Interactive fiction is a genre of gaming that has been around for over four decades, and it’s still going strong. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best interactive fiction games of all time, including classic text-based adventures, modern visual novels, and everything in between.
The Best 20 Interactive Ficiton Games of All Time
1. Zork (1977)
One of the earliest examples of interactive fiction, “Zork” was a text-based adventure game that took players on a journey through a vast underground empire. The game’s parser, which allowed players to interact with the world using natural language, was a major innovation and set the standard for many years to come.
2. Adventure (1979)
“Adventure” is another classic text-based adventure game, and it’s widely considered to be the first example of the genre. Players explored a mysterious, maze-like world, solving puzzles and acquiring treasures along the way. Despite its age, “Adventure” is still considered a masterpiece of interactive fiction.
3. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1984)
Based on Douglas Adams’ classic science fiction series, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a text-based adventure game that takes players on a wild and hilarious journey through space. With its quirky characters, absurd humor, and challenging puzzles, this game is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
4. A Mind Forever Voyaging (1985)
“A Mind Forever Voyaging” is a groundbreaking interactive fiction game that explores political and philosophical themes through its futuristic setting. Players take on the role of a sentient computer program that travels through time to gather information about the future of humanity. With its complex narrative and thought-provoking themes, “A Mind Forever Voyaging” is considered one of the best interactive fiction games of all time.
5. Ballyhoo (1986)
“Ballyhoo” is a classic text-based adventure game that takes place in the 1920s, during the height of the circus era. Players must solve a series of puzzles and uncover the secrets of the circus in order to escape. With its richly detailed world and engaging storyline, “Ballyhoo” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
6. The Witness (2016)
“The Witness” is a modern take on the interactive fiction genre, combining elements of puzzle-solving and exploration in a visually stunning open world. Players must navigate a mysterious island, solving puzzles and uncovering the truth behind the world around them. With its beautiful graphics and thought-provoking storyline, “The Witness” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
7. Her Story (2015)
“Her Story” is a unique and innovative interactive fiction game that uses live-action video to tell its story. Players must search a police database for video clips related to a murder investigation, piecing together the narrative as they go. With its compelling mystery and innovative format, “Her Story” is one of the best interactive fiction games of recent years.
8. 80 Days (2014)
“80 Days” is a retelling of Jules Verne’s classic novel “Around the World in 80 Days,” with a steampunk twist. Players must plan and execute a journey around the world, making choices and facing challenges along the way. With its richly detailed world and engaging storyline, “80 Days” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
9. Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars (1996)
“Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars” is a classic point-and-click adventure game that takes players on a journey through Europe and the Middle East, as they solve puzzles and unravel a mysterious conspiracy. With its beautiful graphics, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, “Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars” is considered one of the best adventure games of all time.
10. Papers, Please (2013)
“Papers, Please” is a unique and thought-provoking interactive fiction game that puts players in the role of an immigration inspector in a dystopian society. Players must make decisions about who to allow into the country and who to reject, all while trying to maintain their own moral standards and support their family. With its engaging storyline and challenging moral dilemmas, “Papers, Please” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
11. Tales of the Arabian Nights (1989)
“Tales of the Arabian Nights” is a classic text-based adventure game that takes players on a journey through the world of Arabian folklore. Players must solve puzzles, make choices, and interact with a cast of memorable characters in order to escape the world of the Arabian Nights. With its richly detailed world and engaging storyline, “Tales of the Arabian Nights” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
12. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (2001)
“Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney” is a classic visual novel that puts players in the role of a defense attorney, tasked with solving cases and proving their clients’ innocence. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and challenging puzzles, “Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
13. L.A. Noire (2011)
“L.A. Noire” is a unique and immersive interactive fiction game that puts players in the role of a detective in 1940s Los Angeles. Players must solve crimes, interview suspects, and navigate the seedy underworld of the city in order to solve their cases. With its engaging storyline, beautiful graphics, and challenging puzzles, “L.A. Noire” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
14. Life is Strange (2015)
“Life is Strange” is a visually stunning interactive fiction game that takes players on a journey through a mysterious, supernatural world. Players must make choices, solve puzzles, and navigate the ups and downs of teenage life in order to uncover the truth behind the strange events happening in their town. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and beautiful graphics, “Life is Strange” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
15. Firewatch (2016)
“Firewatch” is a visually stunning interactive fiction game that takes players on a journey through the wilderness of Wyoming. Players must navigate their way through the wilderness, solving puzzles and uncovering the truth behind a mysterious disappearance. With its beautiful graphics, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, “Firewatch” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
16. The Stanley Parable (2011)
“The Stanley Parable” is a unique and thought-provoking interactive fiction game that explores the nature of choice and consequence. Players must make choices and navigate a world filled with absurd and surreal events, as they try to uncover the truth behind the game’s narrative. With its engaging storyline and thought-provoking themes, “The Stanley Parable” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
17. King’s Quest (1983)
“King’s Quest” is a classic text-based adventure game that takes players on a journey through the kingdom of Daventry. Players must solve puzzles, interact with a cast of memorable characters, and uncover the secrets of the kingdom in order to become the new king. With its engaging storyline, challenging puzzles, and memorable characters, “King’s Quest” is a must-play for fans of classic adventure games and interactive fiction.
18. Her Story (2015)
“Her Story” is a unique and innovative interactive fiction game that puts players in the role of a detective trying to solve a murder case. Players must watch and search through a collection of police interviews in order to piece together the events that led to the murder. With its engaging storyline and thought-provoking themes, “Her Story” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction.
19. Text Twist (2005)
“Text Twist” is a classic word puzzle game that puts players’ vocabulary and spelling skills to the test. Players must create as many words as they can from a set of letters in a limited amount of time. With its challenging gameplay and addictive mechanics, “Text Twist” is a must-play for fans of word puzzle games and interactive fiction.
20. The Walking Dead (2012)
“The Walking Dead” is a visually stunning interactive fiction game that takes players on a journey through a world overrun by zombies. Players must make choices, interact with a cast of memorable characters, and navigate the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world in order to survive. With its engaging storyline, beautiful graphics, and challenging gameplay, “The Walking Dead” is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction and zombie games.
In conclusion, interactive fiction games offer players a unique and engaging experience that combines elements of storytelling, puzzles, and decision-making. Whether you’re a fan of classic text-based adventure games, visual novels, or thought-provoking puzzle games, there’s an interactive fiction game out there for you. These 20 games represent some of the best and most memorable interactive fiction games of all time, and are definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre.