Point-and-click games have had a long and honourable tradition in the mainstream gaming world, with offerings like Monkey Island and more recently Zack and Wiki on the Wii, bringing the quirky puzzles and addictive gameplay typical of the genre to the masses.
But until recently, fans of online point-and-click adventures were left short changed. This is not say there weren't many point-and-click games available online. Far from it. There were hundreds to choose from. But this was very much a case of quantity over quality. Most of the games were much of a likeness, few straying far from the escape the room formula that had proved successful for years but which was beginning to show its age.
Recently, however, online point-and-click gaming has been transformed out of all recognition with the launch of a series of games of unrivalled beauty and technical excellence. At the back end of 2009, it fair to say that the point-and-click genre is (excuse the pun) well and truly alive and clicking. Here, we present ten of the best point-and-click games we've found on the web.
1Machinarium
An absolute revelation. This game by Czech indie developer Amanita Design is impossibly beautiful, both in terms of its artwork and storyline. Play the demo online here. Read more about the game here.
2Samorost
Amanita Design's first major production. And what a game it is. Samorost can be played for free here. A demo of the game's sequel - Samorost 2 - can be played here.
3Windowsill
Fiendishly fun puzzles and a beautiful aesthetic. What more could you want from a point-and-click game. Windowsill really does have it all. Play the game here.
4Daymare Town
Polish game developer Mateusz Skutnik is one of the greatest creative forces in the casual gaming arena. Daymare Town - an eery point-and-clicker - is arguable his best work. Play the game here. Daymare Town 2 (which is just as spooky) is available to play online here.
5Journeys of Reemus
Zack and Wiki have serious rivals for the title of point-and-click's most famous duo. In The Journeys of Reemus, Reemus and his pet monster are challenged with some of the most imaginative puzzles in point-and-clickdom. Play the first game in the series here.
6Anika's Odyssey
If we were organising this list on the basis of sweetest character, then Anika's Odyssey would undoubtedly be in first place. Help Anika reclaim her lost teddy bear by playing here.
7Submachine
Another game by Mateusz Skutnik, Submachine is classic point-and-click fun. Little wonder, then, that it has become something of a phenomenom on the web. Play it here. Many more Submachine games can be found on Mateusz's site
8Crimson Room
No list of top point and click games can be complete without the inclusion of The Crimson Room, which arguably started off the whole escape-the-room craze. Play this father of all escape games here.
9Gateway
As Braid proved, playing around with time can add an extra fun element to games. This is certainly the case with Gateway, one of the most innovative point-and-clickers around. Play the game here. The sequel - Gateway 2 - is available here.
10Sprout
From small acorns... grow great games like this. Cute graphics and perfectly-balanced puzzles make Sprout a pleasure to play. Try it for yourself here.
We hope you enjoy these games. If you know of any more great point and click games, please post details in the comments section below. Happy point and clicking!
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