5 Point-And-Click Games That Still Hold Up!

Video Games

Dec 9

Drake meme about clicking everything in point-and-click games — Image Source: CultureSlate

Everyone discovers the joy of gaming at different times in life. That said, there are numerous point-and-click games out there that deserve to be revisited not just for their nostalgic value in our lives but to be consumed like any good book. Many of them now have supported mobile game versions too. Recently, we have seen games like Shadows Over Loathing, the adventure co-op The Past Within, the psychedelic horror game Fran Bow, the Don’t Escape Trilogy, and the story-driven Paper’s Please leading the charge in famous point-and-click games with overwhelmingly positive Steam user reviews. Here is a list of popular point-and-click games throughout the ages you should check out.

5. Resonance (2012)

“[In] the end, we can say this is a neo-LucasArts game when considering the quality of visuals, sound, and story. The unique GUI and consequently unique puzzles are making the whole game even better from Lucas although the whole joy won't last for too long since the game is short.” - hostX9’s User Review on Gamespot

Though it is still technically a young game, Resonance recently turned 10 years old last July and has remained on the list of favorite point-and-click adventures. The game presents an immediately thrilling hook about several sudden explosions rocking the nation, focusing on a seemingly accidental explosive death of a famous scientist that may have been caused by a terrorist organization. The game’s heavily pixelated graphics give it that retro sci-fi theme. Some reviews have pointed out that the game’s learning curve can slow down the flow as the player juggles four unique characters and the items in their inventory to solve puzzles and perform tasks. This can make things lengthy and time-consuming when some tasks require specific character-to-item combinations.

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4. Machinarium (2009)

Machinarium has earned many accolades, including the Independent Games Festival’s Excellence in Visual Art award (2009), PC Gamer’s Best Soundtrack award (2009), and Gamasutra’s Best Indie Game award (2009). It was also the runner-up for Kotaku’s PC Game of the Year award (2009).

The game features a hand-drawn, aged robotic 2D world with little blooms of life scattered around a city. The mayor and the protagonist’s robot girlfriend have been taken hostage by the Black Cap Brotherhood. The game is dominated by puzzles and brain teasers. Due to its altruistic narrative, the developers have included a cute mini-game that players can repeatedly play to unlock hints when they are stumped on a cryptic puzzle.

3. Exmortis (2004)

This is the shortest game on the list, only taking up to an hour or more to complete. Originally released on Newgrounds in 2004, Exmortis still maintained its popularity to this day with its foreboding art style and atmosphere that keep players on their toes as they wander around solving puzzles in a mostly-dark building. The game made use of jump scares at a time when these were becoming more common in video games. The general vibe of the game is unsettling, from random images you see to the noises you hear when opening doors. Once you enter the building, there is no getting out.

For players that want to continue the tale of demonic conquest, check out the sequels Exmortis 2 and 3.

2. Beneath A Steel Sky (1994)

“First thing Charles would do when I came down to visit the Revolution offices was to bring me the most beautiful bacon butty(,) fortified by that we were indeed able to make magic. All powered by bacon.” - Dave Gibbons

Another cult classic brought back to life for sci-fi fans is the incredible cyberpunk-themed adventure Beneath A Steel Sky, which was first released in 1994. This game runs on the fumes of the protagonist, Robert Foster, and his AI companion Joey, who are just trying to survive the oppression under a cruel AI leader of Union City. Some have said that the game felt like a lovechild of Bladerunner and Total Recall.

It was notable for being one of the first games to have NPC’s wander instead of stagnantly standing in place waiting for the protagonist. Players also like how the puzzles were not too difficult, and there was no ambiguity and what they needed to do and where they needed to go.

The story continued with Beyond a Steel Sky, which came out in 2020, almost twenty-five years after the original.

1. Myst (1993)

“Breathtaking graphical realism blurs the line between fantasy and reality, challenging your wits, instincts, and powers of observation like never before. The fantasy beckons... can you resist its call?”

Myst is another one of those investigative stories that demand your full attention as you try to unlock the story behind a tragic betrayal alongside other mysteries of the island. This game is on the more difficult side, and some players recommend having a pen and paper handy. The game requires the player to be immersed in the story, the environment, and the incredible soundtrack in order to solve its puzzles.

The game was originally released in 1993, reupdated to more colorful graphics of the Masterpiece Edition (2000), and then remade as realMyst: Masterpiece Edition (2014), which some gamers swear to be the best version of this game, A VR version of the game was recently made in 2021.

Like Bethesda’s Oblivion and Skyrim, Myst will stay relevant for at least a lifetime.

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