You shouldn’t play with your food, but it’s necessary when dealing with the creatures of Snaktooth Island. While the creative design and catchy music are tasty side dishes, Bugsnax‘s main course of monster-catching gets a tad stale before the end.

Though only teasing the series' larger story arc for now, The Journey Down's HD remake is a short but vibrant indie adventure that far exceeds the quality of many full-blown retail games.

Though flawed, the first episode of Cognition leaves a great final impression and sets up a series that could become a major achievement for episodic adventure gaming.

For a game about the undead, The Wardrobe is ironically packed with life. A few unfair puzzles can’t dampen its sheer enthusiasm and sense of fun.

Part noir thriller, part rumination on the human condition, and part ... something else, Backbone is stylish through and through, presenting more questions than answers but brimming with vibrantly realised characters.

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.

While still an enjoyable experience, The Last Resort fails to live up to its potential, and is more of an "Average Outing" than a Grand Adventure.

Not many adventures have as much dark storytelling ambition as Cognition-endure the awkward conversations to get to the puzzles and story developments, and you'll be glad you stuck with it.

A few technical failings aside, A New Beginning comes highly recommended. It's not often that I consider a game hard to put down, but I found myself getting deeply invested in the plot as it unravelled thanks to its convincing characterisation and an increasingly gripping storyline. Although there's an obvious environmental focus, there's also a strong heart to the story and it's this that powers your desire to play on. Any minor problems that arise are quickly overshadowed by the stunning artwork and the inventive, well-integrated puzzles, so whatever your view on global warming, do yourself a favour and shell out the green for A New Beginning.

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.

TOHU serves up a charming little sci-fi narrative in a lovely cartoon style, but outside of one particularly egregious arcade sequence, its true strength is in its variety of interesting puzzles.

Overall, the game is a fairly fun little ride thanks to its variety of gameplay and nicely designed cartoonish environments, but the puzzles are often too simple, making for a very short game.

The Awakened is a very uneven game, ranging from very poor to rather good, and the only consistent quality is its creepiness. It's worth considering if you need your horror fix, but Cthulhu will certainly forgive you if you decide to skip it.

Though it never really rises above its simple premise, the gorgeously immersive Beyond Blue may just be as close to deep-sea diving as you can get without a wetsuit (or the stress).

It has a wonderful premise, but rain too often neglects its gameplay in this otherwise honest, heartwarming tale of childhood solitude and trust.

Falling just a little short of instant classic status, Primordia is still a gorgeous, clever, and melancholy science-fiction parable.

The graphics and interface are vastly improved and the puzzles more organically connected to the game world; the game as a whole is far more compelling.

Despite a few rough edges, this surreal platforming adventure is a heartfelt, emotional experience that's well worth your time.

While The Inner World certainly doesn’t push the envelope, neither does it cut any corners in delivering top-notch fun for the family.

A charming educational adventure, Carmen Sandiego (2025) is casual-ish in difficulty. Grinding and replaying are required, but some excellent mini-games make the experience worthwhile.

More of a side story than a full sequel, A Machine for Pigs is memorably dark, disturbing, and bizarre.

It’s got far more beauty than brains, but for gamers who appreciate a macabre atmosphere and distinctive art style, Tormentum could be just the brief but darkly beautiful diversion they’re looking for.

It creates a great atmosphere, but the overall Homesick experience ultimately feels a bit threadbare.

The revamped and expanded JakeHunter may still have a few rough edges around its decidedly streamlined gameplay, but it is a satisfying experience for any fan of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler.

Sherlock Holmes The Awakened (2023) is a phenomenal remake and addition to Frogwares’ long list of adventures, leaning more towards the supernatural but still fitting snuggly into the Arthur Conan Doyle-style of the mystery genre. While there are minor issues with presentation and gameplay, those who are Sherlock Holmes fans (or H.P. Lovecraft fans) should definitely experience this—even those who have played the 2006 original or the 2008 remaster.

Short on both puzzles and in-depth narrative, The Station is all about atmosphere. If you’re a fan of immersive sci-fi exploration, turn off the lights, turn up the sound, and enjoy the ride.

With a unique premise, a true understanding of Egyptian history and a love for mysterious revelations, the Toblers have created a monster of a game.

It’s a bit too relaxed at times, but Carto is full of heart and almost impossibly cute, sending players on a warm, fuzzy journey into the not-so-wild blue yonder to discover what it means to be far from home.

Wet Dreams Don’t Dry is an excellent addition to the Larry brand. Fans of the original games will not be disappointed, and newcomers will find a solid series introduction playing the lovable loser updated to present day.

The Low Road’s tale of espionage is told in a fun, quirky fashion that manages to hold your attention and keep a smile on your face throughout its short playtime. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel and falters slightly on occasion, it is a lovely experience that is definitely worth your time.

Some may find Demetrios‘s outlook offputting, but if you like your humour on the snarky side you’ll find a surprisingly substantial adventure here.

Offering the same abundance of barely-integrated gameplay as its predecessors but with new protagonists and smaller cases, the gorgeous Layton's Mystery Journey is ideal for puzzle fans on the go, though at times it sacrifices quality for quantity.

A few mechanical issues prevent it from being as user-friendly as it could be, but The Office Quest has a unique fantasy setting, interesting puzzles, funny characters and a beautiful art style that combine to guarantee a pretty enjoyable time.

In the end, the leap forward in the story helps a lot to counter any disappointment with the gameplay, though the latter won't change the minds of anyone let down by it in the series so far.

Conarium’s story is a fine addition to the Lovecraft universe, but doesn’t make for a compelling gaming experience, so only the acclaimed horror author’s devotees will likely find much of interest.

ECHO is polished and technically well done. The prehistoric setting is new in adventure games, and although the game's educational slant may not appeal to everyone, most of the background reading is optional. If you like your games puzzle-heavy and story-light, ECHO is for you.

I wouldn't say that the gameplay is the high point here. Controlling Eike will be tedious for some and if you weren't a fan of the 3D control in games like "Grim Fandango" or "Gabriel Knight 3," you should steer clear of this one.

Jolly Rover may not be the most original of stories, but if you're in the mood for something short and sweet and not too challenging, this funny pirate (dog) adventure gives you plenty of chuckles and lots to sink your teeth into.

More a slick refinement than a radically different game, J.U.L.I.A. Among the Stars largely took what it got right in the already enjoyable original version and improved upon it, then added some welcome new content on top.

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.

Another Lost Phone doesn’t look like much and its linearity ensures a short play time, but it has enough gameplay and story depth with important themes to be a pleasant experience while it lasts.

A gorgeous visual style, an emotive heroine, and a modern time-looping take on The Wizard of Oz with a dash of Little Red Riding Hood thrown in make Scarlet Hood and the Wicked Wood an endearing fairy tale treat.

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.

Operation: Tango provides such a fun series of asymmetric spy action to share with a friend that it’s a shame it ends way too soon.

‘Tis the season to be seriously creeped out and yet equally enthralled by the religious themes and beautiful, imaginative world in Gray Dawn.

Lilly Looking Through is an easy-to-love game with a top-notch presentation that unfortunately comes to an end all too soon.

Ultimately, it’s the setting of The Lost Crown, between the brilliant sound design and the superb art direction, that will give you the most pleasure, and a great deal of praise for these elements is due the game’s creator, Jonathan Boakes.

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.

Metal Dead is an impressive first outing by a new developer that hits all the right notes and delivers a funny, touching, and well-made take on the zombie apocalypse.

The Detail sets out to provide a memorable police thriller with visual flair, but can’t quite seal the deal in either storytelling or gameplay across its three-part narrative arc.

Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town’s mystery fizzles with a rushed ending, but it’s perky and pretty and packed with puzzles and peculiar characters.

It's a traditional, puzzle-packed adventure with a modern graphical twist that manages to do justice to one of the most revered literary protagonists of all time.

If ultra-challenging puzzles are your thing, you might be disappointed, but if you’re all about the story and characters, you should book a trip on the next available cyclone to beautiful (and dangerous) Emerald City.

Little Big Adventure – Twinsen’s Quest beautifully captures the charm of the 1994 original with captivating visuals and a memorable soundtrack. However, clunky combat mechanics and imprecise controls hold back the remaster, making it a nostalgic journey best suited for returning fans.

The simple interface, stunning graphics which are some of the best I’ve seen on the DS, and an intriguing storyline all add up to an enthralling adventure.

An ambitious sequel to 2006’s Dreamfall, Chapters is worth playing to see how the saga ends but doesn’t hold up as a standalone adventure.

A lot of the gameplay borrows from old conventions, but is presented in new ways that work well with the setting and plot.

Groundhog Day wasn’t exactly a property screaming for a sequel. However, Tequila Works’ next-generation time-looping adventure successfully manages to pull players into its familiar small-town Americana vibe for a cute new story, albeit one saddled with some VR control issues and inevitable repetition.

Managing six different detachable body parts takes some getting used to, but Helheim Hassle is a consistently fun, creative blend of narrative adventure and puzzle-platformer with an amusing spin on Norse mythology.

This rich exterior masks a rather hollow gameplay with low levels of interactivity. For those who love obscure puzzles, there is much to enjoy. For the rest, be prepared to travel with the hint guide on as a regular companion.

It's a funhouse mirror, providing a totally new perspective on a familiar place, but gaze into it once and you won't want to look away.

As a point-and-click experience in spirit, Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin is much better suited to hardcore adventure gamers than its sometimes demanding platforming predecessor ever was, but it isn’t a standout game in terms of enjoyment or quality. It’s a short side mission that doesn’t wow with its puzzles or offer anything revolutionary in terms of gameplay or narrative. But it accomplishes what it sets out to do, by bringing a sorely-needed new dose of Psychonauts to the faithful, or at least those with a PlayStation 4 and a PSVR headset. It neither particularly delights nor disappoints, but marks its place as a competent placeholder in the expanding Psychonauts series, and a reasonable point of entry for those new to the virtual reality experience.

Though it muddies the waters by needlessly cramming in a boatload of gameplay mechanics that drown out some of the fun, The Sinking City delivers a believable turn-of-the-century Lovecraftian setting and infuses it with fittingly macabre story beats that would do the author proud.

Everything just falls all to pieces in the execution, specifically every element of character interaction (which is 80% of the game). It's frustrating to the point of bafflement at times, to want to care so much about the story, but feel so stifled by the atrocious dialogue and unfriendly interaction system.

Conspiracy! is an extremely short, moderately diverting research-based brain-teaser whose muddled attempts to satirically comment on current events never amount to much of substance.

With its hand-painted 320x200 backgrounds, modest pacing and exploration focus, The King’s Challenge is a solid Golden Age-style fairy tale adventure that stumbles only in its overly serious tone.

As far as Double Visions goes, its pervasive blandness makes it the weakest of the series to date, and with yet another trip to Hill Valley's past, it's hard not to feel like we've been here and done all this before.

Detective Pikachu is a bolt of brilliance. It’s funny, charming, and the titular star is a wonder. If you can overlook its simplicity, you’ll have a great time solving its many mysteries.

Whimsical visuals, charming characters, and a wide assortment of activities are weighed down by clunky controls in the one- or two-player co-op adventure 39 Days to Mars.

Overall, Beyond Reasonable Doom is a fitting finish to a strange but enjoyable trilogy.

DARQ’s rich atmosphere and clever central gameplay mechanic should overshadow any misgivings about its short length and narrative abstraction.

Appropriately, Bunker feels like a time capsule from the ‘90s. Even if the humour doesn’t always hit home, the puzzles may entice you back in(to) the USSR.

Life Is Strange 2 explores a touching, special relationship between two brothers that will make your heart hurt in the best possible way.

Similarly to its predecessor, a striking presentation is not enough for Layers of Fear 2 to overcome a jumbled menagerie of cliches, jump scares, and overwrought writing.

There isn’t much in the way of actual gameplay or player agency, but anyone who enjoys a highly interactive story will certainly want to add Last Stop to their gaming library.

It’s got an interesting gameplay construct and some gorgeously animated locations to explore, but some clumsy moments with controls and unclear leaps of puzzle logic mean that Maquette’s tale of whirlwind romance only flutters rather than flies.

Even with a few rough edges, Dead Synchronicity stands as a modern adventure classic, telling a dark, sad and brutal tale that will leave you wanting more, but equally satisfied.

Mage’s Initiation is like a modern-day Sierra On-Line gem, an extraordinarily polished adventure game. If the battle sections were improved and the RPG elements better integrated, this would be a near-perfect experience, but it’s still a game that should cast a spell on any genre fan.

One of the best adventure games currently available.

All together, it's safe to say that Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis is a definite improvement on the original, addressing some of its faults and enhancing the best parts, and although there's no teaser of a further sequel down the line, I know I won't be alone in hoping there will be.

can easily recommend Overclocked, but in doing so I will reiterate that the game will not be for everyone. It is, first and foremost, a game that has a story to tell, and it's this tale that takes precedence over the whole adventure.

Iris.Fall emerges from the shadows with challenging puzzles and beautiful art direction. Its streamlined gameplay may not always match the impeccable quality of its presentation, but this is unquestionably an adventure that deserves to be undertaken by puzzle fanatics.

It’s not a perfect game, but Beyond a Steel Sky is a perfectly joyful experience and a faithful sequel for anyone who loved the original game, while bearing the standard for what a modern science fiction adventure should look and sound like in 2020.

Fran Bow is a wonderfully dark and surreal adventure that is definitely worth the price of voluntary admission.

Slap Village is a ray of Western sunshine whose whimsical charm overcomes its approximate English and short length.

Blackwood Crossing demonstrates a trend that’s taking a subset of adventure games in a new direction: edgy, succinct writing, excellent production values, puzzles that further the story without slowing the pace, and tight, detailed locales. Adventure gamers who favor an emphasis on robust story and inventive character development will be delighted. Those who like to wander for hours through extensive terrain or unravel mind-boggling puzzles should stay away. This game wrapped me up in its piquant enigmas, made me care deeply about the characters, and kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the end. Crossing over from light to dark, from strife to acceptance seldom happens without a misstep, but this game handles it all with aplomb. Reaching the destination left me longing for more, yet the path is so creative and emotionally riveting that it’s well worth the journey.

Eternal Hope is a side-scrolling platforming adventure about love, death, and tragedy in a fantasy postapocalyptic land that is as fun as it is gorgeous.

Root Film addresses some of its predecessor’s narrative shortcomings while accentuating its impressive production values. It may not offer much player agency or any challenge at all, but as a light-hearted murder mystery romp it is well worth a second (or first) trip to Shimane Prefecture.

Fire Tonight’s story of two lovers separated by a city going up in flames is charming enough while it lasts. Unfortunately, the attempt to reunite them isn’t nearly as exciting as it sounds, and the whole adventure is only marginally longer than the song on which it’s based.

The storytelling is a little vague and lacks emotional punch, but if you’re looking for some innovative mechanics and visual artistry, Moncage’s perspective-based puzzles set in colorful cube vignettes are a marvel to experience.

If you’re into style over substance and looking for a fun, low-key adventure, Growbot is the one for you.

Definitely the low point of the series, The Cain Killer is obviously still a must-play if you’re invested in the Cognition series thus far, though it reminds us that Phoenix Online has a lot of room to grow.

Underneath Lumino City’s architecturally intricate paper-crafted spectacle is a genuinely rewarding adventure game, albeit one with the flimsiest of stories.

After wading through the technical problems, a solid murder mystery that's fun to play and worth the money.

Mosaic will be a worthwhile experience for that certain type of gamer who can appreciate style over substance in the service of an artistic statement. Without much in the way of gameplay, it’s more of an experimental atmospheric experience than a traditional piece of interactive entertainment.

An ambitious story with real, complex characters makes BEYOND: Two Souls one of the year’s most memorable adventures, as long as you’re willing to look past some constrained and awkward gameplay.

Wailing Heights is a stylish ballad of comic horror. The plot could be stronger and there are a few technical bum notes, but it’ll leave you with a wolfish grin.

Anyone looking for the next Sam & Max or Monkey Island won't find anything like that here, but with Puzzle Agent Telltale took an intriguing step in a new direction towards puzzle-based adventuring, and the result has proven to be well worthwhile.