewed
Recently
rereleased by Interplay, The Last Express has often been referred to as
“the game that bankrupted a company.” Well ahead of its time, The
Last Express was a noble, but failed, experiment by Jordan Mechner of Prince
of Persia fame. You play as Robert Cath, an American summoned to join his
friend aboard the Orient Express. Your voyage on this opulent train will find
your character involved in a maelstrom of political intrigue, suspense, romance,
and betrayal.
There never had been, nor has there since been, another game
like The Last Express. Real actors were turned into animated characters
through an advanced rotoscoping process. The diplomats, revolutionaries, and aristocrats
aboard the train speak in their native dialects and behave in real time–moving
about as they please, dining during mealtimes, and conversing with fellow passengers.
Real life swirls around you as the train moves relentlessly through 1914 Europe
to its place in history. The Orient Express itself has been authentically recreated
down to the last screw, adding to the look of the historical period.
At
first play, The Last Express is a confusing gaming experience only because
it is so unique. As play progresses, and the player becomes accustomed to the
jerky animation and the freedom of the characters, it is easy to become absorbed
into a rich world of multiple story threads and quirky characters.
The
Last Express has been rereleased and is available for under $15 at all Electronic
Boutiques and Babbages and also many online stores.
1.
The Quivering
Developer: Charybdis, Ltd.
Publisher: Alternative Software
Ltd.
Release Date: 1998
Just Adventure Grade: A-
From Randy
Sluganski’s JA review:
[The Quivering] is presented
with such loving care and knowledge of the horror industry that you soon realize
that The Lads have gone beyond what could be considered a “B” game.
Instead they have created a minor gem that pays homage to the horror genre in
much the same manner as Mel Brooks’ classic film, Young Frankenstein. They
have purposely assembled a world that is chock full of every hoary plot device
and evil creature familiar to the many midnight fans of chiller/horror/suspense
movies around the world. An entire page could be filled with the subtle references
inspired from well-known horror films.
I have yet to hear of anyone
who dislikes The Quivering. In fact, the only consistent complaint about
this game is a save system that can be an adventure in and of itself. The Quivering
is a cliche of every horror film and game ever made and, as Martha Stewart
would say, it’s a good thing. Loving care is evident in every scar and wart as
Charybdis, Ltd. pays homage to the classic horror flicks of our childhood.
You
play as Spud, a young man with a strange family tree, and your Uncle Franken-Stamp
is in desperate need of your help. The taxi driver will only take you as far as
the local village, and the locals slam their shutters tight at the sight of a
stranger. Thunder crackles in the sky, the wind is screaming through the trees,
and it is a dark and stormy night. If done incorrectly, this is a game that would
have deserved anonymity, but instead it constantly attracts a smile or a grin
as familiar horror characters involve you in increasingly devious and demanding
puzzles.
The bad news is that despite my numerous pleas and machinations
to have this game distributed in North America, not one single company has had
neither the foresight nor the guts to purchase the rights. The good news is that
Alan MacDonald, owner of Playing
Games, is doing his best to provide hard-to-get products to adventure gamers
and now has The Quivering for sale online.
* * *
Now
rate yourself as an adventure gamer:
Just Adventurite Extremitus–Have
played and own all ten games on the list.
Hardcore–Have played eight
games on the list; own at least five of them.
Advanced–Have played
at least six games on the list; own at least three.
Moderate–Have
played at least four games on the list but do not own any of them.
Easy
Level–Not only have you not played any of the games on the list, but you
have never ever heard of a few of them.
