The Enduring Legacy of Graphic Adventure Games: From Maniac Mansion to Modern Classics

Monkey Island | Grim Fandango | Maniac Mansion

Graphic adventure games have carved out a special place in the history of video games. Known for their engaging storytelling, witty dialogue, memorable characters, and puzzle-solving gameplay, this genre thrived in the late '80s and '90s, and after a period of near-extinction, it’s recently seen a surprising revival.

Graphic adventure games are a subgenre of adventure games that emphasize storytelling and puzzle-solving through a graphical interface. Unlike action-based games, these titles focus on exploration, dialogue choices, inventory management, and clever problem-solving.

The hallmark of graphic adventures is the point-and-click interface, which allows players to interact with the environment using a mouse or cursor. Players click on objects, pick up items, combine them, and talk to characters to advance the story.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the most iconic titles of the genre that you can't miss.

Point and click origin: Maniac Mansion (1987)

One of the most significant breakthroughs in the genre came with Maniac Mansion in 1987, developed by Lucasfilm Games. It was the first title to use the SCUMM engine, which introduced the now-iconic point-and-click interface. Rather than typing commands, players could click on verbs like “Open,” “Push,” or “Use” to interact with the world.

In this game players control a group of teenagers who enter a creepy mansion to rescue their kidnapped friend from a mad scientist and his bizarre experiments.

Current platforms: Available on PC via GOG and Steam, as well as on classic gaming compilations and emulators.

Day of the Tentacle (1993)

A spiritual successor to Maniac Mansion, Day of the Tentacle took everything to the next level: smarter puzzles, hilarious dialogue, and a mind-bending time travel mechanic.

The story follows three unlikely heroes that must work together across time to stop save the world from the evil purple tentacle who has taken.

Its cartoonish art style and absurdist humor made it one of the funniest games ever created.

Current platforms: Available on PC, macOS, Linux (Steam, GOG), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch (Remastered version available).

Grim Fandango (1998)

Blending Aztec mythology, film noir, and the afterlife, Grim Fandango offered one of the most unique settings in any game. Developed by Tim Schafer, it was also one of the first LucasArts games to use 3D graphics over static backgrounds.

In this case, players will play as Manny Calavera, a travel agent in the Land of the Dead, as he tries to save a virtuous soul and uncover a corruption scandal while navigating the afterlife.

With unforgettable characters, this game became a cult classic and remains a staple in any discussion of narrative-driven games.

Games

Current platforms: Available on PC, macOS, Linux (Steam, GOG), PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch (Remastered version available)

Broken Sword Series

Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars (1996) brought a more serious tone to the genre. With its conspiracy-laden story, European settings, and beautifully hand-drawn visuals, it offered a cinematic experience that still resonates with fans.

Protagonists George Stobbart and Nico Collard navigate a world of secret societies and historical mysteries, making the series a must-play for fans of mystery and intrigue.

There are five main Broken Sword games, plus a Director’s Cut of the first one with added content.

Current platforms: Available on PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Monkey Island Series

Last but not least, this is the Tech Lurker team's favorite!

Created by Ron Gilbert and LucasArts, the Monkey Island series is synonymous with classic adventure gaming. With its witty humor, amazing soundtrack, Caribbean pirate setting, and clever puzzles, The Secret of Monkey Island (1990) and its sequels became cultural icons.

The games follow Guybrush Threepwood, a bumbling but determined pirate wannabe, on his quest to become a legendary pirate while dealing with curses, ghost pirates, and eccentric characters.

There are six main Monkey Island games, including the latest one, Return to Monkey Island (2022), which brought the series back after a long hiatus.

Games

Return to Monkey Island - Nintendo Switch

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Decals

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Current platforms: Available on PC (Steam, GOG), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X, and mobile devices (iOS, Android).(Remastered versions available for Monkey Island 1 and 2).

Other Notable Mentions

Thimbleweed Park – A modern love letter to the golden age of point-and-click, created by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick.

A Vampyre Story – A charming gothic comedy developed by ex-LucasArts veterans. It was well-received for its art style and tone, but sadly, the planned sequel (A Vampyre Story 2: A Bat's Tale) was never released and is now considered canceled.

The Sword Master – A lesser-known but visually impressive fantasy point-and-click game with traditional hand-drawn animation. While not as famous, it’s a hidden gem worth checking out for genre fans.

Scooby-Doo! Classic Creep Capers (Game Boy Color) – A surprisingly faithful adaptation of the classic cartoon, featuring exploration, item puzzles, and mystery-solving in true adventure game style.

Resurrection of the genre

For years, graphic adventure games seemed like a relic of the past, too slow-paced for modern audiences, and overshadowed by action-heavy blockbusters.

But in recent years, the genre has experienced an exciting resurgence.

Games like Thimbleweed Park proved that there's still a strong appetite for classic-style point-and-click experiences, while Return to Monkey Island (2022) brought Guybrush Threepwood back to a new generation of players with style and heart.

Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a newcomer, the wonderfully weird world of graphic adventures is alive and well, and its legacy is far from over.