Best Click and Point Adventure Games: Unraveling the Classics of the Genre

What Defines a Great Click-and-Point Adventure Game?

Before diving into the best titles, it’s essential to understand what makes a click-and-point adventure game exceptional. Here are some hallmarks of the genre:

1. Intriguing Storylines: Engaging plots that captivate players and drive the gameplay.
2. Challenging Puzzles: Well-crafted challenges that require logic and creativity.
3. Richly Designed Worlds: Unique and atmospheric settings that invite exploration.
4. Memorable Characters: Protagonists and NPCs with distinct personalities and motivations.
5. Distinctive Art Styles: Visual designs that set the tone and enhance the experience.

Now, let’s look at some of the most iconic games that embody these qualities.

The Best Click and Point Adventure Games

best click and point adventure games

1. The Secret of Monkey Island

Released in 1990, The Secret of Monkey Island is a quintessential click-and-point adventure game. Set in a whimsical pirate world, players follow Guybrush Threepwood, an aspiring pirate, on his quest to defeat the ghostly LeChuck and win the heart of Elaine Marley.

• What makes it great:
  • Witty humor and clever dialogue.
  • Memorable puzzles like the famous “insult sword fighting.”
  • A lighthearted tone that appeals to a wide audience.

This LucasArts classic is often regarded as one of the best in the genre, and its influence is evident in many modern adventure games.

2. Grim Fandango

Blending film noir with Mexican folklore, Grim Fandango (1998) is a masterpiece of storytelling. Players control Manny Calavera, a travel agent in the Land of the Dead, as he uncovers a conspiracy and helps a virtuous soul reach eternal rest.

• Why it stands out:
  • A unique aesthetic combining Art Deco and Day of the Dead motifs.
  • Deep, emotional storytelling.
  • Complex characters with compelling arcs.

Remastered in 2015, Grim Fandango continues to captivate new generations of gamers.

3. Myst

For fans of exploration and puzzles, Myst (1993) is a must-play. Set on a mysterious island, players solve puzzles to unlock new worlds and unravel the secrets of a family torn apart by betrayal.

• Key highlights:
  • Atmospheric environments rendered with stunning detail for its time.
  • Non-linear exploration, encouraging players to uncover the story at their own pace.
  • Minimalistic storytelling that relies on environmental clues.

Myst became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of the best-selling PC games of all time.

4. Day of the Tentacle

This 1993 LucasArts title is a comedic time-travel adventure where players help three unlikely heroes stop an evil tentacle from taking over the world.

• What makes it special:
  • Hilarious humor and absurd scenarios.
  • Clever time-travel mechanics, where actions in one era affect another.
  • Vibrant, cartoonish art style.

Day of the Tentacle is a standout example of how humor and creativity can elevate a game.

5. The Longest Journey

The Longest Journey (1999) is often hailed as one of the most ambitious adventure games ever made. Players control April Ryan, a young art student who discovers her ability to travel between two parallel worlds: one of science and one of magic.

• Why it’s unforgettable:
  • A rich, immersive narrative that blends fantasy and science fiction.
  • Thought-provoking themes about balance, identity, and destiny.
  • Deeply developed characters and relationships.

Its sequel, Dreamfall, continues the story and remains a favorite among fans.

6. Samorost Series

Created by Amanita Design, the Samorost series (starting in 2003) is known for its surreal, dreamlike aesthetics and minimalist gameplay. Players guide a gnome through otherworldly landscapes, solving puzzles to progress.

• Noteworthy elements:
  • Gorgeous, handcrafted visuals.
  • Atmospheric soundtracks that enhance the otherworldly vibe.
  • Simple yet engaging puzzles.

The Samorost games exemplify the artistic potential of the click-and-point genre.

7. The Walking Dead (Telltale Games)

Why it’s Revolutionary:

1. Choices with Real Consequences: One of the most groundbreaking features of The Walking Dead is its use of player choices that truly impact the story and character relationships. Unlike many games where decisions feel inconsequential or only affect minor outcomes, the choices in Telltale’s adaptation have far-reaching effects. Players must make difficult moral decisions—often between the lesser of two evils—such as who to save in life-or-death situations. These choices not only affect the narrative’s progression but also influence how other characters perceive Lee and Clementine, making each playthrough feel unique. This level of consequence was a significant departure from more linear, scripted storytelling in games at the time.
2. Emotional Depth and Genuine Relationships: What sets The Walking Dead apart is its ability to evoke real emotional reactions. The relationships between characters, particularly between Lee and Clementine, feel deep and authentic. The game explores themes of survival, loss, and the moral complexities of human nature during an apocalypse. As players navigate these relationships, they are forced to confront their own emotional responses, especially when making decisions that could result in the death of characters the player has grown attached to. The bond between Lee and Clementine, built on trust and sacrifice, is one of the most memorable and heart-wrenching aspects of the game, making it more than just a survival story.
3. Narrative Over Traditional Gameplay: Telltale’s approach focuses heavily on narrative rather than traditional action or puzzle-solving elements, which were dominant in many games of the era. Instead of complex mechanics or fast-paced combat, players are invited to immerse themselves in the story through dialogue choices, character interactions, and exploration of the world. This narrative-driven approach appeals to a broader audience, including those who may not typically play video games but are drawn to rich, cinematic storytelling. The Walking Dead proved that a game could be successful without relying on traditional gameplay loops, shifting the focus towards storytelling as the driving force of the medium.

This game redefined the genre for modern audiences, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Why These Games Continue to Thrive

The enduring appeal of the best click and point adventure games lies in their ability to offer players a unique blend of storytelling, interaction, and creativity. These games:

• Provide a slower, more contemplative gaming experience.
• Reward curiosity and logical thinking.
• Evoke nostalgia while inspiring future titles in the genre.

In an era dominated by action-packed blockbusters, click-and-point adventure games stand out as a refreshing change of pace, offering timeless experiences that remain as enjoyable today as when they were first released.