Classic point-and-click games that have stood the test of time

There was a time when gaming was as simple as clicking a computer mouse. While point-and-click mechanics have largely given way to more engaging and sophisticated gameplay, the genre’s heyday in the 1990s revolutionized gaming with its vibrant characters, witty dialogues, and story-rich experiences. 

Even though they are way past their peak, the influence of these classic titles remains strong. Nowadays, narrative-driven action titles like Horizon Zero Dawn or The Last of Us owe much to these point-and-click gems from years past. To celebrate their legacy, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most timeless point-and-click games players can still enjoy across generations. 

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

With so many fresh rereleases, including an acclaimed port of the last three mainline games in the series and a historic duology set during the Meiji era, it is easy to forget that the Ace Attorney franchise has been going on for decades. Arguably, Capcom’s iconic lawyerly adventures have been on a roll lately. Just recently, the Japanese publisher announced the global remaster of the Ace Attorney Investigations spin-off, whose second chapter had never left Japan before. Still, the first installment in the franchise holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. 

Despite being released over twenty years ago on the now-defunct Game Boy Advance, the introduction of rookie attorney Phoenix Wright to the public remains a masterclass in mystery storytelling and a treasure trove for fans of legal dramas. This first game implemented many defining mechanics for the series’ identity, alternating between dialogue-heavy investigation phases and intensely hectic courtroom trials. It also introduced several characters that would consistently pop up in subsequent entries, building a lore that is a joy to explore across several sequels and spin-offs. 

Grim Fandango

The story of Grim Fandango takes place in the Aztec Land of the Dead, where main protagonist Manny Calavera assists recently departed souls on their journey to the Ninth Underworld in an attempt to work off a debt. When this disillusioned travel agent mistakenly denies the kind-hearted Meche a luxury express train passage, he begins to question his purpose, embarking on a dicey mission to save this deserving soul – one filled with countless puzzles, which require collecting objects and unlocking dialogue trees in a vibrant underworld inspired by Mexican folklore. 

While it shows its age by now, Grim Fandango still stands as one of the most influential games ever, whose film noir atmosphere left an enduring mark on detective stories like L.A. Noire. This noir pastiche has even earned a place in museum exhibitions honoring the history behind classic computer games. However, this acclaimed point-and-click took its time to achieve cult status. Grim Fandango failed commercially in 1998, likely due to its unconventional blend of Art Deco visual style, dark comedy undertones, and wacky characters. Despite a learning curve that remains challenging, its remastered version is worth picking up to enjoy the many twists of this point-and-click gem.

Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars

Released in 1996, The Shadow of the Templars is the first title in the Broken Sword series. To many, it remains the best entry in the franchise, striking a perfect balance between clever humor, well-crafted puzzles, and a deeply engaging story. It is also the perfect starting point for newcomers. As smart as it is enthralling, the first adventures of plucky American George Stobart and fearless journalist Nico Collard see them travel across Europe to unravel a web of conspiracy leading back to the ancient Knights Templar. While this classic point-and-click would go on to influence titles like Toonstruck and Escape from Monkey Island, its thematic focus also inspired other developers to explore similar themes. 

For instance, the iGaming industry delved into the Templar mythology with titles like Templar Tumble. From beginners to high rollers, gamers can claim free spins to try such machine slots. These bonuses are often granted to newly registered users as part of a welcome package deal. Platforms give these rewards to entice players to test their catalog at length. Such casino offers can also help players learn the ropes before transitioning to real-money options, exploring yet more mythological and history-infused games. 

The linear gameplay and simplistic mechanics of point-and-click games do not appeal to all players. For those who appreciate rich storytelling and captivating character arcs, though, there is nothing quite like a vintage adventure – some of which have been revamped on modern consoles to cater to broader audiences.