5 Best Point & Click Puzzle Games of All Time, Ranked

Point & Click is a game genre that offers the player rich story experiences. While this game genre may have slightly fallen in popularity, a resurgence can be seen, which is terrific for puzzle gamers. Whether for the story-rich narratives or the characters within the games, this genre shows no sign of slowing down. So, without further ado, here are our picks for the 5 best point & click puzzle games of all time, ranked.

5. Machianium

Machinarium is a puzzle adventure game with a wonderfully woeful aesthetic. This aesthetic lends itself well to the game's bleak tone, making it stand out amongst other puzzle games. The player plays as a robot named Josef, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. After getting mistakenly involved with an organization known as the Black Cap Brotherhood. This organization plans to detonate the city tower and has also captured our hero's girlfriend and forced her into working for them. So naturally, this plot must be stopped, and it is through the game's puzzles that you progress the story.

All in all, Machinarium is a game that is sure to challenge the mind with very little handholding involved. Players seeking a challenge might very well enjoy this aspect of the game. Many players might also enjoy the dark nature of the game and find it intriguing. This game is undoubtedly a treat for those who want puzzle games that aren't so lighthearted. Machinarium is a game that players can enjoy regardless of their affinity for puzzle games. They are making it a fine addition to the world of point & click puzzle games.

4. Unpacking

Unpacking is a charming puzzle game with a relaxing feel to it. The fun and gameplay invoke an almost zen-like state as there isn't anything to stress out the player. Unpacking sees the player reflecting on these items and the associated times to unpack things from various points of the protagonist's life. Doing so will allow the player to learn the protagonist's story organically, piece by piece, throughout the game. This piecemealing of the narrative serves as an effective tool in telling the story.

In conclusion, Unpacking is a game that would appeal to many different types of players. It is this crossover appeal that makes the game enjoyable for a wide array of players. Whether they enjoy the act of cleaning out the virtual room or if they are interested in the narrative as it unfolds. The player will have a good time in this high-resolution pixel art puzzle game. This makes Unpacking an easy game to recommend to players regardless of their experience with puzzle games as a genre.

3. Day of the Tentacle

Day of the Tentacle is a gripping puzzle title. In this title, players will use time travel as the main narrative focus of the game. This also serves to tie into the gameplay of the game as well. While the player zips about, they will complete many puzzles, which allow them to switch characters. The actions of their time travel see them rubbing elbows with plenty of influential people from history. The game also shows the consequences of their meddling, with the end credits showing an edited American flag due to their tampering with time.

One of the more innovative aspects of the game that was unheard of at the time of its release was the ability to play the Commodore 64 version of the game's predecessor inside the game. At the time, this was a technological leap that game developers had not made yet. However, since the release of this title, many game developers have replicated the experience first created by Day of the Tentacle. In conclusion, this game has the heart and charm of an older title with the polish of a more recent one, with the game even being remastered, much like another entry on our list of 5 best point & click games.

2. Monkey Island

The Monkey Island series is an iconic puzzle title from yesteryear that has received a lot of love following its remake and remaster. Specifically for our list, Tales of Monkey Island, the fifth game in the series, takes the cake. While it may have been a literal decade between Monkey Island entries, Tales of Monkey Island was an actual return to form for the puzzler. The game was developed and published by Telltale Games, who later created The Walking Dead game series. This was news to many eager gamers ear when the game was released.

While some critics may not have thought that the writing lived up to other titles in the series, this game was lauded for its solid writing for its characters and narrative. These reasons make it one of the 5 best point-click puzzle games players can play. If players have not discovered the Monkey Island series and don't necessarily want to go back to the older games in the franchise, then this game serves as a perfect middle ground for players to enjoy.

1. Sam & Max

Sam & Max are puzzle game icons. The fact they are so popular within the genre is a testament to how truly iconic they are as characters. The duo has been a part of many iterations throughout the series. The latest is a VR release dubbed Sam & Max: This Time It's Virtual, which was released in 2021. This title consistently shows how memorable the stories and puzzles within these games are. In addition, the game's aesthetics are undoubtedly charming, featuring a dog and a rabbit duo as our iconic main characters.

Whether players want to go back to older games or enjoy current offerings, the Sam & Max series is one that players can enjoy for all time. In closing, it is one of the  5 best point & click puzzle games players can have the privilege of playing. While its virtual iteration may not be for everyone, the Sam& Max series offer great puzzles and gameplay regardless of which games in the series you choose to play.

So, what do you think of our list of the 5 best point & click puzzle games of all time ranked? Do you agree with our top five picks? Are there any games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.