Tired of action-packed PlayStation 5 games? Want a change of pace? Here are some of the actual adventure games that you should play on the PS5.
It bears repeating that games like Uncharted are action-adventure games that are classically not within the singular “adventure” game categorization. Point-and-click adventures are usually the adventure games that the genre refers to, and in the modern times, we have walking simulators as their natural evolution.
1. Return to Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island is one of the most beloved games of all time for those who grew up in the late 80s and early 90s. Its equally fantastic sequel, Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge, is just as celebrated. Even though the original creators are no longer behind the series after the first two titles, it still holds a special place in significantly older gamers’ hearts.
The franchise has always been more loved by the public than the people who own the rights to it. So, when a new adventure in search of the secret of Monkey Island was announced, it was a mix of excitement and apprehension. Fortunately, Disney and Devolver Digital were sane enough to bring the original creators back, Ron Gilbert and Dave Grossman, for Return to Monkey Island more than 30 years after their first adventure. The question is, will it hold up in today’s world? And the answer is, hell yes.
This game picks up right where the second one left off and doesn’t waste time catching you up on the story or characters. Even though it doesn’t dwell on the past, it’s still easy to follow and understand, making it a great starting point for new players just like how The Witcher III: Wild Hunt was for the Witcher universe.
If you’re already familiar with the series, you’ll recognize tons of references and feel comfortable with the relationships between the characters, which makes for some deep conversations and interesting choices. But even if you’re new to the series, you won’t feel lost as the game explains everything in an easy-to-understand way, keeping the story moving forward.
2. What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is a masterpiece of storytelling, with a deep narrative and breathtaking graphics. The game’s unique structure, which allows players to experience different moments in the lives of the Finch family, is a testament to the developer’s creativity and skill.
This game is an illustration of how games can be used as a medium for storytelling. If you are looking for an emotionally engaging and thought-provoking experience, What Remains of Edith Finch is definitely worth your time.
What Remains of Edith Finch and Return to Monkey Island are two very different games with different gameplay mechanics, themes, and aesthetics. The former is more of a walking simulator, while the Return to Monkey Island is a point-and-click adventure.
3. Call of the Sea
Call of the Sea is a beautifully crafted adventure game that tells the story of a woman searching for her missing husband on a mysterious island. The game’s unique blend of puzzle-solving and exploration creates a sense of wonder and intrigue that keeps players engaged throughout the experience.
The game’s story, while not as complex as Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, is still a well-written and emotionally engaging tale that will have players rooting for the protagonist throughout her journey.
In terms of gameplay, Call of the Sea is similar to the game Firewatch in that it emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving over action. Overall, Call of the Sea is a solid and enjoyable adventure game that should not be missed by fans of the genre.
4. Beyond a Steel Sky
Beyond a Steel Sky is a point-and-click adventure game that takes place in a futuristic, dystopian world where players take on the role of Robert Foster as he tries to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of a child.
The game is known for its engaging story and characters, as well as its well-designed puzzles that players must solve in order to progress through the story. The game’s art style is breathtaking, with detailed environments that are rich in color and texture.
The game’s world-building is also noteworthy, with the player being able to interact with the citizens and the environment to uncover the secrets of the story. Beyond a Steel Sky is a well-crafted point-and-click adventure that is sure to please fans of the genre and those who enjoy story-driven games.
5. Bugsnax
Bugsnax is a unique and quirky adventure game. The game takes place on an island filled with creatures called Bugsnax, and true to their name, which is half bug and half snack. The player takes on the role of a journalist who has been sent to the island to investigate these strange creatures.
Bugsnax employs colorful and vibrant art direction. The game’s world is full of bright and vibrant colors and the Bugsnax themselves are also designed to be cute and appealing, despite their unusual appearance.
Players must navigate the island and its various environments in order to find and capture different types of Bugsnax. To capture the Bugsnax, the player must use a variety of tools and techniques, such as lures and traps, to coax them into the right position.
Bugsnax is a fun and unique adventure game that offers a charming and whimsical experience. Its creative art direction and engaging gameplay make it a standout title for the PS5.
6. The Pathless
The Pathless is set in a mystical open-world environment where players take on the role of an archer, known as the Hunter, who is on a mission to lift a curse that plagues the land. This game is unlike the majority of the games here
The Pathless features a beautiful and immersive world, with stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack. The game’s open-world design allows players to explore and discover new areas at their own pace, while also providing a sense of freedom.
The gameplay of The Pathless centers around the Hunter’s abilities as an archer. The Hunter is equipped with a bow and arrow, which is used to take out enemies and solve puzzles. The Hunter also has the ability to use her eagle companion to fly around the world and uncover new areas.
7. Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is a sequel to the original Darkside Detective game, featuring similar gameplay and visual style. Players who are new to the series may want to play the first game before diving into this one, as it builds upon the characters and events of the previous game.
The game offers longer cases, lasting around 30-60 minutes, which retain the humorous and quirky tone of the first game, with a pixel art style and logical puzzles. Players take on the role of detective McQueen as he investigates supernatural cases.
8. Solar Ash
Solar Ash is an adventure game more akin to Journey although rife exponentially with gamey parts. This game is set in a surreal and dreamlike world, with a striking art style that features a vibrant and colorful palette. The player takes on the role of a young protagonist named Reyes, who is on a journey to explore the strange and mysterious world of Solar Ash.
The gameplay centers around fast-paced action, as Reyes uses her abilities to navigate the world and defeat enemies. The player will also encounter a variety of puzzles and platforming elements throughout the game. The game has received critical acclaim for its captivating atmosphere, fluid gameplay, and immersive world.
The game’s art style, music, and sound design are particularly praised for creating a unique and mesmerizing experience. Solar Ash is a game that will appeal to players looking for a fast-paced, visually stunning, and atmospheric adventure as compared to walking simulators and point-and-click adventures filling this list.
9. Unusual Findings
Unusual Findings is a campy yet highly enjoyable point-and-click adventure game that should not be overlooked by fans of the genre. The game’s visuals and sound, engaging story and dialogue, and logical puzzles make it a fun and entertaining journey.
The game also offers a fun 80s nostalgia romp that can be enjoyed by any fan of the era, despite some technical issues here and there.
10. Syberia: The World Before
The Syberia games follow Kate’s journey as she transitions from a repressed lawyer to an adventuress always looking toward the horizon.
Twenty years after the first game, Syberia returns with the final game of the series, Syberia: The World Before. In this latest installment, Kate must confront the question of whether her travels have brought her purpose or left her empty and alone.
The game promises to be both a fitting close to one chapter in Kate’s life and hints at possibilities yet to come. The Syberia series is known for its unique storytelling, captivating atmosphere, and intriguing puzzles, and the latest installment is set to be no different.
11. Deliver us the Moon
Deliver Us The Moon is a game that will take you on a wild ride to the moon, where you’ll be solving puzzles and saving humanity. The game has a striking sci-fi setting that will make you feel like a real-life astronaut, minus zero gravity and space dementia.
The puzzles are challenging, but not impossible unless you’re bad at math, then it’s impossible. The story is a real page-turner, with themes like survival and sacrifice that will make you feel like a real hero.
The soundtrack is out of this world, and the visuals will make you take a screenshot of the game every now and then.
Overall, if you’re looking for a game that will make you laugh, cry, and possibly go to space, Deliver Us The Moon is the game for you.
12. Death Stranding
Death Stranding is a Kojima game and it shows a lot of the creator’s quirks. This is literally the walking simulator supreme: AAA budget, great gameplay, famous stars, amazing graphics, and for a genre known to isolate the players into a world of solitude, Death Stranding is the only game in this list with a social aspect in its core gameplay.
In Death Stranding, the player takes on the role of Sam Porter Bridges, a delivery man tasked with reconnecting a post-apocalyptic America by making deliveries to various isolated cities and settlements. The gameplay is centered around hiking and carrying packages through a variety of terrains and weather conditions.
This game also features a unique stealth system where the player must avoid supernatural enemies known as “ghosts” and also features a social strand system where the player can interact with other players in a shared world.
13. Arrog
This puzzle-adventure game is set in a world of minimalistic design and a story that is told through symbols and colors. Players take on the role of a small creature on a journey to restore balance to the world. This game boasts a unique art style and a selection of thought-provoking puzzles.
The game’s simple but effective narrative and gameplay mechanics make it a standout in the genre.
14. Roki
This narrative-driven adventure game is set in a magical world, where players must help a young girl find her family. The game is known for its beautiful hand-drawn art style and its emotional story. The game’s puzzles are not too difficult, but they are well-designed, and the game’s characters are likable and well-written.
15. Last Day of Lazarus
Last Days of Lazarus is a first-person adventure game with a strong narrative and supernatural elements set in post-soviet Eastern Europe. The game follows the character of Lazarus, a troubled man who returns to his childhood home to spend time with his sister Lyudmila after his mother’s death.
Upon arriving, he finds unexplainable events taking place and sets out on a quest to uncover the truth behind his family’s disturbing past and the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death.
This game is heavily inspired by post-communist Romania’s troubled history, eerie locations, religious beliefs, and strange superstitions. The gameplay is not too complicated, with a focus on interaction, exploration, and solving puzzles to progress through the story. The game also features a unique art style and sound design that adds to the eerie atmosphere of the game.
