The Best Adventure Games for Explorers at Heart

Adventure games are a genre of video games that focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling. They often feature-rich and immersive worlds, memorable characters, and branching narratives. Adventure games can be played on various platforms, such as PC, consoles, or mobile devices. Here are some of the best adventure games that will appeal to explorers at heart.

Grim Fandango

Grim Fandango is a classic point-and-click adventure game that was released in 1998 by LucasArts. It is set in the Land of the Dead, a noir-inspired underworld where souls must travel to reach their final destination. The game follows Manny Calavera, a travel agent who gets involved in a conspiracy that threatens his afterlife. Grim Fandango is praised for its witty dialogue, unique art style, and engaging story. It was remastered in 2015 with improved graphics, sound, and controls.

Pros:

• A humorous and original take on the Mexican folklore of the Day of the Dead
• A charming cast of characters voiced by talented actors
• A clever and challenging puzzle design that requires logical thinking and creativity
• A beautiful soundtrack composed by Peter McConnell that blends jazz, swing, and mariachi

Cons:

• Some puzzles may be too obscure or frustrating for some players
• The game may not run smoothly on some modern systems without tweaking
• The game may be too short for some players, lasting around 10 hours

Where to buy: GOG, Steam, Humble Store

Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island is a fan-made sequel to the Monkey Island series, which is also a point-and-click adventure game by LucasArts. It was released in 2020 by Daniele Spadoni Productions, a team of independent developers. It is set after the events of Escape from Monkey Island, the fourth and last official game in the series. It follows Guybrush Threepwood, a wannabe pirate who must stop an evil pirate lord from conquering the Caribbean. Return to Monkey Island is a tribute to the original games, featuring familiar locations, characters, and jokes.

Pros:

• A faithful recreation of the Monkey Island style and humor
• A nostalgic trip for fans of the series
• A free game that can be downloaded from the official website

Cons:

• The game may not appeal to players who are not familiar with the series
• The game may have some bugs or glitches
• The game may be too easy or short for some players, lasting around 4 hours

Where to download: Official website

Broken Sword

Broken Sword is a series of adventure games that started in 1996 by Revolution Software. It is set in various locations around the world, such as Paris, London, Rome, and Cairo. It follows George Stobbart, an American tourist who gets involved in a series of mysteries involving ancient secrets, conspiracies, and cults. Broken Sword is known for its cinematic presentation, historical accuracy, and cultural diversity.

Pros:

• A captivating and intriguing story that blends history, mythology, and fiction
• Realistic and detailed graphics that create a sense of immersion
• Dynamic and interactive gameplay that allows multiple choices and outcomes
• A voice acting that brings the characters to life

Cons:

• Some puzzles may be too illogical or tedious for some players
• Some games in the series may have technical issues or compatibility problems
• Some games in the series may have inconsistent quality or tone

Where to buy: GOG, Steam, Humble Store

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action-adventure game that was released in 2015 by CD Projekt Red. It is based on the fantasy novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, and it is the third and final installment in the Witcher series. It follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who is searching for his missing adopted daughter, Ciri, who is being hunted by a powerful force known as the Wild Hunt. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is acclaimed for its vast and immersive world, complex and branching story, and rich and diverse gameplay.

Pros:

• A stunning and detailed world that offers hundreds of hours of exploration and discovery
• A mature and compelling story that adapts to the player’s choices and actions
• A dynamic and varied combat system that combines swordplay, magic, and alchemy
• A rich and diverse gameplay that includes crafting, trading, hunting, gambling, romancing, and more

Cons:

• The game may be too overwhelming or complex for some players
• The game may have some bugs or glitches
• The game may have some performance issues or high system requirements

Where to buy: GOG, Steam, Humble Store

Night in the Woods

Night in the Woods is an indie adventure game that was released in 2017 by Infinite Fall. It is set in a small town called Possum Springs, where anthropomorphic animals live. It follows Mae Borowski, a college dropout who returns to her hometown and reconnects with her old friends. Night in the Woods is a game about growing up, dealing with change, and finding your place in the world. It has a charming and colorful art style, witty and emotional dialogue, and a catchy and atmospheric soundtrack.

Pros:

• A relatable and realistic story that tackles themes such as mental health, identity, and friendship
• A lovable and diverse cast of characters that have their own personalities and stories
• Fun and interactive gameplay that allows the player to explore the town, play mini-games, and make decisions
• A unique and expressive art style that creates a sense of mood and personality

Cons:

• The game may be too slow-paced or dialogue-heavy for some players
• The game may not have much replay value or challenge
• The game may have some bugs or glitches

Where to buy: GOG, Steam, Humble Store

Kentucky Route Zero

Kentucky Route Zero is an indie adventure game that was released in episodes from 2013 to 2020 by Cardboard Computer. It is set in a surreal version of Kentucky, where a secret highway called Route Zero connects various strange and mysterious places. It follows Conway, a truck driver who is trying to deliver a shipment of antiques to an address that does not exist. Kentucky Route Zero is a game about stories, secrets, and journeys. It has a minimalist and stylized art style, a poetic and experimental dialogue, and a haunting and eclectic soundtrack.

Pros:

• A captivating and mysterious story that invites interpretation and imagination
• A beautiful and atmospheric art style that creates a sense of wonder and mystery
• Creative and experimental gameplay that allows the player to shape the narrative and the characters
• A memorable and diverse soundtrack that enhances the mood and the theme

Cons:

• The game may be too abstract or confusing for some players
• The game may have long gaps between episodes
• The game may not have much interactivity or challenge

Where to buy: GOG, Steam, Humble Store

Conclusion

Adventure games are a great way to experience new worlds, meet interesting characters, and enjoy captivating stories. Whether you prefer classic point-and-click games or modern exploration games, there is an adventure game for everyone. These are some of the best adventure games that you can play right now, but there are many more out there waiting for you to discover. So grab your mouse, keyboard, or controller, and embark on an adventure of your own. You never know what you might find.