One way to look at point-and-click games is that they’ve become a lesser genre since they hit big in the 1990s. Another way to look at them is that, in modern gaming, they’ve evolved into and combined with different genres, from adventure and puzzle games, to “find and search” experiences and walking simulators. I’ve long thought of the as their own type of game, but I can’t deny that newer games billed as “point-and-click” have muddied the waters a little. Whatever the case may be, as I’ve become quite involved in point-and-click games again of late, I can’t deny that they will always have a proper space in my gaming library. What follows are some some of my favorites, new and old.
Call of the Elder Gods
Of all the games here, I suppose that Call of the Elder Gods is the only one that’s not strictly a point-and-click game. Its first-person perspective certainly sets it apart, as does its exploration elements. Since its basic gameplay relies heavily on clicking on things and collecting clues, however, it makes my list. Even now, months after first completing it, I remain surprised by just how much this game captured my attention. Further, the fact that I must someday play its prequel, Call of the Sea, continues to live rent-free in my head.
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Is Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis the best Indiana Jones adventure that was never seen on the big screen? Given how deep LucasArts went with Fate of Atlantis – a game complete with everything one expects from this famous, swashbuckling archaeologist – it could very well be true. This original adventure featuring Jones’ search for the lost city of Atlantis has ancient mysteries, globe-trotting exploration, dangerous rivals, and lots of chances to outsmart Nazis. If that’s not enough to keep players invested in this awesome point-and-click adventure, I don’t know what is!
The Procession to Calvary
Made by a single creator, The Procession to Calvary is a beautiful point-and-click game.I mean that both style-wise and its in very clever puzzle design. Built from clipart made from Renaissance paintings, and filled with Monty Python-esque humor, The Procession to Calvary sees players searches for silly solutions to equally silly problems while saints, soldiers, and peasants casually discuss nonsense in the background. Though silliness abounds, the game’s witty writing, rewarding puzzles, and running jokes never wear out their welcome. Add to this that it’s a relatively short game, and The Procession to Calvary makes for a great weekend accomplishment.
The Secret of Monkey Island
In the genre-defining The Secret of Monkey Island — indeed, it’s on the tip of my tongue whenever someone mentions point-and-click games — players take on the role of Guybrush Threepwood, an ambitious young man whose lifelong dream is to become a pirate despite being deeply unqualified, to say the least. From its charming, pixel art environments to its fun dialogue (complete with verbal “sword fighting!”) to its imaginative puzzles, The Secret of Monkey Island is an instant classic that even today hasn’t lost its edge.
Sam & Max Hit the Road
Meeting this crime-fighting duo of a well-dressed, six-foot dog and his hyperkinetic rabbity-thing sidekick back in the 90s is what brought about my love of point-and-click games. At the time, I couldn’t get enough of this wacky duo as they traveled across an exaggerated version of America in search of a missing Bigfoot. What really made the game special, though, was that Sam and Max’s journey was less about solving a serious case and more about meeting bizarre characters and exploring strange roadside attractions while uttering an endless stream of hilarious quips. Now, I’ll admit that the game’s puzzles often require some pretty big leaps in logic, which detracts a little from the experience. And yet, the overall entertainment factor of Sam & Max Hit the Road more than make up for its more baffling moments. It’s still one of the best point-and-click games available some thirty years after the fact.
I’m always looking for new point-and-click games to play, so drop some of your favorites in the comments!
Lede image captured by author during PC gameplay of Sam & Max Hit the Road (© LucasArts).
I’ve only played and finished Day of the Tentacle Remastered which I really loved. I definitely want to try the Indiana Jones and Monkey Island games.
I spent some time with The Dig at one point and got very lost, resolving not to use a guide. Maybe I should renege that rule.
Would Myst be considered a point-and-click adventure, too? That one would probably top my list if so!
Day of the Tentacle has been on my to-do list forever! I don’t know why I’ve never gotten around to it, but I really should. Same goes for Myst, which definitely falls in this genre! I’ve long wanted to play it, as well, and just never have.
I’ll admit that I had to turn to guides/Internet help for most of the games on my list. As much as I love the mystery and puzzle-solving aspects of point and click games, I’m bad at making connections between random objects and occurrences. To each their own, of course, but I’d rather obtain guidance then quit over being stuck. Then again, it all depends on the game and one’s feelings about it.
I think if we truly give it the good old college try and genuinely can’t figure it out after spending some time with it, it’s fine to get a clue or outright look it up. Some of the solutions in those games are super convoluted – or they require clicking on a very specific part of the screen.
You’ve inspired me to install Myst III! Skipping Riven which I had tried and gotten stuck. The internet seems to think this third installment is the easiest – which is way better for my limited time!
Nice, and good luck with it! Like I said, I really need to get into that series myself someday.
Yes, Myst is definitely a point-and-click game! It’s also one of the best ones! And use a guide if you need it, that’s why it’s there! But speaking of Day of the Tentacle and Indiana Jones, I need to try those too. Definitely try Monkey Island, I think you would like that series.
I love seeing Point-and-Clicks making a comeback. That was one of my favorite genres growing up. I know I wasn’t alive when the games originally came out, but I loved King’s Quest too. Leisure Suit Larry (1-3 and 5-7; there is no LSL 4; it’s a joke in the LSL community), while a bit crass, is another great series, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. Grim Fandango is another all-time favorite of mine.
Grim Fandango has been on my ol’ to-do list for…forever! I really have no excuse as to why I’ve ignored it for so long, really. Once I get Sam & Max out of my system currently (playing through the recent-ish remasters of the Telltale games), maybe it’ll be the thing to do!