As much a poem as it is a game, Kentucky Route Zero: Act I is the bizarre, lovely first leg of a road trip into the sad, strange heart of America.

Lacuna is a wonderfully tense hard-boiled story set in a gorgeous jazzpunk future. Its mysteries will make you work for the answers, and will even let you fail, but either way the payoff is a sense of accomplishment that few other narrative puzzlers provide.

A short but satisfying adventure in a surreal and creative world, Caetano’s Slice is a terrific entry in the Off-Peak series and a promising first volume of a new anthology.

Making good use of its modest presentation, Moonrise Fall is an enchantingly bittersweet and beautiful game filled with intrigue and environmental obstacles to overcome. While you won’t get answers to all of your questions by the end, it’s still well worth investigating this surreal mystery.

The Bulb Boy’s brief but brilliant battle to reclaim his home from the hideous monsters of the night underscores the proverbial victory of light over darkness, and quality over quantity.

With its brain-bending puzzles, delightful story, and all around impressive fairy-tale-ness, Beyond the Sky is a point-and-click adventure not to be missed.

Sunday Gold is a bold, flashy experiment, merging a point-and-click adventure game with heavy tactical RPG elements. Kinetic, beautiful, and bursting with character, it serves up a brand new way to look at the adventure game genre.

Argonus and the Gods of Stone takes elements of real Greek mythology and shuffles them about to create a fantastic, engrossing new experience that feels like it fits in antiquity.

The time, thought and care put into bringing Papetura to life is obvious on every screen of this short but very sweet journey through a vibrant papercrafted world.

realMyst’s Masterpiece Edition offers spectacular enhancements to an already iconic adventure game – even the Myst naysayers should be pleasantly surprised by the new visuals and interface revisions.

Silence offers a captivating mix of innocent delight layered over an undercurrent of wistful sadness, wrapped up in lovely art and music. The story could have done with a bit more flesh on its bones, but it’s filled with nuance and heart.

With its creatively whimsical yet sincere approach, entertaining mechanics, memorable story, likable characters and vibrant world, Wandersong proves to be one of the most memorable and endearing games to come out of an independent studio in recent times.

Torn Away is the harrowing story of a child’s journey home from a labor camp during World War II, and every aspect of the game combines to present a bold and affecting narrative.

A fateful return of a venerable series proves it still has legs even 10 odd years on.

The Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy remake is a bold and melancholic tribute that embraces its anachronistic roots to deliver a hauntingly beautiful, atmospheric journey that’s more about reverie than challenge.

While shorter than the last instalment, and the easiest of the three to boot, the final chapter of The Journey Down brings closure to series veterans and, more importantly, makes the entire trilogy required gaming for adventure fans in general.

That aside, this is the best time I've had with an adventure game – 2D or 3D, big or small budget – this year. With an original charm all its own, Machinarium is a real winner and an instant classic.

Embracelet doesn’t offer much challenge, it’s a welcome change of pace from the norm, and the simplicity of its gameplay and beautiful low-poly presentation nicely serve an elegantly told, astoundingly good story.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a story that fits superbly into the Indiana Jones mythos. The slower exploration and puzzle-based gameplay may not be for everyone, especially given MachineGames’ previous endeavors. Still, it kept me hooked until the end. This game should be played at least once, but I would happily play it again.

A remarkable achievement from a first-time developer, Kathy Rain is an unexpectedly personal gem about a heroine who proves she belongs with the genre’s other big names.

A revival of a classic adventure series, the episodic King’s Quest is itself an instant classic, giving each new installment its own unique focus. Wise, brave, and compassionate adventurers alike should definitely consider having a crack at it.

Almost My Floor tells an interesting two-pronged horror/detective story with bold comic-book-style artwork and a mix of point-and-click puzzle solving, investigation, and timed action sequences that all work together extremely well.

A creation of obvious love and care, Botanicula is a must-play for those seeking a truly imaginative and entertaining adventure game

An investigative adventure that actually makes you feel like a detective, Paradise Killer blends surreal world-building, vibrant art, clever writing, and rock-solid open-world gameplay to create an experience you won’t soon forget.

The 20-plus hour commitment to The Pillars of the Earth is well worth it to enjoy this interactive towering tale, faithfully adapted to near-perfection by Daedalic. For patient gamers, this is not a narrative adventure that should be missed.

Loco Motive is a wonderful interactive experience featuring stylish pixel art, an intricate mystery, humorous dialogs, and fantastic voice-overs.

Mutazione is a feel-good narrative adventure that will remind you of the importance of love and family, though with minimal gameplay to master, the experience will appeal mainly to those looking for a poignant, character-driven story.

This is by far the deepest, darkest game in the series, yet the superb writing means that it will also be the funniest you'll encounter.

This is the kind of game that will have you showing up a bit bleary-eyed at work, because you couldn’t quite bring yourself to stop playing late into the night.

This game is so good that if I taught a class on interactive fiction I would use it as my example of how to create a great quality game.

While its sedate pace differs from previous Sherlock Holmes offerings, The Beekeeper’s Picnic – A Sherlockian Adventure is a fitting coda to Holmes’ illustrious career. Its enjoyable dialogs, delicately tinted environs, and manageable puzzles enhance his newly found grasp of life’s ultimate challenges.

A slapstick romp through a stylish kingdom of loons and beasties, Pilgrims’ simple but inventive card-based inventory system and replay opportunities turn a slight game into a journey you’ll want to complete again and again.

Beautiful? Stunning? Breathtaking? All words that can safely be used when describing Syberia's graphics. The level of detail is simply immense.

It's remarkable that Telltale can still, at this point in the series, reinvent the entire concept and create such an original and delightful adventure experience. The best episode yet.

There's no way around it: Runaway is an instant classic, and an absolute must-own for all adventure game fans.

I used the phrase "very good game-but like its predecessor, not quite great" to describe the previous episode. Lair of the Leviathan not only clears "great", but sails way into the depths of "historically fantastic."

Overall, Pentiment is a fantastic game with minor flaws that still impresses, even if the twist at the end of the second act is very difficult to accept. Despite being developed by a small team, Obsidian has demonstrated its ability to create an immersive and demanding game that blurs the line between art and gameplay.

The Blackwell Epiphany is very polished and at times packs a real emotional punch, sending the series out on a high.

This Bed We Made is an enthralling mystery with an unusual protagonist, brought to life by convincingly detailed graphics and excellent voice acting.

Bursting with charm and vibrant life, the beautiful worlds of Samorost 3 are beguiling, so long as you don’t worry too much about logic or plot and just go with the flow.

In Other Waters guides players through the visualization of an alien oceanic ecosystem and invites them to share in the exhilaration of discovering new life, all while telling a complex, original story with memorable characters through the medium of a diving suit’s display monitor.

STASIS: BONE TOTEM is a frightfully entertaining adventure with a story that carefully blends sacred elements with a dreadful atmosphere while drawing the player into challenges that are not overly difficult. If you are a horror fan or an open-minded gamer curious about the game’s unusual themes, this is an easy recommendation.

BROK the InvestiGator is a bold and explosive burst of 90s nostalgia that plumb the depths of the adventure game genre for its best ideas and piles them, one on top of the other, for an unforgettable thrill ride. While it may slightly disappoint as an action game or a playable cartoon, it may just earn a place in the graphic adventure game canon.

Anna’s Quest is an enchanting mélange of superb production quality, engaging gameplay, and a poignant saga of heart and heartbreak that will linger with you long after the adventure is over.

The Last Guardian is a game that can hold its own with the best. It’s a story about a unique bond of friendship, filled with both sadness and triumph that will make you cheer out loud even while wiping your tears.

With his sixth globetrotting escapade, Professor Layton secures an enduring gaming legacy, with just a few little bumps on the way.

Stray manages to straddle the glee of playing a roguish feline with an absorbing sci-fi story and gorgeously detailed landscapes.

Half Past Fate: Romantic Distancing is shorter and less ambitious than its predecessor, but its limitations result in a tighter, more intimate character-driven experience, with all the realistic challenges you’d expect from a burgeoning relationship in the middle of a pandemic.

Now with crisp, modern-day graphics and sound, the Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers remake is a provocative story experience whose aim is to challenge, enlighten, horrify and enthrall. And it succeeds, apart from a few questionable gameplay decisions and a lack of final polish.

Magret & FaceDeBouc “The buddy-buddy case” is an absurdly appealing and engaging adventure. Its mystery is solvable through the partnership of two maverick protagonists. The winsome mood is enhanced and inspired by the jaunty sound design and cartoon-style graphics. This game should increase Adipson Studio’s reputation as a developer of high-quality adventure games.

Florence is a moving and emotional tale of love gained and lost, and the trials of finding oneself in early adulthood. While a very short experience and light on actual gameplay, the charming presentation and strong narrative will leave a lasting impression.

Explore the enchanting world of Lucy Dreaming; with an impressive storyline, beautiful graphics, and excellent voice acting, it’s a game worth checking out!

A surreal trip through an Alice in Wonderland-like dreamscape, Superliminal delights and surprises with level after level of inventive, bizarre puzzles.

An entertaining introduction to the world of the famous gentleman thief, Arsène Lupin – Once a Thief features logical puzzles and intriguing storytelling.

The Talos Principle 2 is a complex puzzle game with an equally multifaceted but engaging narrative featuring rational and religious undertones. There are a couple of control issues, and the unorthodoxy of certain puzzles may be too challenging for some players. This point may also be compounded by the game’s length, which can take 35 hours if only dealing with the main content, with side content adding several additional hours. Still, this is a gorgeous game well worth experiencing and an invigorating treat for puzzle game enthusiasts or philosophy majors.

An intriguing, beautiful mystery with a deep and memorable lead character, Jenny LeClue – Detectivú delivers in just about every way.

The Invincible is a successful experiment in bringing a novel to life via the medium of gaming. With compelling dialogue and meaningful narrative, it’s an adventure in every sense of the word, as you trek across a beautiful planet to uncover its mysteries.

If you like Leisure Suit Larry games, you’ll love Wet Dreams Dry Twice for hitting every mark you expect from the series, accompanied by a strong story and modern-day identity all its own.

If you have been looking for a great game that combines humour, a great story, appealing graphics, and long game play with a reasonable price, then Grim Fandango is what you seek. Quality has never been so much fun.

The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow is an outstanding horror game, a spine-tingling story brought to life by well-executed graphics, music, interface, and voice acting.

DREDGE is a one-of-a-kind fishing game with an interesting premise that keeps players engaged throughout. Though its ending leaves something to be desired, DREDGE shines in its ability to create an enveloping atmosphere through its appealing art, well-composed music, and entertaining gameplay.

An engrossing tale rooted in superb writing, The Night is Grey brings thrills and chills to life with plausible, well-integrated puzzles, evocative music and ominously compelling visuals.

If you haven’t jumped onto the bandwagon yet, you are doing yourself a disservice by missing the best comic adventure games in the modern era.

Lone Echo has left me wanting more, but not just because of the loose ends left in the story. In the days since finishing the game, I can’t seem to shake it – like a memory I keep turning to whenever my mind wanders. Immersive mechanics; an intimate, character-driven story; and a detailed, believable world all come together to create an experience I could genuinely lose myself in. Hopefully we won’t have to wait for a sequel before another game gets VR this right.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is an exquisitely told story set in a world overflowing with personality. It’s an immersive, emotional gem that’s not to be missed.

Here is the Sam & Max episode you've been waiting for. Absolute, complete fun, and an effort that Telltale should be very proud of.

On its surface, Röki delightfully explores a rarely visited branch of Scandinavian folklore, but delve deeper into this thoroughly charming fantasy adventure and you’ll find a beautifully told, emotionally engaging narrative that’s sure to resonate with players of all ages.

With a long playing time, and loads of intrigue, this game is a sure bet for history buffs and casual fans...A must have, but clear your schedule as it takes between 50 and 60 hours to complete.

This Monty Python-inspired puzzler has a great sense of humor, generally fun puzzles, and a clever collage presentation. If you’re a fan of absurdist send-ups of religion, Four Last Things should be number one on your list of games to play next.

For a story starring a robot vacuum cleaner and a smart home A.I., the short but sweet Rumu showcases a wide spectrum of human emotions, which is a feat that not even many people-centric dramas achieve.

The Crimson Diamond is a gem of a 2024 release – a convincingly vintage, but also refreshingly modern take on the text parser game. The overall package is a modest but fulfilling mystery that doesn’t overstay its welcome and leaves a fantastic impression of what adventure gaming was like in its golden era.

Down in Bermuda is a delightful adventure to play, especially if you want to just relax and enjoy some fun, clever puzzles in a charming isometric island setting.

Hauntii is an impressive debut from Moonloop Games, and it’s challenging to find any major flaws with it. I’m eagerly anticipating the future plans from this talented indie studio.

Old Skies is a wonderfully written, charmingly animated adventure game with excellent voice acting and accessible puzzles, firmly upholding Wadjet Eye’s legacy in the genre.

One of the best adventure games currently available.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 2 is the fulfillment of its predecessor’s promise, a narrative adventure that asks you to invest in its characters’ relationships and the weighty, tear-inducing, and surprisingly existential conclusion.

While I'm prepared to recommend Professor Layton and the Curious Village wholeheartedly, it does come with a serious caution about expectations. If you're looking for a well-rounded adventure with plenty of exploration and a fully-integrated storyline, you simply won't find it here.

Hats off to Telltale for not resting on their laurels with The Wolf Among Us, but stepping out and creating a new adventure series that is shaping up to be brilliantly bleak and gritty but joyously fun.

Gone Home does only one thing but does it superbly, telling a touching story solely through exploration that makes it well worth experiencing.

Solo offers a mesmerizing world to explore, as well as fun and challenging puzzles to solve while contemplating the importance of love in your life. For anyone who’s experienced the emotional rollercoaster of romance, this game might just offer the comfort you never knew you needed.

Once The Complex enters full-on thriller mode, this compelling choice-driven tale of a trapped scientist facing terrorists and moral decisions doesn’t let up and even provides enough prompting and interesting options to weather multiple plays.

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, The Black Watchmen is an excellent introduction to alternate reality games, successfully merging an engaging fictional world with real-world activities and challenging puzzles that are best solved collaboratively with other players.

Chock-full of gorgeous, great-sounding set pieces and characters, the hilarious Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love presents a witty commentary on Cold War era politics within a story and gameplay that anyone can enjoy.

In a fun and fascinating take on the future, Mutropolis offers a compelling point-and-click sci-fi experience that proves the classic adventure formula is as potent as ever.

With the same charming aesthetic and just as many laughs and quirky paranormal phenomena as the first season, The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is definitely worth playing for the comedically inclined.

For anyone with even a modicum of action gaming ability, then, deciding to pick the game up should be a no-brainer.

Creaks has beauty, creativity and invention to spare, but don’t let its flighty facade fool you: there’s challenge aplenty here too.

Resonance took a long time to arrive, but this meaty, challenging sci-fi thriller has unquestionably been worth the wait.

Breathtakingly beautiful and fiendishly logical, XING: The Land Beyond will spark your ingenuity and kindle a keen delight as you trek its entrancing pathways.

A richly defined, innovative experience, Lost Echo is exactly what an iOS adventure should be, capturing the spirit of traditional adventure gaming with all the potential the platform has to offer.

The unique and beautifully designed Haimrik is a fast-paced, text-driven action-puzzler with a fair amount of challenge throughout its fantastical and frequently brutal journey.

While intentionally vague on backstory, The Sojourn provides a solitary journey through relaxing vistas littered with enjoyably mind-bending navigational puzzles.

With classic zaniness and puzzle solving and updated production values, Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space marries the best of the old with the new in this modern remaster.

If you loved the first one or thought that it would be excellent if only the puzzles were more challenging, this is a game you will not want to be without.

TOEM is a delightfully Zen experience, perfect for anyone looking to spend a few hours in some entertaining locales with a cute protagonist and a variety of photo quests that aren’t too taxing.

The best game yet in the series, The Room Three is the first to really qualify as a full-fledged puzzle-adventure game, with varied areas to explore, an assortment of new challenges to overcome, and a continuation of the intriguing storyline established in earlier games.

Star Trek: Resurgence is a brilliant game that successfully recaptures the spirit of the classic shows. The former Telltale developers, Dramatic Labs, effectively update the formula to bring variety and ensure that adventurers are consistently engrossed. If you are a Trekkie or have enjoyed games made by Telltale, definitely put this on your gaming to-do list.

Arguably the great detective's finest hour, The Testament of Sherlock Holmes makes for a thoroughly enjoyable adventure through the murkier side of Sherlock's psyche.