Tick... tick... tick...

The countdown to Christmas is on... or the countdown to whatever holiday you observe personally, so long as it's equally over-commercialized and requires buying lots of stuff. That's right, whatever your motivation for the spirit of giving, "buying lots of stuff" is the task at hand for most of us.

Now what to buy... that's the puzzle.

Yes, even in a little niche genre like our own, the choices can be daunting sometimes, particularly when you're being crushed by a sea of stressed humanity on all sides in game stores. The good news is, we're here to help! After all, we've been up to our eyeballs (if not in over our heads) in all-things-adventure this whole year, so who better to guide you through this purchasing quandary?

Read on, then, as we take you through the best options of the past year, plus a few timeless gems you may have overlooked. Along with each item on the list are direct links to online retailers and download sites. Most of these are affiliate links, meaning Adventure Gamers gets a small commission when you make a purchase, It's the gift that keeps on giving! But these links are purely optional, and there are many games not listed here at all, as our goal is to recommend only what we consider the top games the genre has to offer, according to varying needs. So consider this a step-by-step walkthrough, and all you need to do is point-and-click on your games of choice (or at least head forearmed back out into the teaming masses).


Oh, and just between us, if this list should simply happen to get forwarded to all those friends and family who are buying gifts for YOU, we promise we won't tell. Not that we're encouraging that or anything (cough).



This Year's Top Releases (PC)
You've probably heard the hype, read the reviews, and whipped out that credit card for some of these already, but a year is a long time to let something fall between the cracks. The following is a list of the latest and greatest adventures of 2008, and there's sure to be something here for everybody's tastes.

Comedy
If laughter is the best medicine, then you can help ensure your friends and family are in the best of health this season with these whimsical and occasionally side-splitting (in the good, totally figurative way, of course) comic adventures that should transport you back to the classics of yesteryear.

A Vampyre Story
The only game on our list not to have passed the certified AG Approval Board (namely, a review), we're prepared to go out on limb for what is easily one of the most anticipated graphic adventures in years. From its jaw-dropping art style to quirky cast of characters, it's a game that simply bleeds charm, which is handy since you'll play as a vampire and will want to drink it all in.
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US

So Blonde
With only a limited retail release so far, this coming-of-age-dragged-kicking-and-screaming tale may have escaped your shopping attention so far. Which is why we're here to remind you of the adventure set on the tropical Forgotten Island, starring the spoiled and pampered Sunny Blonde. When a shipwreck mysteriously washes Sunny up on a 17th century island filled with pirates instead of modern amenities, she'll not only need to find a way back to her own time and place, but maybe a little maturity along the way.
Our review:
“One of the most compelling adventures I have played in a long time and a journey that every adventurer worth the title should embark upon.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US

Sam & Max: Season Two
Tastier than a lunch special at Stinky's (which probably isn't the best analogy, I suppose), the second bite-sized season for the Freelance Police proved even more delicious than the first. And if you've been holding off until the episodes are bundled together, wait no longer! With the series complete, all five episodes are now available both as downloads and on DVD. Better yet, it kick starts with Ice Station Santa, a Christmas-themed adventure to get you in the mood. And nothing says "Christmas" like a canine shamus and hyperkinetic rabbity thing packing heat.
Our review: (of Episode 204: Chariots of the Dogs)
“A flawless adventure gaming experience that will be treasured by all.”
Where to buy: Telltale Games online store

Mystery
If comedy games don't tickle your funny bone, perhaps something a little more serious is in store. And as it just so happens, there actually are several in stores now. In fact, there are mysteries aplenty in this genre, so read on for some of this year's finest.

Nostradamus: The Last Prophecy
You'd think a 16th century murder mystery featuring Nostradamus would be over before it started, but this historical adventure casts players as the noted fortune teller's daughter Madeleine, who must do her sleuthing the hard (but much more compelling) way. A series of deaths is afflicting the French royal household, but is this the fulfillment of Nostradamus' own prophecy or something more naturally sinister? That will be for players to figure out in the dual roles of both Madeleine herself and in disguise as her own brother.
Our review:
“A fascinating escape into another time, offering a rare glimpse of one of history’s most notable characters.”
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis
Flashing forward three centuries takes us to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous fictional protagonist. In the latest Sherlock Holmes mystery, also known as Sherlock Holmes vs. Arsène Lupin, the brilliant detective is challenged to match wits with Lupin, the gentleman French thief created by writer Maurice Leblanc. Lupin is determined to shame England by stealing its precious artifacts, and only Holmes, with a little help from the trusty Dr. Watson and less trusty players, can stop him from succeeding in his plan.
Our review:
“Manages to do justice to one of the most revered literary protagonists of all time... you won’t find a more detailed or enjoyable treasure hunt out there.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US

Overclocked: A History of Violence
History plays an important role in one of the genre's more ambitious narratives, though in a much different sense than the games listed above. This modern day psychological thriller follows the troubled tale of psychiatrist David McNamara, who must piece together the lost memories of five young people arrested for violent outbursts but with no recollection of their recent past. Only by regressing their memories piece by piece backwards does the full story unfold, and players get to live out these fragmented visions themselves.
Our review:
“A tale that keeps you engrossed from beginning to end – or more accurately, end to beginning.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US

Suspense
Challenges of the mind are all very well and good, but there's nothing quite like that chilling shiver running down your spine. You can usually count on the genre for at least one or two supernatural adventures a year, and this year is no exception.

Dracula 3: The Path of the Dragon
Less a horror game than a scientific exploration of the Dracula "myth", this game takes a unique approach to its timeless story. Despite the "3" in its title, the follow-up to Resurrection and The Last Sactuary tells a completely new tale of Father Arno Moriani, a priest sent to Transylvania to investigate a candidacy for sainthood. What he discovers, however, not only challenges his personal spiritual beliefs but ultimately drives him to a confrontation with the legendary vampire himself.
Our review:
A solid adventure with an intriguing mix of legend and fact.”
Where to buy: Adventure Shop, Amazon US

Science Fiction
While it seems the genre is forever looking backwards, rest assured that there will always be games that look ahead to the future. So if sci-fi is your thing, the next game should leave you beaming.

The Immortals of Terra: A Perry Rhodan Adventure
Not quite a household name like Luke Skywalker, Perry Rhodan has nevertheless lived longer and prospered more than virtually any other sci-fi series. Beginning almost 50 years ago, the Perry Rhodan novellas now count in the thousands in Germany, and the astronaut's first PC adventure, also known as Rhodan: Myth of the Illochim, came from almost nowhere to pleasantly surprise many adventure gamers this year. What begins as a personal pursuit to rescue his kidnapped friend Mondra becomes a much bigger crisis, as Mondra's secrets may just be the key to the fate of the entire universe.
Our review:
“Both engaging in its own right and a gentle introduction to a much deeper, more diverse world than many sci-fi offerings.”
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

Younger Gamers
While many of these recommendations are suitable for all but young children, not all of them specifically cater to younger demographics. For the youthful adventurers out there, here are some suggestions that should appeal to their sense of curiosity and wonder.

Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice
While a newer Nancy Drew mystery has since been released in The Haunting of Castle Malloy, we can say for sure that Nancy's earlier visit to the picturesque town of Venice is a worthwhile trip. The whopping 18th adventure in the long-running series sees Nancy head to Italy during Carnevale. Going undercover, Nancy must help the police infiltrate a crime syndicate and stop a masked thief from stealing priceless artifacts.
Our review:
A solid game with all the elements we have come to rely on from Nancy Drew.”
Where to buy: Amazon US

The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft
Not to be outdone by their fictional female counterpart, Frank and Joe Hardy jumped into the adventure fray this year with their first PC mystery. Their task as members of the American Teens Against Crime is a little closer to home, as a local mansion has been robbed and all signs point to someone with inside access to the family's secrets.
Our review:
An entertaining mystery that will provide quite a few hours of solid gaming.”
Where to buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

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