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.

While Among the Innocent has a solid foundation for a tense psychological thriller, this exceptionally short game as a whole never really comes together and is neither intriguing or scary.

Escape from Pleasure Planet is one of the few games attempting to hone in on an underrepresented thematic niche, which is very laudable. However, while it incorporates its homosexual elements very tastefully, it isn’t nearly as successful at being an enjoyable game. Hindered somewhat by technical shortcomings and a lackluster story, what really sinks the deal are the inconsistent, sometimes unfair, often frustrating or joyless changes in gameplay that force players to participate in filler tasks that are poorly explained, if at all. What results is an experiment that has a praiseworthy premise but falls short of providing any actual fun. I’d like to see Captain Tycho Minogue return for more galactic exploits, but this isn’t the game to cause his star to rise.

Midvinter is actually a decent little game, though for something that touts itself as a cross between Monkey Island and Over the Garden Wall, it is neither funny, deep, nor imaginative enough to really warrant such a comparison. While it is impressive that the game was created by just one person (and a composer), its flat characters, sub-par voice acting, and lack of story and gameplay depth left me feeling like it might have been improved by collaboration to expand its scope. Still, if you have an interest in the unique setting and culture of Scandinavian mythology and want a relatively challenge-free game to finish in a single sitting, Midvinter would certainly fit the bill.

This haven for my eyes and ears was also an unrelenting obstacle course for my brain. Though it often left me frustrated, I know there are puzzle-patient adventure gamers who will relish this unusual combination and just might find themselves elatedly over the moon.

An incredible game that takes all the best parts of how classic adventures used to be made and then adds so much more to ensure it stands up to today’s standards. Thimbleweed Park is a gem that will be remembered for at least another 30 years.

Memoranda is visually stunning with an inviting atmosphere, but the lack of both plot and puzzle logic is too great to overcome.

With an art style as beautiful as the princess you’re aiming to save, Little Briar Rose is a fun but familiar jaunt through a comfortable, old fairy tale.

If you enjoy retro sounds and graphics, Paul Pixel may be worth the amusement it provides in its very brief play time, but you’ll need to accept a lack of any depth in both story and gameplay.

Detention is a marvel of sight, sound, gameplay and storytelling; a highly atmospheric horror adventure that manages to accomplish more in its short playtime than some games twice its length.

With decent art and sound design, as well as simple and generally straightforward gameplay, the news certainly isn’t all bad, but Detective Hayseed falls far short of the grand Hollywood standards it espouses. If you’re really in the mood for some crude humor (that’s actually funny), you’d be better off picking up an old copy of Leisure Suit Larry instead.

All in all, indie developer Mattis Folkestad has succeeded in creating a memorable little game, perfect for adventure fans to pick up and get lost in for a few hours of risk- and commitment-free escapism that will linger long after it’s over.

The superficial use of Asian motifs and a playable dog protagonist aren’t enough to flesh out the universal themes of life and death in the stylish but extremely short Don’t Disturb.

While the uneven Devil’s Daughter doesn’t reach the heights of previous games in the series, there is enough here to warrant a playthrough and fans can safely add this to their expanding collection of the super sleuth’s adventures.

Proving too slow-paced and repetitive for its own good, Root Letter fails to seal the deal on its promising set-up, though it may yet pave the way for improved Kadokawa mysteries to come.

A Myst clone/homage through and through, Quern doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s an impressive debut adventure that would do Atrus proud.

A little mechanical clunkiness can’t hide the heart beneath Tales, which shines with a love of stories, puzzles and humanity.

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.

A disappointing present-day storyline infringes upon the dark historical tale of Yesterday Origins, but outstanding production quality, nonstop quests, and a few spirited acts go a long way towards saving the day.

Maize cobbles together a solid adventure from its surreal premise, passive storytelling and labyrinthine environments, but those who enjoy offbeat humour will reap most of the rewards.

Despite the polished presentation, The Descendant is by-the-numbers sci-fi that rarely ventures out of its modest comfort zone. It won’t win an Emmy, but it does manage to entertain throughout its five brief episodes.

The Little Acre is a great debut effort with impressive production values for an indie studio, but sadly it’s over far too soon.

Packed with puns but short on plot or perplexing puzzles, Her Majesty’s SPIFFING‘s intense Britishness will either amuse or confuse, but either way it’s more of a teatime crumpet than a regal banquet.

Barrow Hill: The Dark Path is a competent throwback to old-school horror-themed point-and-click games. It doesn’t break any new ground, but it does its forebears proud.

Although several welcome elements return, some undesirable changes to the established formula and exasperating design choices make Zero Time Dilemma a lackluster send-off to a cult-favorite series.

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.

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.

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.