The BEST old school graphic adventure games ever?
Where are those good ‘ol graphic adventure games these days?
You know, the ironic thing is that the most memorable bits weren’t actually the graphics, it was the soundtrack: you spent so much time trying to find the crowbar that opened the latch that released the pigeon that distracted the pirate, that you could remember every single MIDI note that was playing in the background.
Maybe one of these days I’ll compile a list of game tunes – but for now, here’s a quick countdown of my top 10 favourite old school graphic adventure games:
10. Space Quest IV: Roger Wilco and the Time Rippers
The shuffling old geezer with the brain contraption meant instant death - and it freaked the hell out of back then.
9. Leisure Suit Larry 3
My first encounter with boobies - sneaking a peak at a sprite from behind the bushes.
8. Grim Fandango
One of the last great adventure games from the late '90s.
7. Sam and Max Hit The Road
The dialogue and setting were hilarious - even the episodic remakes don't hold a candle to the original screwball comedy.
6. Full Throttle
That guy was a total badass.
5. Space Quest III: The Pirates of Pestulon
My dad actually introduced this to me when I was a kid - and now I'm almost 30! They just don't make 'em like they used to.
4. Beneath A Steel Sky
Great sci-fi plot, awesome characters, fantastic locations.
3. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
The sense of mystery and awe just sucks you in. And you're Indiana Jones!
2. Day of the Tentacle
Time travel, super quirky characters, and an unforgettable soundtrack. What other game would have you transport objects through time in a toilet bowl?
1. The entire Monkey Island series!
I know I'm cheating a little by naming the whole series - but seriously, we're talking about a franchise that has both ghost pirates AND rubber chickens - how can you say no to that?
And there you have it: the Jiksun Top 10 BEST old school graphic adventure games. I have to admit it’s heavily skewed towards Lucas Arts and Sierra, but they were really THAT good.
You can find a whole bunch of these old games at Home of the Underdogs. Let me know if you find anything else that’s good!
Are you a fan of old school adventure games? I’ve probably missed out a couple other classics, but hey there’s only room for 10. Let’s hear your thoughts on the list!
[...] If you’re interested in old school adventure games, check out my top 10 list here. [...]
They definitely DO NOT make them like they used to. I wish there were more of those old point-and-click SCUMM engine adventure games.
Kings Quest (Sierra) and Knights of the Old Republic ought to be mentioned here also, in my opinion, but Monkey Island hits a well earned number one spot for sure!
I totally agree with this lit. However, I think that Grim Fandango deserves a spot in the top 3, as it is definitely the best adventure game ever created!!!!!