Ah, point-and-click adventure games: the genre that lets you solve puzzles by combining a rubber chicken with a pulley and asking yourself deep questions like, “Why on earth do I need a spoon to unlock this door?”
There’s a certain magic in a mouse’s slow, satisfying click, leading you from one quirky character to another, all while trying to avoid the inevitable “you can’t use that here” pop-up.
Not only are many point-and-click adventure games among my all-time favourites, but the genre has come a long way since its early, pixelated roots.
Over the years, point-and-click games have evolved, blending modern storytelling with nostalgic mechanics that make us remember why we fell in love with them in the first place.
Whether you’re a veteran of Monkey Island who can still quote Guybrush Threepwood or you’re just dipping your toes into the genre, these modern point-and-click adventures will remind you why pixel-hunting and item-combining are some of the best times you’ll have gaming.
So grab your mouse and prepare to click through some of the best adventure games out there.
Deponia: The Complete Journey
Platforms: PC; macOS
Get it here
Welcome to Deponia, a trash-filled planet where everything is as absurd as it sounds. Join Rufus, a lovable loser with dreams of escaping his chaotic home, as he stumbles through ridiculous puzzles and bizarre characters.
The Complete Journey packs all three games into one delightful package, blending slapstick humour with clever writing and colourful visuals.
Expect your wits to be tested while navigating a world of contraptions and eccentric personalities.
Fran Bow
Platforms: PC; macOS; Android; iOS; Xbox Series X/S; Xbox One; Nintendo Switch; PlayStation 4
Get it here
Fran Bow is a hauntingly beautiful point-and-click adventure that blends whimsy and horror like a delightful, if disturbing, cocktail.
Follow Fran, a young girl dealing with the trauma of her parent’s death while in a mysterious mental institution. As she navigates a surreal world filled with grotesque creatures and mind-bending puzzles, you’ll unravel the dark secrets that haunt her past.
The game’s unique art style and emotionally charged narrative create an unforgettable experience that is both captivating and chilling.
Kelvin and the Infamous Machine
Platforms: PC; macOS; Android; iOS
Get it here
Join Kelvin, a time-travelling inventor with a knack for trouble, in Kelvin and the Infamous Machine.
This delightful romp through time has humour, quirky characters, and clever puzzles that will leave you in stitches.
The vibrant art style and snappy dialogue make this game a real treat for fans of classic point-and-click adventures.
Lamplight City
Platforms: PC; Nintendo Switch; macOS
Get it here
Step into the shoes of private investigator Miles Fordham in Lamplight City, where Victorian-inspired steampunk meets murder mysteries.
The game blends narrative depth with exploration as you unravel the secrets of a city shrouded in fog and intrigue.
With an emphasis on choices that affect the outcome, your detective skills will be tested as you piece together clues and interrogate quirky characters.
Expect a mix of humour and dark themes, making for a thrilling experience that’s part noir, part adventure.
Little Misfortune
Platforms: Nintendo Switch; Android; iOS; PlayStation 4; Xbox One; PC; macOS
Get it here
Welcome to the whimsically dark world of Little Misfortune, where a young girl named Misfortune sets out on a quest to find the most magnificent gift for her mother.
With a mischievous narrator guiding her, you’ll navigate a charming yet eerie landscape filled with quirky characters and heartwarming moments.
The game beautifully balances humour and sadness, making you question every decision you make as Misfortune encounters strange creatures and unsettling situations.
It’s a unique blend of adventure and emotion that will keep you entertained – and maybe even a little uneasy- until the end.
Nine Witches: Family Disruption
Platforms: Nintendo Switch; PlayStation 4; Xbox One; PC
Get it here
When an ancient artefact causes chaos, saving the day in Nine Witches: Family Disruption is up to you.
Set in World War II, this pixel-art adventure combines humour, witchcraft, and a dash of historical absurdity.
You play as a bumbling occultist and his witty sidekick, navigating a series of puzzles while battling supernatural threats.
The game’s charming art style and quirky characters ensure a delightful experience filled with witty dialogue and unexpected twists.
The Inner World
Platforms: Nintendo Switch; PlayStation 4; Android; iOS; Xbox One; PC
Get it here
Dive into the whimsical world of The Inner World, where you’ll embark on a quest to save the Land of Asposia from impending doom.
Play as Robert, a naïve bell ringer with a knack for getting into trouble, and navigate a beautifully animated world filled with quirky characters and head-scratching puzzles.
The game’s humour and lighthearted storytelling are infectious as you uncover secrets and make friends (and foes) along the way.
With a story that touches on friendship and self-discovery, The Inner World is a refreshing take on the point-and-click genre that’s sure to leave you smiling.
Unavowed
Platforms: Nintendo Switch; PC; macOS
Get it here
Step into the shoes of a freshly possessed hero in Unavowed, where you join a secret society of demon hunters to save New York from supernatural chaos.
With its rich narrative and branching choices, this game combines engaging storytelling with clever puzzles.
Your decisions and the allies you choose shape your character’s journey, leading to multiple outcomes that keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Prepare for an adventure filled with dark themes, witty dialogue, and a dash of horror.
Whispers of a Machine
Platforms: Android; iOS; PC; macOS
Get it here
In a future where humans coexist with androids, Whispers of a Machine invites you to explore a thrilling narrative filled with cybernetic mysteries.
You play as Vera, a detective with unique enhancements, solving a series of murders while grappling with questions about humanity and technology.
The game’s stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes are matched by engaging puzzles that require clever thinking.
As you navigate this beautifully crafted world, your choices will impact both the story and your relationships with other characters.
And there you have it – ten modern point-and-click adventures that prove the genre isn’t just alive, it’s thriving.
Whether you’re solving a mystery with nothing but a magnifying glass and witty dialogue or frantically clicking every inch of the screen hoping for a clue to appear magically, these games are sure to scratch that classic gaming itch while pulling you into stories you won’t soon forget.
So, go ahead and click that download button. But remember the most important point-and-click skill of all:
Never underestimate the power of trying to use every item in your inventory on a single object – it’s worked for me more times than I’d care to admit.
