The Year Ahead - 1994

 Written by The TAG Team

Sadly, "It stinks!" could be said about way too many of the games Morpheus has played.

1994 was a year of missed release dates.

The same could be said of our research for this year. A lot of time was spent trying to figure out when games were released, if they were released in 1994, or if they were released in 1993 or 1995. Some games with questionable release years were added, like Goblins Quest 3, others with more distinct release dates were pushed to Missed Classics, like the award winning Midnight Stranger and the uh..."adventure" game Man Enough. If you were wondering why we’ve left out Alone in the Dark 3, The Bizarre Adventures of Woodruff, Commander Blood and whatever other games you think we missed, that’s why.

In a sad sense, for these reasons you could consider 1994 to be the first death of adventure games. A number of magazines we looked through talked about adventure games in the first half of the year, but as it wore on, some of them just stopped.

For those that are new to the blog in the last few years, this is the post where we plan which games are going to be played from the 1994 releases out there. The last time we did this was just before we started the 1993 games, which are getting close to winding down.  We still have some games to go, but we’re posting this now.  Our plan is to start mixing in the 1994 games as we wind down the 1993 list, with our two newer reviewers in the mix, but also inviting new voices to join in the quest.

We will still be tackling the year ahead with the same categories of games as before.  Our basic criteria for choosing a game, adjusted for 1994:

1. It has at least 10 magazine reviews (our definition of magazine is loose and inclusive)
2. It is listed on the Wikipedia List of Graphic Adventure Games and has its own dedicated Wikipedia page
3. It is undeniably a graphic adventure game

If a game meets all of the criteria, it will be automatically Accepted, which means that it will be added to our playing list.  

If a game meets only two of the requirements, it is classified as Borderline, and with some discussion in the comments and an investment of those CAPs you’ve been earning on the site, they will also be added to the playlist.  These games will cost 100 CAPs.  As in the past, commenters can pool their resources together if needed.

Games that only meet one standard are labeled Disregarded, and will cost 200 CAPs to add to the playlist.  This year, however, we are offering a sale price:  if a commenter who has never done a post for the blog wishes to do the game review/playthrough themselves, they can purchase it for half-price, only 100 CAPs.  If CAPs need to be pooled for the purchase, the commenters must agree on who is going to play the game before it will be accepted.

There’s also a category called Panthro’s Law, where a game meeting none of the criteria can still be nominated and purchased for the playlist.  The admins can nominate up to 4 games this year, because we are in the year 1994.  We’ll try to explain our logic for putting them forward.  The cost to add one of these games is 500 CAPs.  These games can also be gotten at the same half-price discount, 250 CAPs, with the same rules.

The fine print for this coupon sale:  if the CAPs are pooled for a discounted purchase and the new reviewer doesn’t follow through, there will be no refunds.  Sorry, much like an adventure game at a flea market today, all sales are final.

You may have noticed sweeping changes have been made to how game selection is being done. Firstly, instead of ratings, we've switched to magazine reviews, which might be a problem down the line, but for now seems to work well. Secondly, while we'll continue to use the Wikipedia list, games will only count if there's a page for the game. Plague of the Moon, for instance, is Disregarded because it's on the list, but there's no page, while Blown Away, while having a page, is Borderline because nobody bothered to add it to the list.

As with last year, we’re adding in licensed games that wouldn’t otherwise be notable to the Disregarded pile, and we’re also putting in titles from developers who have mainline games in the past or future. We tried to be strict about it, not tossing in some “barely adventure” game stuff like a Sailor Moon FMV game masquerading as an adventure or reaching for what qualifies as mainline in the future or past.

A change that was extensively argued about, is the consideration of text adventures based on how many ratings they have on IFDB. This is done on a provisional basis to see how well it works, and most of us admins have made a gentleman’s agreement not to pay for them. That is to say, if you want us to continue with it, vote with your CAPs wallet.

Further, it's been agreed that games should only count when they're first released in English, so say hello to two Synergy games and Cosmology of Kyoto, while saying see you next time to Eastern Mind and Igor: Objective Uikokahonia. This means officially, not unofficially, so we have Policenauts and some Czech games here, bizarrely. We've added in earlier games of future mainline titles, and even a few console games. Further clarification and complaints can be addressed to Morpheus, as he did the majority of the work while everyone else agreed or disagreed with whatever cockamamie stuff he said.

Because we will be overlapping the years this time, we can’t use our traditional date of “last game started” to signify a cut-off for formulating the list this time, so we will just choose an arbitrary date.  All purchases and trades must be done by the end of February 6, 2025 (blog time), which is Michael’s birthday, which he shares with reggae legend Bob Marley and world-famous actor Ronald Reagan.  We might start playing an automatically accepted game before then, but won’t be closing the disregarded game store until that time.

Another note:  Because of the overlap we’re planning, it may be a very long time before the “Full House” guesses can be judged for 1993.  We are purposely holding back on one 1993 game because it will fit info Joe’s Infocom and Zork marathons, so 1993 might not be finished completely for some time.  The guesses aren’t forgotten; just our change of strategy means that it will have to wait, so we can ensure regular game coverage going forward.

Final note: While in the past we’ve made limited exceptions to the rule and allowed missed classics from the current year, when it comes to games from 1994, if a borderline or disregarded game isn’t purchased with CAPs, it cannot be played as a missed classic until 1995 begins.

Games immediately Accepted

Beneath a Steel Sky

Will the addition of the guy who drew Watchmen save Revolution Software?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (37)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers

Burn;Cycle

Another cyberpunk horror adventure game, this time with a two hour time limit. Like the Japanese game D.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game? Yes Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews? Yes (25) Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list? Yes Does it actually have a Wikipedia page? Yes Result Accepted Potential Reviewers Morpheus

Death Gate

Based on the famous book series by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (24)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Vetinari

Dragon Lore: The Legend Begins

Cryo's big jump into 3D graphics.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (26)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Dragonsphere

The final part of Microprose's informal adventure trilogy.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (18)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Vetinari

Dreamweb

A cyberpunk adventure with a weird perspective.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (34)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Will, Morpheus

Freddi Fish and the Missing Kelp Seeds

Humongous's great undersea detective gets her start.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (10)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Michael

Gadget: Invention, Travel and Adventure

A steampunk Myst-style adventure alleged to have few puzzles but a lot of focus on environments.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (14)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Goblins Quest 3

There's only one goblin now. (Note, despite claims of a 1993 release, we haven't seen any evidence to this)

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (23)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Ilmari

Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller

Another cyberpunk horror game, this time with all your favorite famous actors.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (25)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Will, Morpheus

Inherit the Earth

It's another one of those fantasy games set after the fall of man.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (23)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Will

The Legend of Kyrandia: Malcolm's Revenge

A strange finale to the series, now 3D.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (23)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Michael

Noctropolis

An adventure game answering the typical comic plot, what if the fanboy became the superhero?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (21)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers

Policenauts

The original PC-98 version of Hideo Kojima's followup to Snatcher.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (10)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Relentless: Twinsen's Adventure (Little Big Adventure)

The natural followup to Alone in the Dark.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (10)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Roberta Williams' King's Quest VII: The Princeless Bride

The game many wish ended the series.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (23)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Michael

Snatcher

Hideo Kojima's first adventure game, which thanks to quirks of our rules is going to be played alongside the original.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (30)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers

Superhero League of Hoboken

Superheroes in New Jersey!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (15)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers	Vetinari, Will

Under a Killing Moon

What many consider to be Tex Murphy's finest hour.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (35)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers

Universe

Can Core finally design a good adventure game?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (22)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Accepted
Potential Reviewers

Borderline (100 CAPs)

Alice: An Interactive Museum

The world's most expensive game of 52 card pickup.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (3)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Bought by MorpheusKitami (-100 CAPs)
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Are You Afraid of the Dark: The Tale of Orpheo's Curse

The spooky kids series gets a game from the good folks at Viacom.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (7)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Borderline
Potential Reviewers

Blown Away

A movie license based off a movie I haven't even heard of before.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (12)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Borderline
Potential Reviewers

Cosmology of Kyoto

Roger Ebert's favorite game.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (8)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Bought by Laukku (-100 CAPs)
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Desire

The original PC-98 version of Hiroyuki Kanno's debut, which is supposed to be important.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (1)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Bought by Laukku (-100 CAPs)
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Heimdall 2

Hey, you guys said the first one was an adventure game!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (22)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Borderline
Potential Reviewers

Mavlin: Vesmirny unik

This one is only available if someone around here can read Czech.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Borderline
Potential Reviewers

Mansion of Hidden Souls

This is the Sega CD game which was released in Japan in '93, but in English in '94. The Saturn sequel was released in Japan in '94, but in English in '95. This was very confusing.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (22)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Borderline
Potential Reviewers

MTV: Club Dead

Look at that video compression!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (10)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Borderline
Potential Reviewers

Prince Interactive

Or the Game Formerly Known as Interactive.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (10)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Borderline
Potential Reviewers

Return to Ringworld

Did we have unfinished business?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (11)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Bought by ShaddamIVth (-100 CAPs)
Potential Reviewers

Tajemství Oslího ostrova

Another Eastern European game with an English translation that was released by Epic MegaGames, and I'm Teddy Roosevelt.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (4)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Bought by arcanetrivia (-100 CAPs)
Potential Reviewers	Michael

Valhalla and the Lord of Infinity

Why are half the games with weird perspective about Norse Mythology? (And Amiga originals?)

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (10)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Borderline
Potential Reviewers

Disregarded (200 CAPs)

+=3

Not so much a game as much as a philosophical question.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Around the World in 80 Days

An educational game from the short-lived EA Kids label.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (2)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Astronomica

It's time to learn about space.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (4)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Balances

The example game that came with earlier versions of Inform.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

The C.H.A.O.S. Continuum

This one is going to take more explaining than a caption should say.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (7)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

The Clue!

Adventure + Crime Heist= ???

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (19)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Bought by Will (-200 CAPs)
Potential Reviewers

Digby's Adventures (and various other names)

You'd think a game connected to Shelly Duvall would be more famous.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Doctor Hauzer

Alone in the Dark without the combat.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (5)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Flash Gordon: Il Rapmento di Dale

There's an interesting story behind this game's publication process.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Bought by Vetinari (-200 CAPs)
Potential Reviewers	Vetinari

Flash Traffic: City of Angels

Die Hard as an adventure game?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (5)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Gahan Wilson's The Ultimate Haunted House

A collaboration between two famous illustrators, published by Microsoft.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (3)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Hawaii High: Mystery of the Tiki

A Nancy Drew-inspired game, before that meant something else.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Die Hohlenwelt Saga: Der Leuchtende Kristall

A German game made famous internationally for being what inspired the creation of a machine language translation tool, or is that AI now?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (8)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

In the Dead of Night

Trecision's debut, which has a hard to follow release history, but we're pretty sure it was released this year.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (1)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Bought by Vetinari (-200 CAPs)
Potential Reviewers	Vetinari

The Manhole: Masterpiece Edition

The remake of Cyan's famous children's game, GOG alleges that 1994 is the release date, as there is some confusion.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (1)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

 Museum Madness

The bridge between the earlier educational adventures we've seen and stuff like JumpStart.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Nishimura Kyoutarou Travel Mystery: Akugyaku no Kisetsu

A licensed Japanese console adventure, the end result of us not realizing what could possibly go wrong to innocent changes.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Pac-Man 2

They turned Pac-Man into an adventure game.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	Yes (15)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Bought by Michael (-200 CAPs)
Potential Reviewers	Michael

The Pagemaster

Macaulay Culkin, what did they do to you?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (2)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Plague of the Moon

A Spanish Elvira-clone, this is going to be a trip.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers	Michael

The Residents': Freak Show

The second of the infamous band's computer games.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (1)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

The Romantic Blue

William Fisher makes a game that isn't about your aunt the witch...which would become connected to your aunt the witch anyway...

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (1)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

System's Twilight

Andrew Plotkin does his own take on A Fool's Errand.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No (1)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Tenchi Muyo Ryoki

Based off the wildly popular anime of the '90s.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

The Underoos That Ate New York

This is going to be very weird...

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Urusei Yatsura: Dead My Friends

Another anime adaptation, from the same lady who brought you Ranma 1/2.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Wrath of the Gods

One of Maxis's more oddball efforts, and yes, I know how odd that is.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	Yes
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Yamamura Misa Suspense: Kyoto Anba Sanso Satsujin Jiken

1994 was a good year for Japanese writers getting games based off their work.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Yellow Kid: Giallo al Circo

Anybody remember Hogan's Alley?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers

Yu Yu Hakusho Gaiden

Why did they make an adventure game based off this?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 10 or more Magazine Reviews?	No
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Does it actually have a Wikipedia page?	No
Result	Disregarded
Potential Reviewers	Morpheus

Panthro's Law (500 CAPs)

When the time came to start adding games to this category, nobody really wanted to add anything except Morpheus. And by now Morpheus already went over most games he thought were interesting in previous categories, even ignoring that we kind of went a bit strict on the licensed game rule to avoid the list being entirely dominated by bizarre German, Italian and Japanese games. Let's see what's left...

Ecstatica

Alone in the Dark, but with spheres.

One of the first Alone in the Dark-style games, made by a Brit who basically did this and some sports games. It's a medieval horror game, which is very different from anything else in its genre. Also in its favor are a focus of very black comedy, befitting the nation that gave us Blackadder and Monty Python.

Entombed

Myst from Australia, or is that Austria?

A very odd game, a Myst-style game made as shareware, which was eventually sold commercially. Egyptian-inspired, but not quite as focused on that as later games like Egypt or Riddle of the Sphinx. Also notable for having a hint system that tells you everything...right up until the end.

Necronomicon

Lovecraft or Giger, that is the question.

Picking one up distinctly from Morpheus's wishlist, we have Necronomicon, one of the last and allegedly best of Fairytale's horror Japanese-style adventure games. Will it live up to the hype or turn out to be as horrifying as the book it takes its name from?

The Yukon Trail

There's gold in them hills.

Finally, we have The Yukon Trail, the spinoff of The Oregon Trail that asks the question, how would you handle the Klondike Gold Rush? If you've seen the video Brutalmoose did on the game, the answer will shock you.

And the reviewers...

Just like in previous years, we will also decide who's to play what game in the comments below. Especially with continuing series, reviewers for previous parts are preferred over completely new reviewers.

As per last year, you can suggest reviewers for a game, but we'll reduce the cost to 10 CAPs. Also per last year, don't concentrate them on one person, and generally don't be the reason why a new rule has to be made.