Adventure games have been a significant part of gaming history for years, offering players unforgettable experiences filled with puzzles, exploration, and fascinating stories.

While modern titles impress with realistic graphics and advanced mechanics, it’s the old school adventure games that have something truly special. These games defined the genre, introducing players to a world full of mysteries, intriguing characters, and surprising plot twists.

Today, we’re bringing back some of the most iconic adventure games that have stood the test of time and continue to provide excellent entertainment.

Our list includes games that every retro adventure fan should know. You’ll find intriguing puzzles, unforgettable adventures, and hours of great fun. Ready for a journey to the past? Check out our suggestions to discover or relive the best classics!

GameReleaseGenreDeveloper
Sanitarium 1998-04-30 Adventure DreamForge Intertainment
The Longest Journey 2000-11-17 RPG Funcom
Indiana Jones And The Fate Of Atlantis 1992-06-01 Adventure LucasArts
Loom 1990-01-01 Adventure Lucasfilm Games
Full Throttle Remastered 2017-04-18 Adventure Double Fine Productions
Sam Max Hit The Road 1993 Adventure LucasArts
Day Of The Tentacle Remastered 2016-03-21 Adventure Double Fine Productions
Broken Sword 2 The Smoking Mirror Remastered 1997-10-31 Adventure Revolution Software
Myst 2021-08-26 Adventure Cyan Worlds
Myst V 2016-07-26 Adventure Cyan Worlds
Myst Iv Revelation 2004-09-10 Adventure Ubisoft Montreal
The Secret Of Monkey Island Special Edition 2009-07-15 Adventure LucasArts
The Curse Of Monkey Island 1997-10-31 Adventure LucasArts
Return To Monkey Island 2022-09-19 Adventure Terrible Toybox
Escape From Monkey Island 2000-11-06 Adventure LucasArts
Grim Fandango Remastered 2015-01-26 Adventure Double Fine Productions
Broken Sword Complete Package 2010-09-02 Adventure Revolution Software Ltd

Monkey Island Series

Release date:2009-07-15
Genre:Adventure
Developer:LucasArts

In the Monkey Island series, we follow the story of Guybrush Threepwood — an unfortunate pirate whose greatest dream is fame and, of course, fortune.

On his path to glory, he meets the beautiful governor Elaine Marley (to whom he gives his heart) and the ghost of the cruel pirate LeChuck, whom he faces multiple times.

The Monkey Island series is a classic among adventure games. Except for Escape from Monkey Island, all the instalments are point-and-click games, each featuring numerous puzzles, hidden treasures, and humorous dialogues.

Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers

Release date:2014-10-15
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Sierra On-Line

This time, we move to New Orleans, where our main character, Gabriel Knight, runs a bookshop. The city experiences a series of brutal murders. Gabriel decides to use the details of the investigation (obtained through his connections) to write his latest novel. Unaware of the danger, he becomes entangled in a dark intrigue.

Another point-and-click adventure, but this time in a much darker setting. Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers is primarily a dark and engaging story that will keep you glued to the screen for hours.

Grim Fandango Remastered

Release date:2015-01-26
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Double Fine Productions

The game takes us to the world of the dead. Working in the Department of Death as a travel agent, Manuel “Manny” Calavero takes care of newly arrived souls. Disturbing situations are happening more frequently in the afterlife. Manny embarks on a journey through the Land of the Dead to the Ninth Underworld to solve the mystery and save the soul of Mercedes “Meche” Colomar.

Grim Fandango is a unique blend of Mexican folklore and American noir cinema. The game offers not only excellent visual experiences but also a fair amount of humour.

Myst

Release date:2021-08-26
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Cyan Worlds

The main character of Myst is a mysterious figure known as The Stranger. In mysterious circumstances, through a special book, he is transported to the titular Myst island. There, he discovers that there are more such books, each capable of taking him to another fantastical world.

Different ages, numerous puzzles, and a world that will completely captivate you. Although several years have passed since the game’s release, the graphics in Myst are still impressive, and the world presented in the game amazes with its details.

Day of the Tentacle Remastered

Release date:2016-03-21
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Double Fine Productions

In Day of the Tentacle, we meet Bernard Bernoulli and his friends Hoagie and Laverne as they try to stop the Purple Tentacle from taking over the world. The trio embarks on a journey through time.

The cartoonish atmosphere straight out of Warner Bros., wacky characters, and surreal humor make Day of the Tentacle a must-have for your collection.

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis

Release date:1992-06-01
Genre:Adventure
Developer:LucasArts

In this game, we take on the role of the legendary archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones. This time, Indiana, along with his friend Sophia Hapgood, sets out on the trail of the Nazis, whose goal is to acquire a powerful weapon hidden somewhere in the ruins of the lost Atlantis.

With Indiana Jones, there’s never a dull moment. Car chases, fistfights, and of course, plenty of puzzles to solve. It’s a must-play for every adventurer.

Conclusion

Journeying into the world of old, classic adventure games is like diving into the golden age of gaming nostalgia.

Games like “Monkey Island,” “Gabriel Knight,” and “Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis” shaped the computer gaming industry and gained fans worldwide.

Their unique stories, captivating puzzles, and distinctive humor make them timeless favorites. See for yourself! Check out our recommendations and embark on a journey through time with the best retro adventure games!