There are several games that I have been looking to pickup that didn't seem to receive many votes. I hope this is not a bad sign. I really loved Ankh 1 so I have been waiting for the combo pack of Ankh 2 & 3. Simon 4 is another game that I want and I think only Becky voted for so far. Jack Keane and Al Emmo were a couple of others that don't seem to be getting many mentions. I really enjoyed Tony Tough 1 but I don't think Tony Tough 2 has even received one vote. Do any of you who have played any of these games have any comments about them?

Just a thought Space Quest Fan, I haven't played any of the Simon the Sorceror games yet but I have played Ankh 1 & 2, Jack Keane, Tony Tough & also Al Emmo which I know I included on my list in the past! I've enjoyed all the game some of which I would have included if I had a few more choices than 20, but they are all 'cartoon' style & as much as I love them I prefer games with more 'realistic' graphics. Tony Tough 2 as far as I know hasn't had an English version release?

No English release for Tony Tough 2. Ankh 2 and 3 and Simon 4 have not yet had a release in North America, so it's likely that they haven't been played by as many gamers as some of the other new games. Jack Keane is a very good game, and I'm surprised that it hasn't received more votes too.

Sometimes developers who have released several games are at a bit of a disadvantage -- I find myself more likely, for instance, to vote for one game by Deck 13, one by Her Interactive, etc -- leading (at least, for me personally) to a de facto choice between either an Ankh game or Jack Keane, and pitting all the Nancy Drews against one another for one available slot on my list! I figure that if a gamer tries Ankh and likes it, for instance, they'll try the other Ankh games and Jack Keane. Same thing with Nancy Drew games.

Thank you chrissie and Becky. I know I will be purchasing Ankh 2&3 and Simon the Sorcerer 4&5 when they become available since I loved Ankh 1 and Simon 1&2. It is good to hear about Jack Keane and Al Emmo because cartoon looking games do not bother me at all. I didn't know that Tony Tough 2 was not out in an english format. I guess that explains why when I googled it I received a german website. to both of you for the information.

Simon 4 and 5 are by a different developer than Simon 1, 2 and (I think) 3. If you want to get a sense of what Simon 4 and 5 are like, you might want to try Everlight, which is by the same developers as Simon 4 and 5.

Cartoon games don't bother me at all either Space Quest Fan, I included So Blonde in my list, & I enjoy them as much as other games but I need to be in the mood to play them as I do for 'the other end of the extreme' Myst-like games!

Becky, I know that Ankh 3 hasn't had an English release yet? but I've definitely got an English boxed copy of Ankh 2 - perhaps it just hasn't been released in NA yet?

Hi chrissie -- yes, Ankh 2 was released in the UK, but the combo of Ankh 2 and 3 hasn't been released in NA yet -- it's been put on hold for the moment.

I just recently bought the Ankh 2&3 combo as a download from Steam for $19.99.

And Jack Keane is definitely list worthy.

Thanks to everyone for all the input. When they compared Jack Keane to Monkey Island I knew I had to have it. Becky thank you for the Simon information. I am going to checkout Everlight. It is a game that I had never heard of before.

With a week to go I must say the biggest surprise of the list so far is how many votes that Syberia 2 has received. GreyFuss I think your comment might be right on. I think I might not of appreciated Syberia 2 enough because I compared it to the original game. I know I am going to replay it again.

It is good to see that Grim Fandango is doing well but I expected to see more Gabriel Knight votes.

Hmm, it seems to me my curiosity for what will happen in a new game overcomes my nostalgia for the older games. The enjoyment of adventuring into the unknown is what makes a game worth playing in the first place. Also the likeable factor of the third person character adds to my enjoyment. Much as I liked Gabe and Grace, I also liked Max and Nina. Therefore I found it easy to choose the newer games for the list. Even though I did not manage to find 20, only 13 and one oldie, well ... Indy happens to be extra special to me!

sierramindy,

Make sure you read SkeeterUK's post about Steam making several of the old Indiana Jones games available if you are interested.

I have no idea what Steam is or where to find it. I have been sort of thinking about maybe trying it, but I'm not keen on downloading from a place I don't know, too many surprises! So I have just been coasting along just thinking, not doing.

Info on Steam on the Steam site here
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?p_faqid=6

Some people have problems with Steam. One example ***here***.

It does look as if the problems encountered are to do with restrictions on distribution i.e. it seems that some players have bought cheaper downloads along with the activation keys from 'legitimate' third party sources outside their region, e.g. Thailand, without realising that they're not valid in other parts of the world & have found their games de-activated - in some cases after a few years!

It doesn't look like there should be any problems downloading directly from Steam as it seems to identify your region & games offered are priced in the appropriate currency.

To get back on topic I'm very tempted to try some of the older games mentioned in many of the lists posted, which are being offered on Steam very cheaply e.g. Indiana Jones & the Fate of Atlantis is only £2.99!

I left Black Mirror off this year because for a first time player they might wonder what's going on if they can't get an inventory item or info right away. I know I found it tedious wandering around until I got a key or photos or info from the priest and doctor. As much as I loved the game, those parts were boring.

I'm surprised we haven't seen more mention of A Vampyre Story.

Maybe because the "whole" will comprise several "parts"

I absolutely loved Tales of Bingwood but didn't put it on my list for that same reason

And I put Tales of Bingwood on my list because it IS in several parts and I want to see the rest of it, so my thinking is that the more people hear about it and PLAY it, the sooner the next 2 chapters will be made. Everybody likes encouragement ... and money helps too.

P.S. About Steam, I went to both links and ended up so confused that I decided to skip it. Also, I'm psyching myself to stay with the new games, so that is the way I will go. Onward and upward, or whatever!

I was really shocked by the final list. Several of the games that finished in the top ten were a total surprise to me. That is why I love doing this list every year.

It's time for my annual sulk because Azrael's Tear wasn't the top vote getter. My evil revenge will be taken as soon as I get around to it, after my nap.

Well, it has an interesting Wikipedia entry as compensation.

Becky.

You did remember to read the part about the game 'getting fanmail'?

Very nice, I think.

I wonder if any other games ever get fanmail? say like the Syberia games?

Obviously very good games, since they top the list very year

Having just had a browse at The List I can't disagree that the top 20 are all good games, in one capacity or another , except for Sanitarium & Riven which I just don't know about as I just haven't played them!

It was nice to see that Overclocked made the top 20 just! & that some newer games got a few votes i.e. Rhiannon, Nostradamus, Belief & Betrayal, Yoomurjaks's Ring, &
Sherlock Holmes Vs Jack the Ripper which I thought might have done better

It was also good to see that Culpa Innata was still there & Diamonds in the Rough got a few votes as well as a respectable number of other Indies getting a mention e.g. Carol Reed & Shady Brook !

But now, as a result of The List, I've got intrigued by some of the older games that have been mentioned over & over again!