10 Best Text and Graphic Adventure Video Games

With the emergence of life-like graphics and improved motion capture and voice acting in the past few years, most video games nowadays look even better than most animated movies. But what if you want to enjoy an immersive and interactive story without the visuals? Text and graphic adventure games are ideal for people who love reading or are looking for a challenging gameplay.

Oxenfree (2016)

Alex and her friends explore a rumored haunted cave and accidentally causes a dimensional rift that unleashed supernatural forces on the Edwards Island. The goal of the game is stop find out what caused it and to stop the mysterious force.

NetHack (1987)

Although this is classified as a roguelike game, some elements can make for a great text adventure. The goal is to find an amulet that must be given to a deity.

The Dreamhold (2004)

With plenty of puzzles and a more challenging expert mode, this game might appeal to seasoned text adventure gamers who are looking for something more exciting. It also has the classic features of the genre—just type the commands and wait what happens next.

Zork (1977)

It’s one of the original interactive games ever released and starts off with very few hints and instructions on what the player has to do. The series is comprised of The Great Underground Empire, The Wizard of Frobozz, and The Dungeon Master.

Spider and Web (1998)

The game starts off by introducing an unknown lead character who wanders into an alley and hears a voice telling him something about a lie. This could be a game for you if you like to start a game with very few ideas as to what you’re supposed to do.

Avalon (1984)

As the name suggests, the game is set on the mythical island of Avalon of Arthurian fame where the goal is to help the mage Maroc defeat the Lord of Chaos.

Gone Home (2013)

The game is set in a deserted house that the player must explore to learn more about its secrets. There really is no clear goal and no reason why you must search for secrets in the first place, but as you discover more things, you’ll find out why the place was deserted when the player arrived.

Wishbringer (1985)

As the player steps out of a shop after a delivery, he/she finds out that the village has transformed into something more sinister. He/she must then find the one responsible for it before the time runs out.

Photopia (1998)

Although most interactive games have several possible outcomes, this game might be interesting to players who want a narrative-focused game with fewer puzzles.

Anchorhead (1998)

If you are a fan of H.P. Lovecraft, this is the game for you. The player must try to stop a ritual from taking place within the next three days.