Every time I think the adventure genre is done for good, some sly developer comes out of nowhere and throws a title in the mix like a greasy boomerang. The latest offering of this type is Hotel Dusk for the DS, and I'd say it does the past offerings of it's kind proud (although you'll have to wait until our review of it this week to be 100% sure).
All chatter aside, it seems I'm not the only one deep in hope that the adventure genre is not dead. Gamasutra's Scott Nixon offers some excellent thoughts on the topic in his latest article about Nintendo's contributions (or lack thereof) to the adventure game and the possible uses of the Wiimote in such titles. While it's probably too much to expect Maniac Mansion Universe replete with remote waving tentacle options, it is a breath of fresh air to see more quirky titles like Cooking Mama catching fire stateside.
The truth of the matter is, the Wii and the DS both have the capacity to provide an ideal new stomping ground for the adventure game. Whether or not they will be used for such is anyone's guess, but the murmurs of approval in the gaming community seem to suggest that more unique titles would be something a lot of people would be interested in buying. With some genres oversaturated to the point of nausea, it's an ideal time to bring in something to challenge players and get them thinking.
I think it's safe to say Sony will likely stay out of the picture on this one. At one time I would have said the same of Microsoft, but seeing titles like Assassin's Creed and Bioshock on the 360 have made me think twice. Sure, they aren't traditional adventure titles, but they certainly have a twist that a lot of other titles lack. If we can't hope for balls out adventure titles from our next gen systems, I'd at least like to see the sparkle of innovation in the titles that do release.
If I ramble on I may be at risk of being dragged away and locked up to protect the innocent, but I ask you this: Do you give a rat's ass about the adventure genre? Do you think it has any hope of seeing the light of day again? Or were the eighties the only time when games about mad scientists and witty British starships could possibly survive?
Contest:
1:11 AM on 02.06.2007
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As much as I love those style of games (and ones like Phoenix Wright and etc), I think for developers its a huge gamble to make a game like that. You have a better chance of it not selling then you do of it making bank, and really outside of portable systems, adventure games haven't fared well on current game systems.
I would love to see a game of Hotel Dusk or even Sam and Max caliber on the Xbox or even the PS3, but unless the developer has got some heavy hitters to back it (Nintendo obviously does.), I think they're gonna not risk the chance and just continue churning out WW2 games.
Some of the best adventure entries in history I have simply passed over - or lost the opportunity, as I had no means to play. A few others, I've just given a shot (like Grim Fandango - really good and fun, though I've not dedicated myself enough to it). And for that very Sierra's Torin's Passage (not a particularly good one, but anyway) I've devoted myself, and gone through. It came with my first computer, so that justifies the effort.
The fact is, as a "mature" "gamer" (read: with better stuff to do, then playing "conventional" same-as-ever games over and over)... I lack variety, and innovation. That's what Miss Bennett is talking about here.
I see great light for the genre in handhelds, mostly (although I have not tried Hotel Dusk), because it's an interesting type of game to explore during one's time off, or during a long trip, etc.
On home consoles... Nah, I don't think I would invest my time on those - except if they REALLY innovate.
INTERNET, ANSWER ME.
www.gametap.com
If i had to chose between Halo 3 or another Kings Quest or Monkey Island I wouldn't think twice. Adventure games FTW!
Hmm, adventure games. Publishers probably don't see a market for them anymore. sadly. Everyone needs l33t n00b pwning shooters where you can talk shit and shit. Which is cool. But using your mind here and there is cool, too. We can only hope.
The new Sam & Max does the original justice. The voice actors fit the characters well and the humor is spot on. There's been three episodes released so far, each one should take you around 2 to 3 hours to complete. They're not the most difficult games out there, but the puzzles make sense (as much as you can expect with Sam & Max that is). Definitely worth signing up for a free trial with GameTap, and they also offer episodes of the Fox cartoon from the late 90's you can stream.
Seriously she loves it though, I can't wait to play the rest.
Haven't got hotel dusk yet, but I will. I really hope the DS and wii go some way to revive the genre. It's relaxingly pleasurable to play a game where you don't have to worry about dying or doing the wrong thing and having to reload and replay. Good puzzles and a strong story can be plenty.
I think there is plenty of room for the adventure genre to make a come back in the myriad of new platforms available. I could easily see something like a steroid-pumped version of Full Throttle storming onto the scene sometime in the future. I have to admit though, nothing gets this girl's heart throbbing like a couple of old-school sprites with a point and click personality. *sigh*
-> Mxy: /signed. I've had that same notion manys the time.
But the really interesting thing about the adventure genre is the underground effort. No other genre has so many people making their own games and releasing them for free. Just check out http://www.bigbluecup.com/games.php and see all the freeware adventure games. Yes, a lot of them are very amateurish, and most of them have graphics that belong in the early 90's, but some of them are offering plots beyond what you'll find in today's AAA titles and explore gameplay ideas that a big commercial companies wouldn't take the financial risk to try out.
The adventure genre never died, it just went underground.
But the really interesting thing about the adventure genre is the underground effort. No other genre has so many people making their own games and releasing them for free. Just check out http://www.bigbluecup.com/games.php and see all the freeware adventure games. Yes, a lot of them are very amateurish, and most of them have graphics that belong in the early 90's, but some of them are offering plots beyond what you'll find in today's AAA titles and explore gameplay ideas that a big commercial companies wouldn't take the financial risk to try out.
The adventure genre never died, it just went underground.
There is a new King's Quest in the works, though, and it looks true to form. I'm willing to bet that adventure games will make a resurgence now, provided games like Hotel Dusk test well. Go out and buy Hotel Dusk, to send a message to those developers.
That's an awesome site, I'd forgotten about that. I used to play Lovecraft text adventures all night at work there. :)