With easy enough mechanics for even non-gamers to master, and immersive narratives for players to dive right into, point-and-click adventure games are an ideal vessel to tell a compelling story. The golden days of the genre may be well in the past. Still, many modern entries have put an endearing spin on the genre, while several retro classics have stood the test of time. So, get ready to point and click your way through these four imaginative four games to revisit or discover.
Ghost Trick Phantom Detective
The Ace Attorney trilogy may ring a familiar bell to fans of classic point-and-click murder mysteries. While springing from the mind of the same director, Shu Takumi, Ghost Trick arguably flew under the radar. First released on the Nintendo DS, this quirky detective story follows the investigation of an amnesiac soul. Waking up dizzy the player-character quickly realises that the fresh corpse by his side might just be his own. But who killed him? And why?
To uncover the truth behind his apparent murder before sunrise, phantom detective Sissel must look into all the clues he can get. Supernatural powers allow him to manipulate objects and even rewind the clock four minutes back in time. With these ghost tricks and the help of a young detective, Sissel will unearth a deeper mystery. So, get right on to solving puzzles and possessing corpses to prevent their untimely death. A fun and inventive spin on a well-worn genre, this Capcom classic is getting an HD remaster in June 2023.
Grim Fandango
If you're up for a good old retro classic, Grim Fandango is a sure win. Despite coming out in 1998, this point-and-click adventure has lost none of its spell-binding appeal. The game takes you straight to the Aztec Land of the Dead, where travel agent Manny Calavera makes a living sending recently departed souls to their next destination. When a new client arrives, and is shamefully denied an express trip into the Ninth Underworld, his routine job turns upside down. And Manny decides to do whatever it takes to ease the journey of this virtuous soul to the Edge of the World.
Mixing film noir aesthetics with Mexican folklore and interspersed with dark comedic dialogues, Grim Fandango is as unique as it gets. Perhaps too forward-thinking for its time, this point-and-click classic bombed commercially. But this legacy graphic adventure grew on gamers and eventually reached cult status. Although a bit dated visually, and a tad flawed in the gameplay department, Grim Fandango still is a brilliant and atmospheric trip back in time.
The Wolf Among Us
Based on a series of comic books penned by Bill Willingham, The Wolf Among Us takes you on a harrowing journey in 1980s NYC. Only parts of Manhattan have been populated by fabled characters fleeing from their magical lands. Shapeshifter Bigby Wolf, aka the Big Bad Wolf, sets out to investigate a series of murders targeting his community. From Snow White to Little Red Riding Hood, the game throws fairy tale characters into a not-so-whimsical urban cityscape in a clever fashion.
This gritty modern-day retelling of classic stories prompted many spiritual successors, such as the upcoming steampunk adaptation of Pinocchio, Lies of P. Fairy tales even inspired the iGaming industry. Platforms like Vegas Slots Online feature free slots like Big Bad Wolf Megaways and Snow White and the Poison Apple. Top online casinos are optimised for every device to have fun on the go. 3D slots and video pokies also add to the immersion. Players may therefore revisit their favourite childhood stories, all without spending a dime.
Machinarium
Machinarium follows Josef, a cute robot living in the eponymous city of Machinarium. When he is disposed of in a junkyard, Josef reassembles himself before heading back to safety in his hometown. But as he enters the city, the robot catches wind of a criminal plot to bomb Machinarium's tower. Stopping the Black Cap Brotherhood villains, Josef has no choice but to foil the brewing disaster. Yet, in the overworld, he may only interact with the objects within his reach.
Developed by indie studio Amanita Design, Machinarium is a charming point-and-click adventure full of clever puzzles and brainteasers. Despite containing no dialogue, the game tells an immersive story through animated thought bubbles and intriguing backstory scenes. Adorable hand-drawn illustrations further elevate these innovative mechanics. A true indie gem, this award-winning entry is a must-play for all fans of original point-and-click titles.
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