The Aggie Awards – The Best Adventure Games of 2022

Readers’ Choice: Nightmare Frames

Nightmare Frames has been crowned the Readers' Choice Aggie Award for Best Story. This horror-themed point-and-click adventure game presents an engaging narrative with an original voice, despite its reliance on familiar genre tropes. The game's writing is its standout feature, with a rhythm and tone that adds to the overall atmosphere. It keeps players curious and engaged with its artful suspense and haunting locations. While not necessarily unnerving or uncomfortably real, Nightmare Frames blends human and supernatural phenomena to create a disturbing yet coherent storyline.

Runners-Up:

Intruder in Antiquonia

Next up: Best Writing – Comedy... the envelope, please!

Best Writing – Comedy: Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island has won the coveted Aggie Award for Best Comedy, and it's no surprise why. This latest installment in the Monkey Island franchise retains all of the original series' charm, humor, and wit while delivering an engaging, well-crafted story that will have you laughing out loud. The clever puzzles, eccentric characters, and the sheer variety of gameplay make it a joy to play. Ron Gilbert and Dave Grossman have once again outdone themselves with the writing and puzzles, and the sound design and voice acting bring the game to life. The graphics are vibrant and attractive, and the mini-cutscenes give the game an added dose of personality. Return to Monkey Island is a faithful return to form for the series and is a must-play for fans of adventure games and lovers of comedy alike.

Runners-Up:

Justin Wack and the Big Time Hack

Readers’ Choice: Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island is an incredible achievement in the adventure game genre, and a worthy winner of the Readers' Choice: Aggie Award for Best Comedy. The game's writing is exceptional, full of clever jokes and references to the earlier games in the series. Fans of the franchise will be delighted to see their favorite characters return, and newcomers will find plenty to enjoy. The puzzles are challenging but fair, and the inventory system is intuitive and easy to use. The graphics are colorful and imaginative, and the sound design is excellent. Return to Monkey Island is a must-play for anyone who loves point-and-click adventures or just wants a good laugh.

Runners-Up:

Justin Wack and the Big Time Hack

Next up: Best Writing – Drama... the envelope, please!

Best Writing – Drama: The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow has won the Aggie Award for Best Writing - Drama, and for good reason. The game boasts a gripping story expertly woven into the gameplay, keeping players engaged and invested in the outcome. The writing is top-notch, with rich and complex characters, sharp dialogue, and a captivating plot that will keep you guessing until the end. The game manages to capture the feeling of being on an archaeological expedition, with a strong sense of place and time that is truly immersive.

Runners-Up:

Pentiment

Gerda: A Flame in Winter

Readers’ Choice: The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow has won the Readers' Choice Aggie Award for Best Writing - Drama, and it's not hard to see why. The game's story is a well-crafted and engrossing tale of dark secrets and hidden histories. The writing is superb, with a deft touch that draws you into the world of the game and keeps you there until the very end. It's a story that lingers in the mind long after you've finished playing, and it's clear that the developers have put a lot of thought and care into crafting every word.

Runners-Up:

Pentiment

Kate Walker (Syberia: The World Before)

Gerda: A Flame in Winter

Next up: Best Character... the envelope, please!

Best Character: Guybrush Threepwood (Return to Monkey Island)

Guybrush Threepwood is an iconic character in the world of adventure gaming, and it's no surprise that he's been awarded the Aggie for Best Character. First introduced in The Secret of Monkey Island, Guybrush is a lovable, bumbling pirate wannabe who never quite gets things right, but always manages to come out on top. He's charming, funny, and endlessly endearing, making him a character that players can't help but root for. Throughout the Monkey Island series, Guybrush evolves from a naive young man into a seasoned pirate, but he never loses his sense of humor or his quirky personality. His witty one-liners and zany adventures have made him a beloved character among adventure game fans, and it's great to see him recognized for his role in the genre.

Runners-Up:

Mara Whitefish (Perfect Tides)

Thomasina Bateman (The Excavation of Hob's Barrow)

Andeas Maler (Pentiment)

Readers’ Choice: Brok (BROK the InvestiGator)

BROK the InvestiGator has won the Readers' Choice award for Best Character, and it's not hard to see why. Brok, the game's protagonist, is a tough, but sensitive alligator detective who is struggling to make ends meet while uncovering the secrets of his dystopian world. The character is brought to life with top-tier voice acting and is full of personality. As you play through the game, you can't help but feel invested in Brok's journey as he navigates the dangerous world he finds himself in. With the game's multiple paths and endings, the choices you make affect the relationships Brok forms, making each playthrough unique. The world of BROK the InvestiGator is deeply realized, and the interwoven layers of history, conspiracy, and connection are fascinating to unravel. With its engaging storyline and lovable characters, it's no wonder Brok was voted the Readers' Choice for Best Character.

Runners-Up:

Alan Goldberg (Nightmare Frames)

Kate Walker (Syberia: The World Before)

Mara Whitefish (Perfect Tides)

Thomasina Bateman (The Excavation of Hob's Barrow)

Next up: Best Gameplay... the envelope, please!

Best Gameplay: Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit

Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit is a captivating point-and-click adventure game that won the Aggie Award for Best Gameplay. Set in Europe, this modern-day mystery adventure explores the rich history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the villainous branch of the KGB. You play as Milda, a girl from Chicago, who inherits a house in Lithuania and quickly gets caught up in a dangerous search for a long-lost, mysterious relic. As she delves into the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and uncovers long-lost secrets, players are taken on an exciting and engaging journey, all while enjoying the game's stunning hand-painted art and fully voiced dialogue.

Runners-Up:

Lost in Play

Readers’ Choice: BROK the InvestiGator

Puzzles are essential to adventure games, but good pacing, exploration, and various activities also contribute to player enjoyment. BROK the InvestiGator achieves the right balance of these elements, creating a rewarding gameplay experience. The game's puzzles come in different styles and difficulties, while mini-games and logic puzzles offer a break from inventory-based challenges. The game's pace is well-managed, allowing for a seamless switch between the point-and-click adventure and beat-em-up gameplay. Additionally, the game's world is richly realized, providing ample exploration opportunities, and the narrative unfolds through a diverse cast of characters. These factors all contribute to BROK's deserved win of the Readers' Choice for Best Gameplay.

Runners-Up:

Lost in Play

Next up: Best Concept... the envelope, please!

Best Concept: BROK the InvestiGator

Brok the InvestiGator's concept is a true standout in the adventure gaming landscape, and it's easy to see why it won the Aggie Award for Best Concept. The combination of point-and-click adventure gameplay with beat-em-up combat is a bold and unique choice never before seen in the genre. On top of that, the game's anthropomorphic animal characters add an extra layer of whimsy and charm, even as they explore a dark and dystopian world. The concept of playing as an alligator detective in a world divided by a hermetic dome, where the lower class deals with a toxic atmosphere while the upper class enjoys technology-enhanced luxury, is brilliantly imaginative. BROK takes a creative risk in many areas, blending nostalgia with fresh ideas, to create something new and exciting. The result is a game that pushes the boundaries of the genre in the best possible way.

Runners-Up:

Beacon Pines

Readers’ Choice: BROK the InvestiGator

Brok the InvestiGator's unique concept and blending of multiple genres was a big hit with the readers, earning it the Readers' Choice Aggie Award for Best Concept. The game's combination of classic point-and-click adventure gameplay with a beat-em-up action style provided a fresh take on the adventure game genre, capturing the attention and imagination of players. The hard-boiled anthropomorphic animal detective trope and dystopian future setting may have been seen before in other games, but Brok managed to make them feel new and exciting. With its natural-feeling relationships between the two main characters, the extensive world-building and interconnected conspiracy, and the memorable and well-developed cast of characters, Brok's concept stands out as a masterclass in creative game design.

Runners-Up:

Beacon Pines

Next up: Best Setting... the envelope, please!

Best Setting: Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island has won the Aggie Award for Best Setting and it is easy to see why. The game transports players back to the world of Monkey Island, with all its wacky characters and locations. Fans of the series will be delighted to see the return of Guybrush Threepwood and his quirky crew, and newcomers will fall in love with the game's charming humor and imaginative environments. Return to Monkey Island has been designed with great attention to detail, from the lush tropical landscapes to the intricate puzzles sprinkled throughout. The setting is like a character of its own, with its distinct personality and atmosphere, and it's an integral part of what makes the game so special. Whether you're exploring the streets of Mêlée Island or wandering through the mystery of Terror Island, you're sure to be amazed by the game's masterful design.

Runners-Up:

Readers’ Choice: Nightmare Frames

Nightmare Frames won the Readers' Choice Aggie Award for Best Setting due to its unique and immersive atmosphere. The game's Hollywood setting of 1985, with its neon-soaked streets and B-movie production companies, perfectly captures the essence of the era. The various locations, from VFX workshops to the small haunted town of Serena, are all rendered in stunning detail and enhance the game's eerie and unsettling tone. As players navigate through the game's playable locations and interact with all it's characters, they will be drawn deeper into the game's dark and twisted world, culminating in a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The game's haunting original soundtrack by Stefano Rossi also adds to the unsettling ambiance of the game, earning it the recognition of the Readers' Choice Aggie Award for Best Setting.

Runners-Up:

KAPIA

Nine Noir Lives

Next up: Best Graphic Design... the envelope, please!

Best Graphic Design: Syberia: The World Before

Syberia: The World Before won the Aggie Award for Best Graphic Design, and it's easy to see why. The game's visuals are stunningly beautiful and intricately detailed, bringing to life the world of Syberia with an art style that is unique and instantly recognizable. The game's urban areas of Vaghen are populated with background extras that make the world feel vitally alive, with bustling streets and quiet reflective places. The character models are emotive, and the lip sync is well-executed, adding to the immersive experience. The soundscape and score are also well-crafted, with ambience to the many locations that feels right, and the vocal performances are strong, headlined by Sharon Mann, who has voiced Kate Walker throughout the series. The game's visual and audio design come together to create a cohesive and captivating world that players won't soon forget. It's no wonder it won the Aggie Award for Best Graphic Design.

Runners-Up:

The Quarry

Readers’ Choice: Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island is a fantastic addition to the Monkey Island franchise, and it's no wonder it won the Readers' Choice Aggie Award for Best Graphic Design. The graphics are colorful, attractive, and full of personality, with an art style uniquely fitting for the series. The environments are imaginative and well-designed, and the addition of mini-cutscenes adds to the overall experience. The game features some of the best puzzle design seen in a game, with clever, original, and thought-provoking challenges that are not frustrating. The humor is spot-on, and the story is a natural continuation of the series, with engaging characters and an unforgettable world.

Runners-Up:

Nightmare Frames

The Quarry

Next up: Best Music... the envelope, please!

Best Music: Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island won the Aggie Award for Best Music, and it's easy to see why. The music in the game is expertly crafted, with a mix of both classic and new tracks that set the perfect tone for each scene. The sound design team, including series veteran Michael Land, did an excellent job creating a soundscape that evokes nostalgia while still feeling fresh and modern. The music in Return to Monkey Island complements the game's witty and whimsical style and enhances the experience as a whole. The game's soundtrack is a true delight for fans of the series, and it's one of the many reasons why Return to Monkey Island is such a joy to play.

Runners-Up:

Readers’ Choice: Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island was a long-awaited sequel to the beloved Monkey Island series, and it did not disappoint. The game was not only a return to form for the series in terms of its humor, gameplay, and storytelling but also in its music. The soundtrack, composed by Michael Land, Peter McConnell, and Clint Bajakian, is exceptional, with memorable and catchy themes that capture the essence of the game's characters and environments. From the opening theme to the final credits, the music perfectly complements the game's playful and whimsical tone. The voice acting also deserves praise, as the talented cast brought their characters to life with charm and humor. All in all, Return to Monkey Island's music is a delightful treat for the ears, and a worthy recipient of the Readers' Choice Aggie Award for Best Music.

Runners-Up:

Intruder in Antiquonia

Next up: Best Acting (Voice or Live Action)... the envelope, please!

Best Acting (Voice or Live Action): Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island won the Aggie Award for Best Acting (Voice or Live Action) due to its exceptional voice-acting performances. The game's cast brought their characters to life with charm and authenticity. Every character was expertly portrayed from Guybrush Threepwood's witty quips to the evil LeChuck's menacing taunts. The voice acting was particularly impressive given the large amount of dialogue in the game, with every line delivered with enthusiasm and nuance. The actors behind the characters clearly understood their roles and the world of Monkey Island, resulting in one of the most captivating and enjoyable voice acting performances in any adventure game.

Runners-Up:

The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow

Nine Noir Lives

Readers’ Choice: The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow

The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow won the Readers' Choice Aggie Award for Best Acting (Voice or Live Action) because of its exceptional voice acting that adds to the game's immersive experience. The game is a folk horror adventure that takes place in rural Victorian England, and the voice acting, sound effects, and background music are all used to great effect in creating a frightening atmosphere that draws the player in. The game's protagonist, Thomasina Bateman, is well-voiced and animated, making her feel like a real partner on the adventure. The supporting characters are also animated with great care, and the sound design, including voice acting, sound effects, and background music, is top-notch. The voice acting imbues the characters with emotion, heightening the player's empathy. The music in particular is appropriate to the scenes where it is used and significantly impacts pulling the player into the story. The voice acting in The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow is a standout feature, which is why it won the Readers' Choice Aggie Award for Best Acting (Voice or Live Action).

Runners-Up:

Nine Noir Lives

Next up: Best FMV Adventure... the envelope, please!

Best FMV Adventure: IMMORTALITY

IMMORTALITY by Sam Barlow won the Aggie Award for Best FMV Adventure. In IMMORTALITY, you explore hours of behind-the-scenes footage of Marissa Marcel's career in movies. The game revolves around the question of what happened to Marissa Marcel, and as you dig deeper, you realize there is far more to the issue than expected. The game offers a compelling and mysterious experience and can be considered a new best argument for games as art. The content is gritty, sometimes violent, and often contains nudity, reflecting the industry's desire to push the envelope during that era. What shines most in the game is its production quality. The sets look fantastic, and the cinematography is era-appropriate. The performances are surprisingly good, and the plot is multilayered, with the storylines of the three films, then the cast and crew involved, and finally, a higher level. Overall, the game offers a unique and captivating experience that is a must-play for movie fans and gamers who love a good meta-narrative.

Runners-Up:

Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus?

First Date : Late To Date

The Gallery

Readers’ Choice: IMMORTALITY

IMMORTALITY is an impressive FMV investigation game that has gained recognition from both critics and gamers alike. It immerses players in a compelling, multilayered storyline with excellent performances, sets, and era-appropriate cinematography. Its innovative concordance feature and the sheer amount of content make it a standout FMV adventure game. Gamers clearly appreciated its unique take on the genre, which led to it winning the Readers' Choice Award for Best FMV Adventure.

Runners-Up:

Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus?

First Date : Late To Date

The Gallery

Next up: Best Non-Traditional Adventure... the envelope, please!

Best Non-Traditional Adventure: NORCO

NORCO, is a genre-bending point-and-click adventure game set in Louisiana that tells a southern gothic story of human resilience in the face of corporate greed. As Kay, you navigate swamps, robots, and cults in a quest to piece together the puzzle of your mother’s escapades and your brother’s disappearance. The game's modern or sci-fi take on the state eschews the usual voodoo culture and black magic to create a unique experience that challenges traditional genre conventions.

The game's highly detailed pixel art style and sound design make for a highly immersive experience. The music is extremely diverse, easily zipping between genres, and the sound effects and animations bring the static screens to life. The game's Mindmap is a useful interface that lets you keep track of the story and characters. Although there are few puzzles, the challenges that are there are terrifically varied and clever. NORCO is a narrative masterpiece that offers adventure fans a deep and satisfying experience.

Runners-Up:

Readers’ Choice: Stray

Stray won the Readers' Choice award for Best Non-Traditional Adventure due to its playful and joyful gameplay, intriguing sci-fi story, and loveable, if naughty, ginger kitty protagonist. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game follows the cat as it explores overgrown wastelands and befriends a group of friendly, cautious robots who are terrorized by parasitic enemies. The game's controls are simple and intuitive, and there is plenty of exploration, side quests, and light puzzle-solving. Stray's world is beautifully detailed, with stunning vistas and a minimalistic soundtrack that creates an immersive environment.

Runners-Up:

BROK the InvestiGator

Next up: Best Traditional Adventure... the envelope, please!

Best Traditional Adventure: The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow won the Aggie Award for Best Traditional Adventure due to its exceptional storytelling, blending of graphics, music, and voice acting, and ability to evoke players' emotions. The game takes players on a journey to the isolated moors of rural Victorian England as they unravel the mysteries of Hob's Barrow, a folk horror narrative that delivers a frightening and immersive experience from the title screen to the finale.

The game uses a classic point-and-click interface that is familiar to adventure game fans. It also features a well-designed map and to-do list to keep track of tasks and inventory. The pixel art backgrounds are reminiscent of Wadjet Eye's other published works and are captivating without being too overwhelming. The attention to detail in the animations of characters, animals, and the environment further adds to the game's immersive atmosphere.

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow's sound design is outstanding, with its music, sound effects, and voice acting that heighten the player's empathy for the characters. The music is appropriately used to match the scenes, and the voice actors bring life to the characters, particularly the main character, Thomasina Bateman. The game's challenges organically rise from the narrative and are well-clued, although some may find a few of the puzzles a bit too challenging. Despite minor flaws, The Excavation of Hob's Barrow is a must-play adventure game for its outstanding elements and the overall experience it delivers.

Runners-Up:

Readers’ Choice: The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow is the winner of the Readers' Choice Award for Best Traditional Adventure. Its well-developed storyline and likable characters had players emotionally invested in the game, making it a favorite among adventure game fans. The game's immersive environment also contributed to its popularity, as players could explore the rural moors of Victorian England and discover the mysteries of Hob's Barrow.

Furthermore, The Excavation of Hob's Barrow's traditional point-and-click gameplay, combined with its evocative atmosphere and storytelling, provided a nostalgic experience that reminded players of the classic adventure games that many grew up with. The game's ability to deliver a balance between challenging puzzles and a compelling narrative earned it high praise from adventure game fans, who deemed it worthy of the Readers' Choice Award for Best Traditional Adventure.

Runners-Up:

Nightmare Frames

The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow

Next up: The moment of truth… Best Adventure of 2022... the envelope, please!

Best Adventure of 2022: Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island has won the Aggie Award for Best Adventure of 2022, and it's no surprise given the game's excellent gameplay, engaging story, and clever puzzles. The game features the same beloved characters from the original games, with excellent voice acting and witty dialogue that will make you laugh out loud. The game's inventory and interaction system have been streamlined for a more action-oriented approach, while still retaining the charm and humor of the point-and-click interface.

The game's graphics are colorful and attractive, with an art style that's uniquely fitting for the series. The environments are imaginative and well-designed, with little details that bring the locales to life. The addition of mini-cutscenes at certain key moments adds to the overall experience, giving the game an appealing Ren & Stimpy cartoon feel.

Including a scrapbook that provides an excellent overview of all the key stories that happened in all the Monkey Island adventures so far is a perfect way for players new to the series to get some background on what has happened in prior installments. Overall, Return to Monkey Island is a fantastic addition to the Monkey Island franchise, and it's a must-play for both old-school fans and newcomers to the series. With top-notch puzzle design, witty humor, engaging characters, and an unforgettable world, it's no wonder the game won the Aggie Award for Best Adventure of 2022.

Runners-Up:

The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow

Readers’ Choice: Return to Monkey Island

In addition to winning the Readers' Choice Award for Best Adventure of 2022, Return to Monkey Island also took home the prestigious Aggie Award for Best Adventure. It's not surprising, given the incredible quality of the game.

Return to Monkey Island is a game that perfectly captures the spirit of the classic adventure games that inspired it while bringing new elements to the table. The excellent puzzle design, engaging characters, and hilarious writing make it a standout adventure game that any fan of the genre will enjoy. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, Return to Monkey Island is a must-play adventure showcasing the best of the genre.

Runners-Up: