Hidden gem adventure games you may have missed

Have you ever played a game that just grabbed you by the collar and pulled you into its immersive world? Where the puzzles were so challenging that every time you solved one, you felt a sense of accomplishment? Adventure games are the perfect genre for that kind of experience. From point-and-click to narrative-driven, adventure games have been around for decades, and they show no signs of slowing down.

But with so many adventure games on different platforms, how do you even begin to sift through them all? That's where we come in. In this article, we'll introduce several lesser-known adventure games that you may have missed.

Thimbleweed Park (2017)

Thimbleweed Park may be a new game, but it has old-school vibes. Created by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick, the masterminds behind the classic game Maniac Mansion, Thimbleweed Park features point-and-click mechanics that will make you nostalgic for the golden age of adventure gaming.

The game takes place in a mysterious town called Thimbleweed Park, where you play as five different characters, each with their unique abilities and stories. Your goal is to solve the mysterious death of a beloved town resident while uncovering the town's strange secrets.

The pixel art is beautifully designed, and the voice acting is top-notch. The music also sets the mood of the game perfectly, making Thimbleweed Park a must-play for adventure game aficionados.

Kentucky Route Zero (2013)

Kentucky Route Zero is a game that defies categorization. It's part point-and-click adventure, part magical realist narrative, and part musical. The game takes place in a strange version of Kentucky, where you play as a delivery truck driver who's trying to find the secret Route Zero.

What's fascinating about Kentucky Route Zero is its use of storytelling. The game takes a nonlinear approach to storytelling, and the developers aren't afraid to leave the interpretation up to the player. The dialogue is poetic and mesmerizing, and the sound design is immaculate.

Kentucky Route Zero may not be a game for everyone, but for those willing to take a chance on a game that isn't afraid to be unconventional, it's a hidden gem worth exploring.

Obduction (2016)

From the creators of the classic game Myst, Obduction is a game that's all about exploration. You play as a person who's been magically transported to a strange world without any explanation.

The game's puzzles are challenging but satisfying, and the graphics are breathtaking. What sets Obduction apart is the sense of wonder that permeates the game. Every new area you explore has a sense of mystery and intrigue, making you want to explore more.

If you're a fan of puzzle-based exploration games, Obduction is a must-play.

Oxenfree (2016)

If you're a fan of narrative-driven adventure games, Oxenfree is a hidden gem you don't want to miss. The game follows a group of teenagers who go to an isolated island and accidentally unleash supernatural forces.

What makes Oxenfree unique is its use of dialogue. The game features a dialogue system that allows you to choose what your character says in real-time. This system not only affects how other characters react to you but also shapes the overall story.

The game's art style and soundtrack are also fantastic, and the sense of dread and tension keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Long Reach (2018)

The Long Reach is a horror adventure game that's set in a dystopian future where an experimental drug has gone wrong. Playing as the main character, Calvin, you must navigate a world full of corporate greed, and terrifying monsters.

What sets The Long Reach apart is its story. The game's narrative is full of twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next. The puzzles are also challenging, but not overly so, making The Long Reach a game that's perfect for adventure game newbies.

Firewatch (2016)

Firewatch is a game that's more about immersion than anything else. The game takes place in Wyoming's wilderness, where you play as a fire lookout named Henry. The game's story is simple, but the execution is nothing short of spectacular.

The game's voice acting is top-notch, and the dialogue between the characters is true to life. The game's art style is also beautiful, and the music sets the tone of the game perfectly.

What makes Firewatch a must-play for adventure game fans is its emphasis on immersion. As you explore the wilderness, you feel like you're there, with every rustle of the wind and crunch of the leaves under your feet.

Tacoma (2017)

From the creators of Gone Home comes Tacoma, a science-fiction adventure game that takes place on a space station. You play as Amy Ferrier, who's been tasked with retrieving data from the station's AI system after a disaster.

What makes Tacoma unique is its use of augmented reality. As you explore the space station, you collect AR videos of the crew's interactions, giving you insight into their personalities and relationships.

The game's story is poignant, and the voice acting is superb. The game's art design is also stunning, making Tacoma a hidden gem for adventure game fans.

The Last Door (2013)

The Last Door is a point-and-click adventure game that's inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. The game's story takes place in Victorian England, where you play as a man who's trying to uncover the truth about his childhood friend's death.

What sets The Last Door apart is its use of atmosphere. The game's graphics are retro and pixelated, but they still manage to convey a sense of dark foreboding. The game's sound design is also fantastic, with every creak and whisper creating an eerie soundscape.

If you're a fan of horror-based adventure games, The Last Door is an absolute must-play.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013)

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a beautiful narrative-driven adventure game that follows two brothers on a quest to save their father's life. The game features unique gameplay mechanics, where you control both brothers simultaneously.

What makes Brothers stand out is its emotional depth. The game doesn't shy away from topics like loss and grief, and it has a beautiful soundtrack that complements the themes of the game.

Brothers is a must-play for adventure game fans who appreciate a game that's more about the journey than the destination.

Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)

Return of the Obra Dinn is a pirate-themed adventure game where you play as an insurance adjuster who's been tasked with investigating the disappearance of a ship named the Obra Dinn. The game's art style is unique, with a black-and-white graphics aesthetic that harkens back to classic 8-bit games.

The game's puzzles are challenging, but the real highlight of Return of the Obra Dinn is its story. The game's plot unfolds in a nonlinear way, and the game even allows you to jump back and forth in time to uncover the full story.

If you're a fan of adventure games that feature unique gameplay mechanics, Return of the Obra Dinn is a must-play.

In conclusion

There you have it, our top picks for hidden gem adventure games you may have missed. From point-and-click to narrative-driven, horror-based to magical realist, these adventure games are a testament to the genre's versatility and creativity.

It's impossible to list every great adventure game out there, but we hope this list has introduced you to some games you may not have heard of before. So grab a controller, settle in, and get ready for an adventure you won't forget.

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