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 Year Ahead - 1993

By the TAG Team

It's again that magical time, when our community of readers gets to spend their well-earned CAPs and decide what is to be expected during another year of TAG. This time the stakes are on 1993, a year remembered fondly by all friends of good scifi TV shows, because then began the on-going search for paranormal events and alien life and government conspiracies trying to cover them up. Yes, I am talking about the truth that is out there.

Unfortunately we couldn't pay David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson
 for appearing on our blog, so here's instead the crew of seaQuest DSV

The Year Ahead - 1992

By Ilmari

Something really special is cooking up on the Adventure Game -blog, and we might have more time than usual to wait before the surprise is ready. In addition, the first ever gaming year with the new regime is about to end, with only few games to cover in 1991. So, it's good time to get your CAPs rolling and to decide what games to add to the gaming year 1992.

It wasn't all fun and games in 1992,
it was also bad movies sprouting good TV series later

The Year Ahead - 1991

Written by Ilmari

The end of the year is coming quite fast, and since we are just getting used to the idea of a community driven blog, we thought that we should begin the discussion of the year ahead a bit earlier than Trickster used to. After all, we want to have more time to get eager volunteers for upcoming games.

For anyone uncertain about how this works, all games marked by Accepted are on the official gaming list. Readers can spend CAPs to transfer to the official list games which are marked as Borderline (50 CAPs for an individual or 100 CAPs for a joint effort) or Disregarded (200 CAPs). Just like last time, the below is now set in stone, so don't bother heading off to Moby Games to vote or Wikipedia to edit the Notable list. Any CAP trades need to occur before the introduction post for the last game of 1990 (King’s Quest V), after which time 1991's playlist will be set. Next year's games are to be played approximately in the chronological order wherever possible. All discussion on CAP trades for the 1991 playing list should be had on this post. The admin will be adjusting the CAP leaderboard and each game's status as trades are made.

This is the year when adventure games in general finally turned from parser-based EGA games into point-and-click games with beautiful graphics and hauntingly good music. I am sure many of you will want to relive your memories with some of the old classics coming up, or perhaps some of the more unfamiliar games might appear interesting. If you want to play and blog some of the games accepted in the official gaming list, you can express your interest in the comments here. So here we go!

The Adventures of Willy Beamish

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (72)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted



There’s a definite Bart Simpson vibe going on here

Castle of Dr. Brain

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (44)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (group)

More of a puzzle game, but still beats Myst

Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (69)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

I liked it more than Conquest of Camelot. Does anyone want to play Robin Hood?

Cruise for a Corpse

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (37)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Will the curse of the French games be finally lifted?

EcoQuest: The Search for Cetus

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (50)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Let our ecopowers combine!

Elvira II: The Jaws of Cerberus

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (22)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Group)

Is there still some love for Elvira? Or are all busy washing their hair?

Free D.C.!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (12)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Zenic Reverie)

I’ve never even heard of this game

Heart of China

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (40)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Grand Adventure in Far East

Hugo II: Whodunit?

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (20)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

It can’t be worse than the first one, right?

It Came From The Desert

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (54)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Disregarded

Transferred to 1991 when Trickster found out its real publishing date. Still no adventure game

Leisure Suit Larry 1: In the Land of the Lounge Lizards (remake)

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (98)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Ilmari)

If you count Softporn, this is the third version of the same game. Still not tired of it?

Leisure Suit Larry 5: Passionate Patti Does a Little Undercover Work

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (64)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Larry V: one of the easiest games to beat

Les Manley in: Lost in L.A.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (14)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Aperama)

First game was awful, do we really want to make someone suffer through the second?

Martian Memorandum

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (37)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Second game in the Tex Murphy series

Maupiti Island

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (27)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Transferred to 1991 when Trickster found out its real publishing date.
Mortville Manor wasn’t very good, which doesn’t bode well for this game

Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (452)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

I guess we’ll have to fight over who gets to play it

Police Quest 3: The Kindred

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (58)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Riddle: What was first black, then white and now brown?

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (27)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Joe Pranevich)

I wonder if this is an elementary game

Space Quest I: Roger Wilco in the Sarien Encounter (remake)

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (56)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Andy Panthro)

Does someone want to go through the first Space Quest again?

Space Quest IV: Roger Wilco and the Time Rippers

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (109)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

We skipped a couple of Space Quests and jumped straight to number ten…
Oh wait, this was a time travel story (and the best SQ, I’d say).

Spellcasting 201: The Sorcerer's Appliance

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (18)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Ilmari)

Second in a series of rowdy games of spell and sorcery

Timequest

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (20)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Ilmari)

A less known classic of Legend Entertainment.
 I wonder who will use all their CAPs for these masterpieces of interactive fiction

The Year Ahead - 1990

Well here we are! There are only three games on the playlist after the one I'm currently playing (Mean Streets), so it's time to start discussing the year ahead. 1990 looks awesome, with stacks of classic adventure games that I'll definitely be covering, but there are also some intriguing Borderline games that I'm sure will have you guys looking at the CAP leaderboard.

For anyone uncertain about how this works, I will be playing any game marked as Accepted. Readers can spend CAPs to make me play the games marked as Borderline (50 CAPs for an individual or 100 CAPs for a joint effort) and Disregarded (200 CAPs). Unlike last time, the below is now set in stone, so don't bother heading off to Moby Games to vote or Wikipedia to edit the Notable list. Any CAP trades need to occur before my introduction post for the last game of 1989 (The Colonel's Bequest), after which time 1990's playlist will be set. I intend to try to play next year's games in chronological order rather than alphabetical wherever possible, hence the need to know what I'm going to be playing prior to starting.

If my recent completion rates are anything to go by, you've got over 2 months to discuss and trade. All discussion should be had on this post, and I will be adjusting the CAP leaderboard and each game's status as trades are made. Here we go!



Altered Destiny

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (14)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Canageek)

This game looks pretty weird, but intriguing.

B.A.T.

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (9)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Laukku)

I believe this game to be more adventure than RPG, but Chet has already played through it.

Circuit's Edge

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (18)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Disregarded

Cyberpunk seemed to be all the rage during this period. Another future based detective story.

Conquests of Camelot: The Search For the Grail

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (38)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Really looking forward to this one! Another Sierra classic that I've not played before.

Countdown

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (26)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Access' follow-up to Mean Streets, this is a Secret Service thriller with digitized actors

Deja Vu II: Lost in Las Vegas

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (3)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Group)

Well at least it's in VGA! Is anyone going to make me play another ICOM game?

Earthrise

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (8)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Zenic)

Another sci-fi adventure. Earthrise already looks retro in 1990!

Elvira

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (9)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Group)

Added to the list because its sequel meets the Potential criteria. We haven't had vampires yet! Anyone tempted?

Future Wars: Adventures in Time

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (35)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

This game looks beautiful and I recall at least starting it as a kid.

Hugo's House of Horrors

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (26)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Looks like Maniac Mansion with a Sierra interface

It Came From the Desert

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (24)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Disregarded

I have fond memories of this from my youth, but it's not a true adventure game

James Bond: The Stealth Affair

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (16)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Bleaghhh)

I wouldn't mind the chance of being James Bond for a few weeks.

King's Quest V: Absence Make the Heart Go Yonder!

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (66)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Another one that I'm very much looking forward to.

Les Manley: Search for the King

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (8)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Group)

Added to the list because its sequel meets the Potential criteria. This one's got Larry all over it!

Loom

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (143)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

I can't believe I haven't played this! Can't wait!!!

Quest for Glory II: Trial by Fire

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (80)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

BRING...IT...ON!

Rise of the Dragon

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (47)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

Yet another futuristic detective game that I haven't played.

Roberta Williams' King's Quest I: Quest for the Crown

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (37)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Accepted (Laukku)

An official remake of the first King's Quest. Anyone keen to see these updates?

Spellcasting 101: Sorcerers Get All the Girls

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (24)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted (Ilmari)

It's interactive fiction with graphics, but it's on the Wiki list so...

The Oregon Trail

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	No
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (36)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Disregarded

This is the 1982 game, finally given a DOS port. It's not an adventure game though.

The Secret of Monkey Island

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (467)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Accepted

The Secret of Monkey Island? Never heard of it!

The Year Ahead - 1989

It's that time again! There are only three games left (after the current one) on the playlist for 1988, meaning it's time to take a look at the year ahead...1989 (obvious I know)! There are only three Potential games from 1989 that I've played before, so I'm pumped for it, particularly as there are a couple I really should have played (Indiana Jones and The Colonel's Bequest).

Nine of the eleven games listed are automatic additions to The Adventure Gamer playlist, leaving only two that rest in the reader's hands. Chamber of the Sci-Mutant Priestess came in as Borderline, meaning one reader can spend 50 points (or a bunch of you can pool together 100 points) to add it to the list, and Emmanuelle has been disregarded, so a bunch of you would need to pool together 200 points if you want me to play it.

If you're feeling a bit disgruntled at the fact there are only two games up for discussion for 1989, well rest assured that 1990 will have much to spend your well earned CAPs on. There are currently six Borderline (including the King's Quest remake and Future Wars) and four Disregarded games for that year, so keep that in mind before you splurge out for the fun of it. Over to you!

Chamber of the Sci-Mutant Priestess (aka KULT: The Temple of Flying Saucers)

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (12)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Borderline

It sure looks strange! It's up to you guys whether I play it or not.

Code-Name: Iceman

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (36)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Play It

Seems to be an interesting mix of adventure and simulator, but predominately adventure.

Emmanuelle: A Game of Eroticism

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	No (16)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	No
Result	Disregarded

You won't make me play this will you? Will you!?

Hero's Quest: So You Want to be a Hero

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (97)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Play It

My favourite adventure memory. Will it stand up?

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (114)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Play It

I've played The Fate of Atlantis but not The Last Crusade!

Leisure Suit Larry III: Passionate Patti in Pursuit of the Pulsating Pectorals

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (54)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Play It

I remember playing this as a kid (how could I forget!), but didn't get far

Manhunter 2: San Francisco

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (27)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Play It

I'll be playing the first one real soon!

Mean Streets

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (36)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Play It

This will be my first Tex Murphy experience

Neuromancer

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (44)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Play It

This game looks really interesting. I'm intrigued!

Space Quest III: The Pirates of Pestulon

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (81)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Play It

I played this just a few years back, so should cruise through it

The Colonel's Bequest

Is it clearly a graphic adventure game?	Yes
Does it have 20 or more Moby Games ratings?	Yes (48)
Is it on the Wikipedia Notable Games list?	Yes
Result	Play It

This will be my first Laura Bow experience