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Now, this isn't to say that every adventure game being made by a major studio, an indie studio, or some guy in his dad's loft is worth your time. But the point is, much more is going on in this field than people are realizing, and some titles that are well-known in adventure circles still haven't got the mainstream recognition they deserve. At a time when video games are finally being seen as means to successfully realize stories and ideas, adventure games have the potential to gain more exposure and win back a larger audience. You want proof? Here are some quality underrated adventures from 2001 onwards: some big, some small, all worth your time.
9) A Tale of Two Kingdoms
Anyone who misses the glory days of King's Quest (5 and 6, that is) should seek this little gem out immediately. It tells a complicated, high-fantasy story of a murdered king and a kingdom on the brink of war, and there are so many variables and optional side-quests that you don't even have to solve the main plot to beat the game. Best of all, there's no risk of getting screwed over because you forgot to pick up item x through dialogue choice y in scene z four hours ago. You may not get the best ending, but you won't have to start all the way from the beginning, which is more than I can say for some adventure "classics" out there. Plus, it's completely free, and available for download here.
8) The Whispered World
Like some sort of mad cross between a Miyazaki tale, Care Bears, and The Last Unicorn, this beautiful fantasy outing casts you as a sad young clown ("sad" is even part of his name) who must challenge his destiny and save the world-- or perhaps destroy it. It is guilty of featuring one of the cutest adventure game sidekicks ever, but unfortunately it is also guilty of an unforgivably heinous vocal performance for its lead character, at least in the English version (unless you really like Adam Sandler and can't believe he isn't voicing everything ever). So this is one to play with the voices turned off, and a walkthrough in hand at certain parts, but one to play nonetheless, right up to the heartbreaking surprise ending.
7) Prodigal
Here's the thing deal with horror as a genre: it shouldn't be about grossing you out, or making you jump, or even just being creepy. It's about triggering actual fear. Making you dread whatever's coming next. Leaving you with that anxious feeling of doom, like there's nothing you can do to avoid the oncoming evil. A lot has been written about survival horror, and how games like Silent Hill and Eternal Darkness manage to get this right exactly. So does Prodigal. You play as a young man who's estranged brother suddenly disappears, leaving behind a mysterious and suspicious trail that tempts you into darkness. Whispers dance on the soundtrack, blood drips from the top of the screen, and obscene monsters lurk in the shadows, but there's no easy escape here, and the satisfyingly horrific twist ending may leave you unwilling to trust anyone for days. This is another free independent game, and it's available here.
6) The White Chamber
And speaking of terrifying independent games, there's this little item, developed by Studio Trophis. More of a gamelette than a full-length epic (it's finishable in one sitting), this is still an intensely scary, gory anime sci-fi thriller set on a haunted space station. It's short length is countered by its different endings and gripping, bloody, disturbing story. Did I mention this one's not for the faint of heart either? Originally a student project, it handles decently enough and though it has its problems, it's a good way to slaughter a couple of hours if you're up to it.
Tags: PC Games
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