Adventure Games for PC
These are the top adventure games for the PC, ranging from vintage favorites like Monkey Island to cutting-edge, choice-driven masterpieces.
Which adventure games are the best? Few genres have survived as well as the adventure game, starting with the text-based Adventure that gave the genre its name in 1976 and continuing through the point-and-click heyday of the 1990s and up to more contemporary material. It is difficult to compile a list of the top adventure games because their multi-decade lifespan has given rise to some of the most amazing works.
List of Top Adventure Games For PC
1. Grim Fandango
Grim Fandango is one of the best adventure games because of the dialogue, characters, world, and inventiveness. The newly deceased must atone for whatever misdeeds they may have committed before making the perilous four-year voyage into the Ninth Underworld, which is set in the Mexican Land of the Dead, where everyone is a skeleton or a demon. It is a deftly created universe with elements of cinema noir and plenty of crime and corruption.
The game’s protagonist, Manny Calavera, must attempt to save Mercedes Colomar, the woman he believes he wronged, one of the best fictional characters ever created. The amiable, car-obsessed demon Glottis fits right in with the best Disney
Just don’t bring up those miserable monster beavers. Tim Schafer’s voyage through Mexican legend continues to stand as the height of proper movie-quality storytelling in video games.
2. Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge
Monkey Island 2 is an ideal enhancement in every way from The Secret of Monkey Island, which redefined the genre and elevated LucasArts to the throne of the adventure genre.
One of the most appealing characters in video games is the lovable loser Guybrush Threepwood. He has a noble motivation for wanting to become a swashbuckling pirate and woo governor Elaine Marley. The issue is that he is completely incompetent, has more confidence than skill, and is an expert at destroying lives. LeChuck, a zombie pirate whose ghost he killed in the prior game, is also after him. Elaine is understandably unwilling to interact with him.
The end result is a game with clever language that frequently makes you laugh out loud, situations that are really memorable (remember the spitting contest, the skeleton dance, or the fish fry during Mardi Gras), and puzzles that, while tough, are always funny.
One of the top adventure games on the PC, Monkey Island 2 is the pinnacle of the absurd comedic adventure genre. They simply don’t get funnier than this, and the Special Edition of this point-and-click game. And manages to elevate it even further with its flawless voice acting, hand-painted sceneries, and reworked soundtrack.
3. Broken Sword
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars is roughly comparable to Uncharted sans the jumping and shooting and with a plot that suggests what a compelling Dan Brown novel may be like. Similar to the Monkey Island series, it can be difficult to choose between the first two games, but in this instance, the first game narrowly wins out. However, the franchise’s chemistry comes from George and French photojournalist Nico Collard.
Broken Sword is still among the top adventure games on the PC because of its excellent writing and voice acting. It does, however, contain the iconic “goat puzzle,” which many adventure games—including all four Broken Sword sequels—have subtly parodied since. At the very least, self-awareness is half the battle.
4. DAY OF THE TENTACLE
Day of the Tentacle is one of the top adventure games available when it comes to puzzles. When you consider that the player is required to control three people during three different time periods, with their actions from one impacting the other, it is even more astonishing that it is never obtuse or malicious. As Doc Brown would say, you have to think in four dimensions, and it is a credit to Tim Schafer, Dave Grossman, and the rest of the team that this never feels overpowering.
5. BENEATH A STEEL SKY
Cyberpunk is the one button that every game can press to get our attention. We are put in anyone’s hands when you add that to an excellent original tale, the best UK adventure game studio. Also, artwork by renowned comic book artist Dave Gibbons (Watchmen). Thankfully, Beneath a Steel Sky, one of the best PC games available, already exists.
We are happy the project did not go as planned, even though Revolution founder Charles Cecil originally intended to adapt Watchmen with Gibbons’ help. Instead, they worked together to create this time-tested point-and-click game. Beautiful pixel visuals, hand-drawn cutscenes, and the story of Robert Foster’s attempts to flee dystopian Union City are all featured in this game. The gloomy setting thematically tackles societal tyranny and corruption. Also, draws inspiration from films like Blade Runner, Judge Dredd, and Mad Max. There are fart jokes in this grim Orwellian nightmare.
Revolution makes sure that what may have been a dreary slog is instead a thoroughly enjoyable point-and-click adventure game. One of the best adventure games available is made up of intriguing plot twists, wonderful character moments, challenging puzzles, and an attractive setting. There is also no cost to play it on GOG, so there is really no justification. Beyond a Steel, Sky is a worthy sequel that’s worth a look if you like it!
