Unavowed

Unavowed is easily one of the best adventure games ever made. The story and characters are fantastic, the visuals immaculate, and the puzzles unique and inventive. Wadjeteye games are always good, but they’ve set the bar pretty high with this adventure.

It's no exaggeration to call Unavowed one of the most replayable point-and-click adventures the genre has seen. The sheer amount of decision making available to the player - from which characters participate in the plot to the protagonist's whole backstory - keeps every playthrough fresh. Although there isn't much in the way of demanding puzzle-solving, puzzles themselves have multiple solutions and the story can branch in different directions depending on who's in the party. In-game actions and dialogue options also have consequences, granting the plot a real sense of weight. Topped off by excellent atmosphere, a tight script, and great performances, Unavowed might just be Wadjet Eye Games' best work.

Rather than dwell on how Unavowed also cleverly entangles you with unexpected developments at almost every turn—because there’s no question that it absolutely does—the idle banter and jabs traded among its cast of paranormal detectives are heartening and authentic, moving the story forward even in its quietest moments. It’s a point-and-click game destined to be an all-time classic—which is why it is one of the entries in our best point-and-clicks list.

Unavowed is one of those rare adventure games that I feel can appeal even to those who are not predisposed to play the genre. Its compelling story, well-developed cast of characters, strong production values, and carefully-designed gameplay mechanics create one of the better adventure game packages I’ve seen this side of Thimbleweed Park. As long as you’re okay with some grisly content (you’re investigating demonic killers, not a theft at the bubblegum factory after all), you should give this game a look. It’s really something special.

Unavowed expertly blends fantasy and crime genres with stellar writing, acting, and artwork to create a game that is both memorable and entertaining, and should be experienced by anyone who thinks the glory days of Sierra On-Line are the only time period where great point-and-click games can be found.