GAMERS DECIDE - adventure games

Top 15 Best Roblox Adventure Games (Ranked Fun To Most Fun)

royalehighfairy — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 13:26:59 +0000

Photo via DragonBladeRBLX on Twitter

Fancy an adventure?

From young kids to adults enjoying the fun and amazing gaming experiences, Roblox is now a well known and well loved gaming platform. The platform is also known for their iconic blocky avatar, and now evolved into a more modern game avatar body.

The games in Roblox also are now better than ever with more game genres and great graphics. And if you’re looking for some action packed games, why not try our list of the most fun Roblox adventure games?

15. Blox Adventures (PC, Mobile, Tablet, XBox)

Blox Adventures gameplay video by GravyKoalaMan YT

A really fun and challenging adventure obby game. Complete world maps, and earn coins to unlock more and more harder worlds. Some maps are really hard!

There’s a new racing adventure mode, best played with friends!

14. Castle in the Sky (PC, Mobile, Tablet)

Castle in the Sky gameplay video by PebbleSand1 YT

Based on the well loved Studio Ghibli film of the same name, Castle in the Sky is an adventure obby. Some of the elements in the game will absolutely remind you of the Ghibli movies, like the kodamas and the ancient robots in Castle in the Sky film.

The obby adventure is fun to play. As you move along the map, little by little you get to find out the secrets of the castle, and why you are there in the first place.

13. Epic Mini Games (PC, Mobile, Tablet, XBox)

Roblox Epic Minigames gameplay video by Janet and Kate YT

Epic Mini Games is really one of the best and fun games on Roblox. Some of the games are hard too. Earn coins as you enjoy the game and solve over hundreds of puzzle games here. You’ll find puzzle games, adventure games, obbies, and problem solving games.

There are pets and the gears here are fun and interactive. Make it rain flowers and even set up bombs around the map!

12. Escape Room (PC, Mobile, Tablet)

Roblox Escapr Room gameplay video by ethereal YT

One of the hardest Roblox games ever. In the Escape Room, you have an hour to complete puzzles and escape over 20 different rooms, each with its own extra hard puzzle!

This is an award winning game and won over four Bloxy Awards over the years including “Hardest Game” in 2017. Really great game for puzzle and problem solving game lovers. So be sure to gather your wits and escape quickly!

11. Build a Boat for Treasure (Mobile, Tablet, PC, XBox)

Build a Boat for Treasure gameplay video by LavaFlows YT

As the name suggests, you build a boat and travel by water to look for treasure. At the beginning of the game, you only get few basic materials for building your boat. As you level up and earn more, you get more and sturdier materials to build a bigger vessel.

The goal is to craft a very sturdy boat/ship that will stay afloat because there are a lot of obstacles at sea. Careful when treading the dangerous waters in this world!

10. Little World (PC, Mobile, Tablet, Xbox)

Roblox Little World gameplay video by CentiDent YT

Ever wondered how is it like to live as an insect? Step into the not so little world of Little World! Learn the challenges of becoming a small insect or bug, and survive the wild life starting at the bottom of the food chain.

Leveling up here is easy by collecting fruits and joining campaigns. You also get to be a different type of animal every time you level up. Just be extra careful of the bigger animals!

9. Dragon Adventures (PC, Mobile, Tablet, XBox)

Fanmade Dragon Adventures trailer by FlufyTSG YT

Dragons are indeed mighty and majestic mythical creatures, and you will fall in love with Dragon Adventure’s beautifully designed dragons. Take care of dragon eggs, hatch and raise tamed and strong dragons. Design your base and you can also engage in battle with other players.

Developer Sonar Studios really are amazing and talented, the Dragon Adventures’ dragons are ethereal and magnificent!

8. Dragon Blade (PC, Mobile, Tablet)

Roblox Dragon Blade gameplay video by Accemption YT

Dragon Blade is inspired from The Legend of Zelda. Dragon Blade’s Terragonia world map is really beautiful and fun to explore while riding a horse or even a dragon! Complete quests to level up your armor and weapons.

You may also build and design your own base and eventually, your own kingdom. Get ready for this game’s fun and epic adventures!

7. Piggy (PC, Mobile, Tablet, Xbox)

Roblox Piggy gameplay video by CookieSwirlC YT

Piggy is one of the well known and most played games on Roblox. Just a reminder that this game is a horror game. But, it’s more like a semi/mild thriller horror game, it’s not too scary and you’ll see in social media, some kids actually really love Piggy.

You will have to complete the first story game. There is an infection, and you have to escape the premises you are currently in, find keys and do not at all costs go near Piggy.

6. Loomian Legacy (PC, Mobile, Tablet, XBox)

Roblox Loomian Legacy guide video by Deeterplays

One of the many Pokemon inspired games in Roblox. You can do the story quests, explore the map to discover loomians-the Pokemon like creatures in the game, battle NPCs and players. There are over 200 collectable adorable loomians to discover.

Loomian Legacy will surely make you feel like you are adventuring with Ash and Pikachu!

5. Treasure Quest (Tablet, Mobile, PC, XBox)

Treasure Quest gameplay video by TranqR

Fight monsters of every kind in different and fun dungeons in Treasure Quest. Defeat enemies, collect treasure chests, and use your spoils of war to get better weapons and cosmetics. As you level up it is easier to defeat enemies and finish dungeons quickly with even one hit.

Based on the fighting gameplay, Treasure Quest is quite an easy and easygoing adventure and RPG game. Finish dungeons solo, or go on a dungeon grind with friends or join random parties. It's easy to get addicted to this game!

4. Vesteria (PC, Mobile, Tablet)

Vesteria game guide video by Ky YT

It’s easy to get lost in Vesteria’s magical adventure and RPG world. Defeat enemies, complete quests and upgrade your ranks. The world map here is really charming.

There are dungeons to raid, and cities to unlock. It'll have you feeling like a hero in a medieval adventure movie! Vesteria is one of the most played games on Roblox.

3. The Wild West (PC)

Roblox The Wild West gameplay by Tank Fish YT

This is the Roblox game for all you cowpokes. There’s the great western world to explore, banks to rob, or try to be a good citizen and leave your outlaw ways behind and help the law catch wanted men. There are a lot of fun and enjoyable quests to complete.

The game’s gameplay is a lot similar to the Red Dead games series. If you are a fan of the Red Dead games, you will enjoy The Wild West. Experience what it’s like to be a real outlaw like Arthur, John, or Red in Roblox!

2. Pirate’s Tale (PC)

Roblox A Pirate's Tale trailer by Aurek Team YT

Get ready and stock up on your bottles of rum, and set out on a journey in Pirate’s Tale. Here, you can live your best and carefree dream pirate life! Fight other pirate ships and sea monsters, engage in PvP with other pirates and explore the map to loot and hunt for treasures.

The gameplay is really enjoyable, because of course, a pirate’s life is the greatest adventure you can have!

1. Winds of Fortune (PC)

Official Winds os Fortune trailer by Sonar Studios YT

Winds of Fortune is really one amazing game. Stunning graphics and gameplay. Here, you can live your dream pirate life, battling enemies and rival pirates, explore the beautiful and diverse world, gain skills-even magic! Craft weapons and upgrade your ship.

The world and graphics look really advanced here, different from other Roblox games. Journeying in open seas is one of the best things to do in Winds of Fortune, but, be careful of sea kings and cunning bandits too!

You may also be interested

Top 50 Awesome Roblox Avatars

Top 15 Most Fun Games for Kids

Top 15 Best Roblox Adventure Games

Top 10 Best Roblox Sports Games

Top 10 Games Like Roblox

Main Image caption:

An adventure awaits!

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

[Top 15] Bestselling Adventure Games of All Time (Ranked)

tmarron6 — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:35:05 +0000

15. Myst - 1993

Back in the nineties Myst was a major cultural touchstone and landmark release, advancing the adventure element of games into a new world of mystery and puzzle solving.

Its low level of interactions required from the player initially proved controversial leading some to question if it could even be considered a traditional game, yet years later this lackadaisical style of design would become hugely popular expressed through browser games and dominating the mobile market.

Total Sales: At least 6 million copies.

14. The Legend of Zelda - 1986

Surely one of the most vital games ever released, The Legend of Zelda was the first game of note that truly sought to tap into what it really feels like to go on an adventure - the essence of journey permeates every layer of its design as well as significant danger.

By taking early adventure design staples and applying them with maximum player freedom, the game showed that exploration in video games need not be prescriptive, introducing non-linearity and discovery as ideas games are still remixing today.

Total Sales: At least 6.51 million copies.

13. L.A. Noire - 2011

One of the more striking adventure driven titles of the modern era, LA Noire channels classic point and click staples under a familiar Hollywood Noire trapping that was yet unexplored in gaming.

Famous for its groundbreaking facial animation technology that lended authenticity to its many mysteries (and enlisting actual actors to be rendered in game) showed that the hallmarks of classic adventure games - uncovering a narrative and item scavenging still draw a modern audience.

Total Sales: At Least 7.5 million copies.

12. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - 1998

Released during a significant transitional period for games, Ocarina of Time was a major moment where adventure could be synergised with real time action in a 3D space while still focusing on those core Zelda ideals of adventure and discovery.

With its expansive world rich with puzzles and hidden goodies, suddenly the formula for the modern template of action-adventure would be born. Its timeless and iconic soundtrack will never leave the cerebellum of any hero embarking on this journey.

Total Sales: At Least 7.6 million copies.

11. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - 2008

Following the bold and controversial stylistic departure of Wind Waker, the series would return to recontextualise the classic Ocarina of Time for a new generation of consoles and offer a significantly darker approach to the world and tone.

Focusing on the core adventure elements that defined the series with an “it’s not broken” mentality allowed the game to have some of the strongest puzzles and areas to explore in the 3D era it had entered into with such impact.

The game also adds motion controls as a first for the series agame was a major success across both generations it spanned.

Total Sales: At Least 8.7 million copies.

10. Ghost of Tsushima - 2020

This brand new IP from Sucker Punch showed that the open world adventure formula currently practiced today still has new stories to tell and settings to be explored.

By applying a minimalist approach and focusing on keeping the player's focus in the game world as opposed to endlessly rifling through icons on a map screen, the game brought its adventure elements to the forefront with its many environmental secrets and puzzles.

Among the many open world adventure games released today Ghost of Tsushima somehow feels perhaps the most adventure driven, though its brutal action combat and sweeping narrative are equal parts factors in its success.

Total Sales: At Least 9.73 million copies.

9. Marvel's Spider-Man - 2018

What possible better venue for exploring New York City and all its colorful stories could there be than donning the mantle of Spider-Man? By faithfully recreating the city and allowing the player to undertake the web swinging, Marvel's Spider-Man thrives on exploration at breakneck speeds (and dizzying heights) and plenty of punk-crunching action.

It also stands on its own as a great Spider-Man story, and with the zeitgeist primed for superhero content the game instantly became a top seller.

Total Sales: At Least 13.2 million copies.

8. The Last of Us - 2013

This much celebrated classic is the very epitome of a classical adventure tale, spanning across the entire American lands in a brutal and tragic post-apocalyptic setting where nature has returned as the dominant force of being, ravaging the modern world and bringing humanity to its lowest point.

Its survivalist action sells the desperation and nihilistic tone, and while the title is typically discussed for its narrative achievements it is in equal measure an adventure title about exploration and environmental traversal, even featuring puzzles and inventory management. The Last of Us shows that adventure games can be transcendent and complicated.

Total Sales: At Least 17 million copies.

7. God of War - 2018

While a significant departure from the previous games, this new interpretation of the God of War mythos succeeds by expanding the explorative elements and redefining the fundamentals of its gore-filled combat.

The series transformed itself from a grindhouse take on a mythological revenge fantasy into an epic journey across the lakes and mountains of the Nordic gods. Cinematic and technically masterful, the game was a major success and showed that God of War was an action adventure series that could change with the times.

Total Sales: At Least 19.5 million copies.

6. Horizon: Zero Dawn - 2017

Few games appear as fresh and exciting on premise alone like Horizon, which promised an adventure through a novel post-apocalyptic setting rife with mystery, discovery, and dangerous robotic dinosaurs.

How did the world end, and what is happening with the dangerous robot animal hybrids scattered throughout the lands? By providing such an intriguing setting for players to explore, and with action gameplay heavy on spectacle and tactics, Guerrilla Games were able to spawn a new franchise that would instantly enrapture gaming audiences worldwide.

Total Sales: At Least 20 million copies.

5. Red Dead Redemption - 2011

Influenced by classic Westerns and American history, Rockstar would diverge from its smash hit Grand Theft Auto series briefly to establish its new property - an action adventure title spanning the old west.

Tackling nuanced themes mixed with trademark Rockstar comedy, the gunslinging action gameplay and the experience of journeying across the free world of the states would make for a serious action-adventure critical darling.Few titles promise the AAA flourish of Rockstar with the distinct stylistic motifs of cowboy Americana, and the title became an instant success celebrated for its ambitious narrative and loveable cast of characters.

Total Sales: At least 23 million copies.

4. The Walking Dead - 2012

After decades of crafting licensed works in traditional adventure game style, Telltale finally hit it big with their heart wrenching and very human interpretation of hit media property The Walking Dead.

While classical adventure games are considered lax in interactivity, Telltale made the narrative and its numerous hard hitting choices the core of the emotional experience, popularizing the adventure format through the scope of interactivity expressed through narrative, and its success proved that point and click games still have their place in gaming culture.

Total Sales: At Least 28 million copies.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - 2017

After years of iterative sequels following the tried and true Ocarina of Time formula, Breath of the Wild saw the series return to its core question - what would a genuine adventure feel like? Surely it should be free, limitless in scope, and explored at one's own pace.

By channeling the core premise of the series established in the first game and reinterpreting its design principles from the ground up to focus on the sense of journey and discovery, Nintendo were able to craft a landmark title - truly original and full of content and mysteries ready to be organically explored.

Total Sales: At least 28 million copies.

2. Terraria - 2011

Landing alongside other indie smash successes like Minecraft, developer Re-Logic sought to bring the procedural world generation ethos to action adventure providing a more structured and goal oriented approach to exploring the infinite. Its success owed to its potency and simplicity,

Terraria would ride the wave of the early explosions of streaming and youtube culture becoming its own social phenomena.

Equal parts modern in its design and nostalgic in its presentation and adventure focused gameplay, Terraria experienced years of longevity and incredible sales.

Total Sales: At least 35 million copies.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

After generations of dominating the open world action adventure genre, Rockstar finally hit their storytelling and world-craft pinnacle with Red Dead Redemption 2.

Boasting a positively staggering attention to detail in both its world and narrative, this old west odyssey found its incredible success in tapping into the foundation of adventure: inhabiting a world completely, living with its characters and seeing its happenings first hand, showing exactly how potent it can be when following a precisely prescribed story in a masterfully crafted world.

Total Sales: At Least 45 million copies.

Main Image caption:

Come take a look at the bestselling Adventure Games!

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

adventure games

Share this Article:

[Top 15] Best Adventure Board Games In the World

SagaTakesAShot — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 07:40:49 +0000

Welcome Adventurers! What quest would you like? You have 15 to choose from.

Looking for a board game to try out that feels a bit like a good video game? If you love RPGs in video games, then maybe you can try your hand out in adventure type board games. These games have the usual themes you’ll find in almost any adventure video game such as heroism, exploration, puzzle-solving and great stories, most of the time they even mix in a lot of fantasy elements. Completing an adventure board game can also be just as satisfying as completing an adventure video game.

If you’re curious as to what to try, we’ve compiled a list of 15 adventure board games that we love that you can try out and see which adventure you like. Let the quests begin!

15. Runebound (3rd Edition)

Runebound Map

Adventure games are perfect with a touch of fantasy in them, you get that mix in Runebound where you get to complete quests across a vast map using one of eight playable characters (your teammates choose from this pool as well). Your choices will lead you to either fight off 1 of the 2 game’s big bosses, the Corpse King or the Dragonlord. How will your party overcome these monsters and save Terrinoth?

What’s fun about Runebound (3e):

Rival heroes, you’re all racing to save Terrinoth…but doesn’t that make you in the same team? Not really.
2 scenarios, but a lot of things to do, so every playthrough has its own twist
Magic or Brawn, choose if you want to focus on magic or sheer strength.

14. Aftermath

Aftermath Minis

Humans mysteriously disappeared and we now enter a dystopian world. You and your companions are a band of rodents struggling to survive in this new world. Scavenge for food and supplies to build your colony for better chances of survival. Be careful as you journey outside your colony, several predators are out for the same thing, and you and your rodent family may just be their next meal.

What’s fun about Aftermath:

20 + story-driven scenarios, it may be a while before you are through with this game.
Plan and prepare ahead, don’t leave your colony defenseless, this is why we scavenge for good materials.
Writing, the stories on the information about this post-apocalypse game adds a lot of flavor. Makes the first playthrough really fun.

13. Mage Knight (Ultimate Edition)

Mage Knight Inclusions

This game is a good combination of deck-building, puzzles and other traditional boardgame elements mixed into one. You play as one of the four optional Mage Knights in the story and explore (and take control) of the Mage Knight universe which has been under the ruthless control of the Atlantean Empire. Will you be able to shift other cities to your cause or must you win over the land with an iron fist?

What’s fun about Mage Knight:

Co-op or Competitive, you can go against each other from the get go despite the common goal.
Solo is possible, want to hone your skills before you introduce the game to your friends? Mage Knight is fun alone and can be used for practice.
Card/spell/item management, the deck building feature is something I loved about this game.

12. Plunder: A Pirate’s Life

Plunder Box

How about a pirate’s adventure this time? Adventuring the great seas where riches and glory await you!. Command your fleet, wage war against other pirates and build and upgrade your ships with the best weapons and defenses. The game is a competitive strategy gateway played on a modular ocean map. The goal is to gain 10 Plunder Points by conquering islands, sinking enemy ships and burying treasure, just like an actual pirate.

What's fun about Plunder: A Pirate's Life:

Fun in the theme, the game itself feels like it’s up to the winds of luck but the pirate theme makes up for it (Well, a number of us had fun with this adventure game).
Easy Learning Curve, I’d consider teaching my family this game or at least my siblings.
Miniature ships, obviously a lot of care was put into making them and it makes the whole experience of controlling them fun.

11. Mice and Mystics

Mice and Mystics Box

Just like a fantasy book you (and some friends) are turned into mice! Things just became a whole lot bigger and more dangerous from your point of view. You and your fellow mice comrades now have to defend your kingdom against adversaries such as rats, cockroaches, spiders and let’s not forget the Big Bad housecat: Brodie. What will you and your companions do to keep yourselves safe from all these dangers?

What’s fun about Mice and Mystics:

Sharing Cheese, a great co-op game where you can share each other’s gains. There’s no backbiting here.
Storytelling, probably it’s strong point in making it a great adventure to go through.
Family game, may or may not be a good thing but I always look for games that I can introduce to my family.

10. Sleeping Gods

Sleeping Gods Box Art

Aboard the Manticore, a steamship where you play as Captain Sofi Odessa and her crew get trapped out on sea. In order to reach home you must awaken the gods by seeking out their totems in order to awaken them. Work together to survive, explore and meet NPCs as you search for the totems. Will you and your crew ever reach home?

What’s fun about Sleeping Gods:

Played in several sessions; you can save your progress and play another day.
Play with other people; you don’t always have to have the same band of friends play with you all the time. If one person can’t show up then have someone else fill the role for you.
Storytelling, it is a storybook sort of game so you can definitely expect great narratives from this.

9. Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe Box

Getting shipwrecked on a deserted island may be less than ideal. Being a castaway on a cursed island is even worse! But don’t worry, at least you are still alive and there might be other survivors too! And despite it being a cursed island, there’s still a lot of stuff you can work with. Will you be able to survive this crazy adventure? Play to find out!

What’s fun about Robinson Crusoe:

Fun in difficulty, well, you are a castaway and there’s nothing easy about that. Kidding aside, this game is actually difficult; be it if you play it as a solo adventure or co-op.
Fun Co-op, while this game can be played alone it shines as a great co-op game since there’s a lot of decision making to be made. It’s great to gather inputs from your fellow castaways.
Unepic ways to go, you can die in an unexpected way, I don’t mean dying heroic but you can get sad enough to die which makes you recount your in-game life choices to drive your character to die that way.

8. Dungeons and Dragons: Wrath of Ashardalon

D&D Wrath of Ashardalon Box

When you think about adventure themed games; Dungeons and Dragons will probably be part of that list. Probably a whole campaign might be a bit overwhelming for new adventurers—so let’s start with something easier. With this story: A heavy shadow falls across the land, cast by a dark spire that belches smoke and oozes lava. Deep within the labyrinth lurks a red dragon. Level up and prepare before you fight this monster.

What’s fun about D&D: Wrath of Ashardalon:

What we love about D&D, creatures from the world? Check. Boons? Check. If you’re an old player then most of the stuff from a classic D&D game is here. If you’re new, this is your chance to get familiar with the game.
Simple Dungeon Crawl, maybe not for all but there are harder dungeon crawl games out there.
Campaign rules, while I do love a good homebrew, rules are needed so at least things stick to a certain track.

7. War of the Rings (2nd Edition)

War of the Rings Box

Based on its name, you can pretty much guess this is based on the novel series: Lord of the Rings. War of the Rings allows you to immerse yourself in the world of J.R. R. Tolkiens’s The Lord of the Rings. The game has both warfare and adventure components as it captures the epic battle featured in the novel. The players at the start of the game decide which side they would like to battle for. From there the opposing teams engage in warfare while trying to complete quest conditions at the same time.

What’s fun about War of the Rings:

If you love Lord of the Rings, probably one of the better board games that features this theme.
Adventure and War, it’s under both categories but seems to lean more to war board gaming.
Win Conditions, you can win by overwhelming your opponent or completing the quest.

6. Defenders of the Realm

Defenders of the Realm Box Art

The King has summoned you and other fine heroes to defend against the darkness that engulfs the land. You have to repair the outer borders of the kingdom that were affected and defeat 4 creature factions before they breach the city. While you are all allies in defending the kingdom only one can be dubbed as the King’s Champion.

What’s fun about Defender of the Realm:

You get attacked on all sides of the map, so planning on how to beat them before they hit the city goes a long way.
King’s Champion, good old friendly competition, depends on your group really.
Choose your class, they have their unique abilities, by the way, the enemy does too.

5. KOSMOS’ Adventure Game Series

Two Titles of Adventure Game Series

Similar to EXIT, KOSMOS has also created the “Adventure Games” Series. Each box is a different story. Explore places, combine items, talk to NPCs and try to solve the missions per story in this exciting series.

What’s fun about Adventure Games:

Replayability, while not as much as other games, it’s actually replayable as opposed to its escape room counterpart: EXIT.
Chapters, 3 chapters and no time limit, EXIT had a time limit which did not sit well with a lot of people.
A series, so several other stories and scenarios if you get invested, but if you want to choose one, people seem to enjoy The Dungeon.

4. Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven Box

Welcome to Gloomhaven, adventurers! Your journey starts here. You meet up with your fellow partymates (or if you’re alone) and complete the city’s quest. But this is only the beginning of your adventure. Soon you will venture further, discover more dungeons and treasures. What awaits your party? Your choices may either reward or punish you in the future.

What’s fun about Gloomhaven:

Big box, big fun: really, just look at the size of the box and the inclusions, you can tell that this is going to be a loooooonnnnggg campaign.
Several Scenarios to work with, you get your money’s worth by playing through all of them.
Retire a character, this option is given in the first few phases of the game, don’t like how your character plays, retire it and get a new one!

3. Legacy of Dragonholt

Legacy od Dragonholt Box

Set in the same setting as the Runebound universe. You are a seasoned traveler/adventurer on your way to Dragonholt. Celyse, a former travelling partner of yours has summoned you to the town, however something doesn’t sit right. Aside from the letter that states there might be an impending danger that requires your help, a note that says “Refer to my first letter” is written on the back of the letter. You do not recall receiving any previous notes prior to this one. Could the previous letter have been intercepted?

What’s fun about Legacy of Dragonholt:

Gateway RPG Boardgame, It has all the adventure elements you need to get used to the genre and is pretty simple to understand.
Character Creation, Just like D&D you get the opportunity to create your own Playable characters instead of choosing a premade one.
GM/DM free Choose Your Own Adventure, usually you would need a DM for these type of adventure games, here, not really.

2. Mansion of Madness (2nd Edition)

Mansion of Madness Inclusions

Now the role of the keeper is replaced with the app. All of the players take the role of investigators trying to solve a mystery of a cursed mansion. There are different scenarios to choose from and you’ll have to set the map accordingly. You and your team must navigate around the map and keep yourselves and your teammates safe from any creature that you may encounter while trying to solve the mystery.

What’s fun about Mansion of Madness:

Lovecraftian Lover, if you’ve loved his books now’s your chance to face some of his creations via this board game.
App-Driven, the 1st edition had a keeper instead of the app, now all of you can join in on the fun. The app guides you through instead of the keeper.
Expansions, seems like replayability is possible with all the things they add to the deck and new investigators per expansion.

1. Eldritch Horror

Inside the Box of Eldritch Horror

The world is now under threat of being destroyed by an Ancient One- an elder being who is intent on destroying the current world. You, and your fellow investigators take it upon yourself to uncover the mysteries of the Ancient One in order to prevent the world from its demise. The Ancient One may not be the only horror you have to face in your quest. The world is full of mysteries and every choice you make affects the future of the entire human race.

What’s fun about Eldritch Horror:

Travel the World, you most likely will.
Lovecraftian Lover, Like Mansion of Madness every time a monster from the books pop up you, can’t help but remember the lore.
Easy to learn, definitely easier than its predecessor. It’s something you can start out with if you want to try out co-op board games, maybe start with a lower player count.

You may also be interested in:

Main Image caption:

When we said 'adventure' we didn't think we'd be fighting giant tenticled monsters.

Image Gallery:

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

[Top 15] Best VR Adventure Games To Play Right Now

KatelinM — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:43:58 +0000

Don't you love the thrill of adventure?

Adventure games are one of the most versatile genres out there. They can have all kinds of other genres attached to them. No matter what the others are, though, adventure games are always full of fun stories. It’s hard to not find yourself addicted to the thrill of the story, pushing you through intense fights or head-scratching puzzles to reach completion. For an extra kick, experience the game in VR to fully immerse yourself in the feeling. You can start with these VR adventure games, which are some of the best to play right now.

15. L.A.Noire: The VR Case Files (PC/PS4)

L.A. Noire trailer

Play as Detective Cole Phelps in L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files. Solve crimes, plots, and conspiracies in a world inspired by real cases in 1947 Los Angeles. You can search for clues, interrogate suspects, and more all within the confines of your room. With seven cases specifically rebuilt for VR, you’ll have a lot of fun solving these crimes.

In VR, you can manipulate any object you want. Dig through drawers and inspect every item if that’s what you’d like. Take actual notes in your notebook as you hold it with a pen in your hand—or just doodle something as the game fills in the information you’re receiving. There are even chase scenes, fistfights, and shootouts to experience. You can lose yourself in the world of a detective with this game.

14. Defector (PC)

Defector trailer

Travel the world with a team of highly trained agents on your side in Defector. Your goal is to track down the parts of a missing doomsday device. With branching story paths and action scenes requiring you to overcome impossible odds, it guarantees a unique experience. Survive certain death scenarios and save the world before it’s too late.

This game takes you through the funniest scenes of a typical spy thriller movie or game. Feel like you’re James Bond as you play through different scenes. There are even some card games available to play as you go along. Put on the VR headset and disappear into the thrill of being a spy without the consequences.

13. Phantom: Covert Ops (PC)

Phantom: Covert Ops trailer

In Phantom: Covert Ops, play as a phantom—a member of an elite covert operative—on an important mission. You have one night to prevent an all-out war. Dispatched into hostile wetlands, utilize weapons and other equipment you find to neutralize the enemy from your military kayak. There are two options available to you: engage the enemy or stealth your way through the game. Either way, you need to take out the enemies to stop the war.

As movement in VR can be strange, the game neutralizes these problems and leaves you in the kayak for the entire story. It’s a unique solution that offers a different perspective, letting you move around the wetlands without actually moving or feeling the need to move. The graphics are all on a 1:1 scale, so feel as if you are really sitting there in this wetland. Unlock different modes, collectibles, and achievements as you go along too. The fate of the world rests on your shoulders.

12. Batman: Arkham VR (PC/PS4)

Batman: Arkham trailer

Some of the best game concepts to come out of VR are superhero games. Everyone wants to be a superhero at some point, and now, you can be. In Batman: Arkham VR, play as Batman in this standalone game. Experience the world through the caped crusader’s eyes as he tries to solve a mystery. Save his closest allies in the process.

This story-driven game offers a lot of insight into who Batman is and how he operates. With different places to explore throughout the Batcave, Wayne Manor, and the surrounding Gotham City, experience for yourself what it’s like to be a superhero, using some of Batman’s gadgets to save the city. Though the game is on the shorter side, there’s still a lot to enjoy as you piece together the mystery and meet other popular characters related to Batman.

11. No Man’s Sky (PS4)

No Man's Sky trailer

In No Man’s Sky, explore a story written in the stars. You, the Traveller, wake up on a strange planet with amnesia. You must find and repair your nearby starship before you can get back into space. Once you do, you meet strange aliens and other Travellers as the plot starts to pull you to the center of the universe. Over time, you’ll come to find out not everything here is as it seems.

Though there is a story to the game, it is also an open-ended survival game. Mine for resources, explore planets, or even hyperjump into new star systems. One cool feature is that the servers are connected for all players. Earn extra credits, the game’s currency, for being the first to discover new planets, flora, and/or fauna. You might even get the opportunity to name your discoveries. Play in VR to experience space as you’ve never seen it before. Different aliens may attack you for your cargo, however, or for disrupting a planet, so be careful as you explore.

10. Falcon Age (PC/PS4)

Falcon Age trailer

Experience Ara’s journey in Falcon Age. Ara fights to reclaim her culture’s legacy with the lost art of falcon hunting. Befriend a baby falcon and watch it grow as you fend off the automated colonizers together. They have stripped the planet of its resources and turned it into a desert wasteland, effectively destroying it. Play as Ara and, along with her falcon, join the resistance and free what little is left of the world struggling to survive.

Armed with only a stun baton and your falcon friend, gameplay can be difficult yet thrilling. Though VR is optional, it adds depth to the game that makes it all that more intriguing. It will feel as if you are there trying to fend the robots off of your own land. More importantly, though, there are specific buttons to pet and play with your falcon, something that’s fun to do in VR as it sits on your virtual arm. It’s something you’re not going to want to miss out on.

9. Skyrim (PC/PS4)

Skyrim VR trailer

This game almost needs no introduction. Skyrim, the fifth game in the Elder Scrolls series, is a widely popular game. Since 2011, people have explored Skyrim, fighting dragons, giants, and all sorts of other creatures, and getting themselves wrapped up in different guilds and quests. Create your own character, discover what the Dragonborn is, and save Skyrim from the newly reincarnated dragons. Only you can stop them.

Skyrim was reimagined for VR in 2018. Though the graphics quality didn’t change much, it’s still an experience you want to have, especially if you’ve played the original. Immerse yourself in this fan-favorite world. With proper scale and depth, you’ll feel like you’re really there, finally awake and crossing the border into Skyrim.

The VR version also includes all three DLC packs for the game. Fight or join the vampires in the Dawnguard DLC, discover a new island in the Dragonborn DLC, or build your own home in the Hearthfire DLC. The choice is up to you, as this game lets you go off on any path you want, picking and choosing what quests to do or what build to play as. There’s a large modding community too, so you’re bound to have a new experience every time you play.

8. The Talos Principle (PC)

The Talos Principle trailer

The Talos Principle is a VR version of a first-person puzzle game with the same name. Reimagined for VR, you play as if awakened from a deep sleep, finding yourself in a strange world of ancient ruins and advanced technology. Solve increasingly complex puzzles as you continue through and decide whether to have faith or start asking questions. These questions are who are you, what is your purpose, and what are you going to do about it?

Choose your movement through this game both in the story and your physical movement. The non-linear story means you can choose wherever you want to go and solve whatever puzzles you want to solve on your own time. You can physically move in different ways too, whether you prefer teleporting from place to place or moving there on your own. This puzzle game is worth the buy and will challenge your mind as you immerse yourself in the strange world.

7. Vader Immortal: Episode 1 (PC/PS4)

Vader Immortal: Episode 1 trailer

Vader Immortal: Episode 1 is the first of three games in the series. Immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe as a smuggler near Mustafar, where Darth Vader currently lives. After your ship is unexpectedly pulled out of hyperspace, find yourself uncovering a mystery for Vader with the help of your droid companion. Navigate the dangerous fortress, meet new characters, and hone your lightsaber skills as you discover what Vader is truly up to.

There are very few people on Earth who would pass at the opportunity to wield a lightsaber. Even if you’ve never seen Star Wars you’ve definitely heard of it, and they’re quite irresistible. In this game, you can achieve this goal with VR. Your main weapon as you traverse through the fortress is a lightsaber. What else could you ask for? This is one of the games selling points, as they also have an included game mode where you can train your skills in the multi-level lightsaber dojo. Don’t hesitate, go try this game out now.

6. Star Wars: Squadrons (PC/PS4)

Star Wars: Squadrons trailer

If hand-to-hand combat isn’t your style or if you just want to experience more of the Star Wars universe, you should try the VR Star Wars: Squadrons. In single-player mode, alternate between a pilot for the Galactic Empire and one for the New Republic. Set after Episode VI and the battle of Endor, the Republic is trying to build a stronger fleet with the remnants of Imperial Star Destroyers. Fight to either protect or destroy this ship, depending on which side you’re on, and discover the story around it as the Empire tries to regain power.

In VR, feel like you’re actually sitting in the cockpit of these ships. Look around at the controls, showing you stats like your shield status, or stay focused out the front window to blast any enemies out of the sky that come within sight. There are also two online multiplayer modes: a team deathmatch mode, or a game similar to capture the flag, except it’s destroying a ship.

Everything is highly customizable from the ship to the pilot you play as. Not only can you change the looks of the ship, but you can choose what kind of ship you want to play in. Have fun out in space and try not to get blown up.

5. Stormland (PC)

Stormland trailer

In Stormland, play as a robot in this futuristic game. Your character, Vesper, starts as an android gardener taking care of an alien planet. That is until an alien faction known as The Tempest comes along and shoots him. Rebuild Vesper and enact your revenge on this faction, collecting gadgets and resources to upgrade yourself as you progress. Where will your revenge lead you?

Dive deep into the story as you destroy the members of the other faction. They will drop the components you need to level up when you kill them, so it’s not hard to find them. There’s a multiplayer mode if you want to play with your friends, too. Then, once you finish the story, the game enters a mode called Cycling World. It resets game locations and missions every week, so you can keep playing with new content. Get a taste of what the future could be when you play this game.

4. Journey of the Gods (PC)

Journey of the Gods trailer

Become the hero in Journey of the Gods. Something threatens the peaceful inhabitants of the land—the chaos moon. You must unlock the power of the gods to battle against the intruding darkness. Engage in ranged and melee combat with the celestial servants of the chaos moon. Solve ancient mysteries of the gods. As you’re doing this, explore the world you’re trying to save. Unlock the power of the gods before it’s too late.

Though the graphics are simple, there’s a lot of plot and exploration to find here. Keep unlocking new ways to fight as you get involved in the story. You can gain weapons and powers through the knowledge of the gods. In VR, experience having god-like powers of your own and fight off the coming evil. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

3. Pixel Ripped 1995 (PC/PS4)

Pixel Ripped 1995 trailer

In Pixel Ripped 1995, experience the world of games—literally! Join the video game hero Dot and the 9-year-old boy David as they work together to restore balance to multiple dimensions. David struggles to maneuver around the real-life struggles of a kid, like his mom telling him to stop playing for the night. He has to find a way to help Dot as she jumps from game to game to restore this balance. Experience the nostalgia as you play through multiple game worlds and save the day.

One of the things that makes this game so fun is how it takes you through the worlds of multiple old games. Not only that, but you can play it in VR, fully immersing yourself in these universes. They even imitate what the original graphics of these games looked like, using 16 and 32-bit graphics to make it feel more real. If you love retro games and want to experience them like never before, you’ll want to give this game a try.

2. Trover Saves The Universe (PC/PS4)

Trover Saves the Universe trailer

Trover Saves The Universe is a one-of-a-kind game you won’t find anywhere else. This comedic game is played in second-person. You are an unnamed Chairorpian, or a humanoid alien race confined to chairs. You’re accompanied by Trover who you control to play the game. The villain, a being named Glorkon, has kidnapped your dogs and plans on using their power to destroy the universe. With Trover’s help, it’s up to you to save the universe and rescue your dogs.

Though this is played in second-person, there are still a lot of ways the game immerses you. You aren’t just a floating, bodiless entity, the actual plot begins because of you and others interact with you as a character. The chair your alien is confined in also has features like moving blocks around for Trover or just looking at your stats. Sometimes you even have to have Trover change the environment around to move your chair to a different perspective so you can see the puzzle. If you want a fun game to play and you want to laugh, this is the game for you.

1. Moss (PC/PS4)

Moss trailer

Moss is another interactive second-person game. One difference in this one, however, is how the game considers you, the player. You begin in an old library with a book in front of you. Once you open it, you get pulled into a fantasy world as the reader. Characters in the world know of you and what you’re supposed to be there for.

You control the main character, a small white mouse named Quill, who stumbled across a magic glass that connected the two of you. Interact with the world in a way only you can and help her solve puzzles as you search for her Uncle. Along the way, save her ancestral lands from the great evil residing there.

This game wouldn’t be the same without VR. Though the game assumes you’re sitting as the book is on a desk in front of you, you have a unique perspective of the map with the headset on. Some collectibles you can’t see unless you can look at it from a different angle, meaning moving your head around yourself to get a different view. You might even have to stand to see what you’re looking for. Sometimes it’s just best to experience it for yourself, and this is definitely one of those games.

You may also be interested in:

Main Image caption:

Make a mouse friend and go on an adventure together. Isn't she adorable?

Image Gallery:

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

Top 10 New Adventure Games That Will Blow You Away! (2018-2019)

Eve_Dark — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 17:54:47 +0000

Summer is almost around the corner again and you know what that means. It’s time again for Steam sales and new game announcements! That’s right, lots of great new titles just in time for Summer. I think that it’s safe to say, some of the best titles for the PC are action adventure games and this next year is looking to be stacked full of them. So, let’s crank up the air conditioning and call off work, here are the top 10 upcoming action adventure games for PC.

10. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Ubisoft just went full Sparta mode on us.

It is confirmed and official by Ubisoft that the next AC game will be called Assassins Creed Odyssey. Thanks to a leaked photo online, Ubisoft had to fess up before presenting at E3 but only teased a few details for now. The teaser clip that is going viral shows very little. But we can tell the game takes place in Ancient Greece and even gives a nod to the famous Spartan kick from the film 300. Assassins Creed games are known for their open worlds and stealth gameplay. After 2017’s hit AC Origins, Ubisoft found redemption with fans and critics alike by reinventing what is means to be an AC game. This title furthers in the direction of RPG more than ever before. The open world looks promising and should offer tens of hours of content.

9. Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Slightly creepier than your own basement.

Crystal Dynamics and SquareEnix are back to offer what could be the third and final installment of the modern Tomb Raider series. The first two games were instant classics and set the standard for what action adventure games should be. Offering immersive worlds, solid storytelling, and tight gunplay. Exploration was fun and plenty while offering a great balance of both stealth mechanics and cover-based shooting. For those unfamiliar, these games are for any fans of Uncharted or Metal Gear. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is scheduled to be released September 2018 on Steam. Preorder is available now.

8. Darksiders 3

Well, at least there’s no more traffic downtown.

Gunfire Games and THQ Nordic have finally answered the fans demands with Darksiders 3. The saga of the 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse has returned. In Darksiders 2 we played as Death but this time around we play as Fury as she battles the Seven Deadly Sins. These games offer hack n slash combat and awesome storytelling inside incredibly vivid worlds. Mixed with fun platforming puzzles and memorable soundtracks. This is a game that almost never happened and we’re very glad that it did. This series is a must for any fans of hack n slash games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta. Scheduled for release in Fall of 2018, Darksiders 3 is definitely a contender for best Action Adventure series on the PC. You can find the first two games on Steam now for cheap and they are worth playing or replaying while you wait for part 3.

7. Shenmue 3

No Shenmue 3, Thank YOU!

Sega’s long-standing series has returned and this time by Kickstarter campaign but that’s fine by us. As long as it’s back we are good. Shenmue in the early 2000’s set the standard in graphics, gameplay, and fighting action that really stood apart from the competition. The first entry set the record for highest development budget of all time. For those new to the series, it’s a blend of action fighting, adventure story telling, and Japanese filled humor. Fans of the Yakuza series would feel right at home here. Be on the lookout for Shenmue III and the HD Remasters of the first two games.

6. Metro Exodus

Russian Paintball is a lot more serious.

The Metro series is looking better than ever with the newest installment Exodus. Based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, the Metro games take place in a future dystopian Russian where things went full Chernobyl. The year is 2036 and the world has been overrun by dangerous mutants, creatures, and shady people. What’s left of humanity lives mostly underground left scavenging and crafting items to survive. This FPS game sets the tone and is packed full of tension and stealth. Ammo is often scarce and danger is everywhere. If none of that kills you then starvation and the elements will. Watch your six and stay frosty. Russian frosty.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

The doves are a nice touch.

CD Projekt Red’s new IP is looking really promising. From the developers of The Witcher series comes this brand-new world of CyberPunk 2077. Set in the year 2077, the technocratic dystopia has won and we experience it through those living in Night City, California. This game is being described by CD Projekt Red as a “True RPG” focused on the single player experience with lots of mature themes and open world exploration. English is not the most common spoken language in game either so players will have to buy translator implants to communicate with others throughout your adventures. That in itself is a fresh idea we haven’t seen before. This is a definitely a title to add to the cart.

4. Anthem

Rocket suit racing anyone?

Bioware, the team behind Mass Effect and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic are back with a brand-new game called Anthem. This loot and shoot-er focuses on multiplayer battles with both third and first-person views and the ability to fly. You control different classes of Javelin soldiers each with the own sets of skills and specialties to bring to battle. The graphics look incredible, the gameplay looks promising, the world open immersive, and controls seem tight. In addition, there are elemental weapons and shields to add an extra layer to the gameplay. Be sure to check it out.

3. Skull and Bones

Cannons, Gold, and swordfights… what’s not to love about being a pirate?

Ubisoft’s newest action adventurer game is Skull and Bones. This game takes the epic pirate open sea battles made famous first in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag and makes that the entire game. What’s not to love? The graphics are gorgeous, the seas open and expansive, and the wow factor is through the roof. Anyone who has played Black Flag knows the most memorable sections of the game were when we took helm and set out to sea. Ubisoft’s attention to detail and fan feedback is what makes these games so amazing. From the weather system, to the ship upgrades, to the in-game physics, it has no competition. This is pirating done right. Be sure to add Skull and Bones to your collection and play Black Flag too if you haven’t yet.

2. New Untitled Star Wars Game

Shut up and buy it already.

This new game was originally in development by EA’s Visceral studios but that has since been shut down by EA. The game is now being developed by EA Vancouver and with that comes a new direction in what the game is going to end up being. This game has gone though a major change in identity, direction, and leadership. What was once a single player story-based game has evolved into a hybrid single player/multiplayer game that sounds similar to Destiny in premise. EA is stating that these changes are based on feedback from fans and changing trends in the industry. We say change is good, sometimes.

1. Fallout 76

76, that’s my record number of beers in one night.

Bethesda’s long running series has returned to us with Fallout 76. Continuing in the themes of survival scavenging, FPS combat and action adventure sprinkled on top. This time around the series takes a step into new territory by taking the experience online and in the early years of the Fallout history. The 76 refers to the notorious Vault 76 in the games lore. Which was set to open 20 years after the fallout event. Meaning, the game setting is within the first decades after the collapse unlike the other titles which took place several hundred years after. This was exactly what Fallout needed to stay fresh at this stage in it’s legacy. The solo campaigns are cool but imagine taking on the game’s radioactive wasteland in small gangs tackling larger quests and objectives together. Imagine base building as a group. Sounds pretty cool right? Fallout 76 is meant to be a different take on the Fallout universe and that’s exactly why it will be awesome.

You may also be interested in:

Main Image caption:

Cyberpunk is one of the most anticipated upcoming adventure PC games.

Image Gallery:

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

The Best Vampire Games To Play Right Now

GabeTex — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 13:27:57 +0000

Stalk the night to quench a wicked thirst with the top 10 vampire games everyone can play right now!

Finally! After a lot of waiting and reading, I got my hands on a copy of Vampyr, the latest RPG from Dontnod Entertainment and Focus Home Interactive (Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Lusting for such a game is no surprise for those who know me because I at least have to peek on anything vampire. Playing the new game got me thinking of some of my favorite vampire adventures from the past. Putting a list together took some time considering vampires are a niche genre and they are usually a part of an ensemble of mythical beings. Yet, whether the titles focus on vampire life or not, there are some great vampire games everyone should check out. Here are my top 10!

10. Dracula’s Legacy

Dracula’s Legacy follows Isabella on her quest to discover important moments from her forgotten past. With her fiancé, she explores a mental clue, which leads her to a ghost town. A monstrous creature surprises the couple and separates the two, forcing Isabella to battle her demons and find her guy.

This gem made for mobile devices by Jetdogs Studios and IndeePop will be an instant favorite for those who enjoy mystery and puzzle games. Isabella falls into a complex tomb full of traps and entry points to get through.

The key plot points that connect Isabella’s past and a menacing vampire are exciting and groundbreaking for the genre. The game is perfect to kill time on your phone at the airport or doctor’s office.

Dracula’s Legacy looks like another game available online but it’s so much more.

Every puzzle, every room is challenging and authentic.

9. BloodLust Shadowhunter

The atmosphere of BloodLust Shadowhunter reminds me of Indiana Jones messing around with what ancient societies left behind. Players are able to crawl around dungeons and tombs of a forgotten vampire city and fall in the middle of the hierarchy battle within the realm.

Like the entry before this, Shadowhunter is great for those who enjoy puzzles and even better for those who like fictional politics. The game is reminiscent of Masquerade Bloodlines’ vampire faction mess.

Clues and suspicious people pop up everywhere in this game.

Vampires aren’t the only creatures players have to worry about.

8. Golden Krone’s Hotel

What I consider to be the Zelda of vampire games, Golden Krone’s Hotel is a rougelike game that allows players to simply hunt down vampires. Yet, beware because hunters can be turned and we must direct our efforts to the slaughter of humans.

Golden Krone’s Hotel has an extensive floor plan with vampires and creatures left and right. Again, there is a possibility of transformation and the killing of humans. There is also a way to be human again, but by then, it’s a mere option.

Viggat did an exceptional job with the world’s lighting and maze-like structuring. It’s made to leave players vulnerable to their prey.

Despite the look of the game, moments of battle work well and are exciting to join in on.

There’s a lot of people to talk to and their speech is authentically aged with the times of the game.

7. Dark

If you ever wake up somewhere randomly and don’t remember a thing and have a thirst for blood, you may have been attacked by a vampire, which is what happens to Dark’s main character Eric Bane. Unfortunately, Bane is not a full-fledged vampire and will turn into a horrid monster called a ghoul. The only way to avoid this is for us to find his creator and take a swig of their blood.

This RPG from Realmforge Studios and Kalypso Media has one of the best story premises that I think could have driven down Franchise Road toll free. In theory, Dark has an extensive underground vampire world full of history and surprises with an interesting twist on an undead transformation.

The visuals of this game are comic book-like and light up for Bane’s vampire abilities and the angelic visits he receives throughout the trek. The stealth and hooded approach to hunting and fighting is fun to explore and remind me of similar games in other genres.

To find his creator, Bane has to sneak into a lot of armed and secured places in search of blood from ancient vampires to temporarily ward off ghoul-ism.

Every vampire needs to be stealthy and Dark makes it clear how important it is to master the necessary power.

6. Bloodrayne

There’s no way I could dismiss the First Lady of vampire games, the one and only Agent Rayne. This gun-slinging, sword-wielding dhampir (half human, half vampire) works for an underground group called the Brimstone Society and helps them defeat supernatural dangers. She takes on their next great battle while searching for her vampire father.

Female characters are a blast to play in action adventures and BloodRayne does not disappoint. The story is compelling, Rayne’s combat abilities are fun and easy to maneuver and the setting and character performances are engaging and thrilling.

BloodRayne allows players to fight vampire zombies and Nazis and travel around the world. Rayne’s mission continues through a few decades and the game uses history as a moving background.

Rayne’s capabilities with gun power and swords flow well when she’s in the middle of a battle.

Even though Rayne is half vampire, she too needs to feed to stay alive.

5. Legacy of Kain

My introduction to the Legacy of Kain was Soul Reaver, the second installment of the series, featuring Raziel, a damned vampire that once served Kain, a vampire dictator that is the central point of the franchise. Raziel seeks revenge on Kain, the person who caused his fall and murder. Revenge is the series driving force, beginning with Kain's fight against those who transformed him into a dark prince in Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain.

Soul Reaver's Raziel breaks the vampire mold with a character who is more ghostly than undead. Instead of blood, Raziel feeds on souls, which works out well for him since he has no jaw.

The ancient and tribal atmosphere plays well with Raziel's spearmanship, strength and speed. There are plenty of puzzles to solve, so brains are as needed as the brawn to complete the game. And when you do beat it, the story continues with Soul Reaver 2, Blood Omen 2 and Defiance.

Kain and Raziel have many encounters throughout the franchise, which proves forgiveness is not an option for the loving couple.

The Legacy of Kain is a great mix of a classic vampire and modern day spirit sucker.

4. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

In The Masquerade, players can choose what kind of vampire we want to be from the neighboring factions in Los Angeles after being illegally transformed into a bloodsucker and spared by the great council. This leads to the player’s involvement in a vampire war over an ancient sarcophagus and all the tangled ties and loose ends reveal themselves through missions and footwork.

The best thing any game can have is to offer the ability to pick what our character will look like. Bloodlines lets us customize our player from a variety of factions, which can certainly be strategic during another round of the game. Add in great dialogue options, the recipe serves up a fantastic grungy modern-day vampire role-play experience.

Even though the RPG from Troika Games and Activision (Microsoft Windows), which is based on the original tabletop RPG of the same name by White Wolf Publishing, received moderate appraisal when released, the game is now considered a cult classic. Game pros and critics consider Bloodline an important accomplishment in the world of gaming because of details like the production to an awesome soundtrack.

What kind of vampire do you want to be? There are some good options to choose from that range from the Nosferatu type to sexy nightclub junkies.

Just like any other character in this vampire story, the bosses are no joke and are ready to slay!

3. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

The Castlevania series is one of the greatest franchises in gaming history, a classic that has grown with the advancement of gaming technology. The latest installment will stand in its place on my list, a game I consider to be one hell of a ride. Dracula is back and he must face an old foe: Satan!

Lords of Shadow 2 has the glitz and glam of today’s top notch graphics with the best writers on board, another hit from MercurySteam and Konami. Dracula’s powers and combat abilities are better than ever, though their usage differs depending on where Dracula is in time. The story hops around different centuries and adds a lot of content for the Castlevania encyclopedia.

The gameplay is smooth and effective when mastered and the cinematic scenes keep the players pumped and ready for more action. The opening battle sequence is epic! There’s a collapsing castle, hard-hitting soldiers, a stalker-boss and some giant mechanics.

Gabriel Belmont aka Dracula aka Dracui is one emo and dramatic guy.

No matter how depressed or angry Dracula gets, he stays on mission and unleashes his wrath.

2. Vampyr

Set in London during the Spanish Flu epidemic circa 1918, players become Jonathan Reid, a doctor who happens to be a blood sucking vampire. This monster wants to service the public but must control his need to feed in fear of causing serious consequences in the four districts that are open to us. Reid’s journey involves coming to terms with his dark transformation and curing the city.

Vampyr offers a unique vampire experience with contradicting choices between hunting and non-violence. With a few possible endings available, players don’t have to kill anyone to beat the game and feeding on any of the well-developed inhabitants of the city can alter the ride. The challenge is fun to explore since Reid’s abilities can only strengthen with a drink of fresh blood.

The London the game presents looks and feels authentic through decent graphics, great audio and impressive character acting. The methods players can use to sink teeth into a beating pulse are classic but exciting to do.

He’s not a vampire! Or, is he? Dr. Jonathan Reid is able to fit right in to society but only if he can control his hunger for blood.

Killing bad guys gets easier after a drink or two but their disappearance can cause suspicion in town and players will lose side missions that character had to offer.

1. Skyrim – Dawnguard

Dawnguard is an installment of The Elder Scrolls universe, a medieval and magical place full of different beings and political issues. Dawnguard is an add-on for Skyrim and the name of a group of vampire hunters. Players are given the option to join the cause or side with the vampire race they’re warring with, the Volkihar.

For an add-on to shine the way Dawnguard does is very impressive. We’re sucked into a well-developed world full of interesting characters, awesome magic and a cinematic storyline. The choice to join the Dawnguard or Volkihar is the perfect excuse to play multiple times to experience different missions and outcomes.

Elder Scrolls’ fans know the greatness of its folklore and open world, which is weaved into Dawnguard and makes it a part of a bigger picture. Bethesda Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks need to explore more of the war between the Dawnguard and Volkihar.

Players can be an armored medieval hero or crossover to the dark side.

Don’t think killing vampires is going to be an easy job. Looking at them will be a big challenge.

A vampire's life is a great world to explore through gaming and there's a good variety of titles everyone can get today. I do hope some of my favorites like Legacy of Kain and Bloodrayne will make comebacks because of Vampyr's and Dawnguard's recent success. The people want vampires and the industry better deliver. So, get into my favorites games, have a blast and find some others worth sharing.

Main Image caption:

Eternal life and extraordinary abilities come with a hefty price and ravenous nature!

Image Gallery:

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

The Growing Popularity of Episodic Video Games

sarinananana — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 06:01:35 +0000

Are Short Installments of Larger Productions the Future For Gaming?

It is 2015, and the episodic release model is becoming more and more familiar to the gaming industry. Popularized by series such as The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us, games with seasons similar to a television show have become the trademark of publisher Telltale Games in particular. Now, the trend is extending to new franchises, including the Square Enix game Life is Strange.

Life is Strange's official trailer

What is an episodic video game exactly?

To define episodic video games, they are compromised of several parts that separately have a smaller duration than typical full releases. However, as a whole, the game is as lengthy as a standalone release. Additionally, the complete season of episodes is often available for a lump purchase once all the chapters have been published individually.

The types of games released in this format are often narrative-based and tell a continuous story from one episode to the next. They tend to share characters, settings, plots, and thematic elements.

While the schedule by which each episode is released varies from series to series, the period of time between episodes is usually systematic and relatively brief. Otherwise, the publisher runs the risk of players forgetting the plot or, worse, public interest having waned.

Telltale Games’ Influence

Behind the scenes of today’s fad, Telltale Games has already been publishing games in the episodic model for more than a decade.

Telltale found success using this system because they have built up trust with the community. Players feel comfortable diving into a commitment with their releases because the company has proven again and again it will follow through on its promise to deliver new episodes in a timely matter.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t anticipation between episodes in Telltale Games that follow this model. If anything, the hype is increased by the wait. For days in advance, fans guess when they will get to continue their favorite story, and upon release of a new episode, the excitement is sovereign.

Sam & Max, An Early Episodic Hit

The birth of Telltale Games Inc. arose from the episodic game series Sam & Max, which was originally developed by Lucas Arts, in the early 2000s. The Sam & Max series is beloved by many, having collected a substantial fan base through the years, and was possibly the most successful early game using an episodic business model.

Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse trailer

Sam & Max are a pair of private detectives who get into all sorts of shenanigans by being goofy and somewhat reckless at their duties. Oh, and they’re anthropomorphic, meaning that Sam is a dog and Max seems to be something akin to a rabbit.

Today’s Most Popular Series: The Walking Dead

Recently, Telltale Games received its highest level of success with their The Walking Dead series, which has two finished seasons out for purchase and a third in active development. Each episode was released on a two-month interval.

Not your average zombie apocalypse game!

The Walking Dead follows Lee Everett, a controversial former professor, and his young companion, a little girl named Clementine, as they venture through the southern United States during a zombie apocalypse. To put it lightly, their journey is emotionally gripping.

Besides the novelty of episodic content, The Walking Dead is renowned for its reliance on player choice to determine narrative outcomes. There are many intense quick time events scattered throughout the game that drastically changes its course, and, no, you cannot revert your choices afterward; everything happens rapidly, including decision-making that will control how the player’s story ends. Sometimes it is even a life or death matter!

The inclusion of player choice opens up a discussion between fans about what decisions they made in their personal play-through and allows them to compare and contrast how things could have ended if their split second decisions were even a little different. Talking about these games amongst friends is decidedly fun.

Having sparked the empathy of millions, The Walking Dead: Season One boasts multiple 2012 Game of the Year awards and even more nominations.

Telltale Games to Look Forward To

Presently, Telltale Games is working on multiple new franchises. They partnered with HBO to create an episodic Game of Thrones game, and have an ongoing Borderlands spinoff called Tales from the Borderlands. Furthermore, there are talks of a Minecraft story-mode game and the sequel to The Wolf Among Us, which could probably be the harshest fairytale found in mass media.

More and More Episodic Games Are Becoming Available

Other recent episodic video game projects outside of Telltale Games include Life is Strange, Alan Wake, Broken Age, Resident Evil: Revelations, and The Detail.

An interactive trailer for The Detail, as requested by fans

Some expansion packs, or Downloadable Content, also resemble the episodic content business model. That is best seen in Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City, a compilation of two pieces of Grand Theft Auto IV DLC – Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned and Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony.

The official trailer for Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City

Alan Wake and Episodic Horror

Interestingly, the previously mentioned Alan Wake has six initial episodes as well as two pieces of DLC. It is unique to the model in that, while still powered by the plot, it is a part of the survival horror genre.

The trailer for Alan Wake

The story is also a bit of a mystery; Alan Wake, its self-titled Stephen King-like protagonist, is searching desperately for his wife after she disappears during their vacation to a small town. Wake himself is an author suffering from writer’s block, until he completes a novel he does not remember writing and then experiences its events in his own real life.

As a thriller, Alan Wake benefits from the episodic format because each part offers another piece of the puzzle, eventually leading to the solution of the case. Perhaps of all the episodic games, it most obviously resembles the format of a television show with a recap sequence and musical closing credits to each installment. Overall, it received a positive critical response!

Pros and Cons of the Episodic Model

There is a deeper conversation happening about episodic video games, though; members of the gaming community are beginning to ask whether or not this business model is actually healthy for the industry. After all, at times, the monetary cost of such series can seem biased in the developers’ favor.

Because each installment is not exactly meaty, rarely lasting more than a couple hours, but still comes with a price, episodic games can be used as a tool to lure buyers into paying more for less content. This is especially true as the business model keeps costs down for developers.

Episodic video games are a product of today’s digital generation; the digital distribution method of publishing games facilitates the existence of multiple small installments in a way that would not be financially feasible with boxed products.

To some gamers, games that possess seasons in the style of television programming are off-putting, as they fear being scammed. Their apprehension is legitimate; when all is said and done, consumers can spend more on a game with numerous portions than a full standalone game.

Still, the experience one has with episodic video games is unlike any other. Episodic video games are set at a unique pace and, in many cases, encourage the formation of a particularly intimate community. For that reason, it is a style more advantageous to certain genres over others; first person shooters would be far less effective in episode form than a graphic adventure game would, for instance.

In these intimate communities, player feedback can be more easily heard, and developers can more easily improve their game based on it. There is the benefit of having time between episodes to reflect on what aspects worked and what didn’t work in the prior. The feedback loop with episodic games is vital.

Another potential plus is the way development is handled in an episodic video game series. It is worked in smaller intervals, which gives developers more focused jobs and allows their work to adjust based on the more accessible community response over time. Thus, their experience building these virtual worlds is more positive for them personally, and since extra care is placed into projects created in smaller portions, it can be more positive for consumers as well.

Regardless of whether the benefits of the episodic gaming model are too skewed in the favor of developers, it seems that they are here to stay. Some of the most popular games of the past several years utilized the model, and it has proven to be rewarding in both financial profit and uniting the gaming community!

Do you have a favorite episodic game series? Are there any new episodes that you can’t wait to come out? Let us know in the comments section!

Telltale Games: A List of the Best Telltale Games to Play in 2015 and 2016

The Walking Dead

10 Amazing Adventure Games to Play in 2015

20 Best Adventure Games for PC in 2015

15 Must-Play PC Games of the Decade

Video of QIgx0vPPDtA

Main Image caption:

The Telltale Collection, now available on Steam

Image Gallery:

More on this topic:

Share this Article: