Kids Computer Games Recommendations

Ages 12 – Adult
(Warning — some of these games are OLD — make sure you check the details on the operating system and comments before purchasing to make sure they will run on your computer.)

Zork started out a dry text adventure with lots of good puzzles but the last in the series was my favorite….Zork Grand Inquisitor. There is some light questionable language and some adult themes so I would recommend it for age 13+ or if you are playing with your child or have a mature child I am sure a little younger would be fine. The puzzles are JUST right in this game — challenging but possible and the humor makes it entertaining. You have to gain spells and figure out where to use them. This is one of my favorites of all time.

Myst & Riven are 2 old favorites. Myst was ground-breaking when it came out and sold more copies than any adventure game had until that point. Very beautiful graphics and the interface was the first to emerge you in the game and let you turn around 360 degrees. Challenging puzzles make this a game for a seasoned adventurer or a game to play with someone else. I found Myst a bit easier to play and solve — you are stuck on a mysterious island and just make sure you move slowly and look at everything. Riven is Myst Part II and got me stuck several times and had me looking for clues. By the way THE best place for clues for these games is The Universal Hint System. You can get hints without getting spoilers or if you truly “don’t get it” you can go ahead and get the answer to your particular question.

Monkey Island Series — I had SO much fun with this series of games. The only one that is available now readily is the last in the series, “The Curse of Monkey Island“. This one is funny and has some good puzzles. Age 12+ is appropriate.

Syberia is like The Longest Journey (Below) only it IS appropriate for ages 12+. You play as Kate Walker, a lawyer and what you think will be a simple trip, of course turns out to be much more. This is an easier adventure game and a good one to start with. The puzzles are not to complicated and the graphics are stunning. Syberia II is also good and I love the travels she goes on. It is longer than the first and a bit more challenging but not absurdly so. These games make you feel like you ARE in the story. I would say Syberia II is also for ages 12+.

Adult

The Longest Journey — Language and adult situations gain this an adult rating from me. It is a fascinating game although a bit long with the descriptions and storyline at some points. You are April, an art student but you find out there is a LOT going on and need to talk to people to find out what. You also need to travel between two worlds to try and stop the destruction of the world. GREAT puzzles and a fun game to play when you have a while to spare. I was not as crazy about the second one in the series, “Dreamfall”.

I LOVE to hear about adventure games. I miss the old ones like the Monkey Island series. I hope that new fun ones (that are appropriate for kids) will be coming out in the near future! If you hear of any — be sure to let me know.