A list of my personal faves. The format and difficulty of these games vary. The quality, however, does not. I pondered on many of these games long after I finished them, and I hope you enjoy the depth of these works as well.
1. Anchorhead by Michael Gentry (1998) Average member rating: (399 ratings)
Danielle says:
When Earthworm Jim came out, everyone said, "It's like playing a Saturday morning cartoon!" Remember that? Well, ANCHORHEAD is like playing an excellently-written horror novella.
The game is longer than most the others on this list, but once you're sucked in, you won't notice time flying by. Also, you get points for taking a bath!
2. Shade by Andrew Plotkin (2000) Average member rating: (416 ratings)
Danielle says:
The perfect IF. It's not quite a story you read, it's not quite a game you play, but it's a perfect hybrid.
3. Babel by Ian Finley (1997) Average member rating: (152 ratings)
Danielle says:
(Note to self: replay this and add a comment!)
4. For a Change by Dan Schmidt (1999) Average member rating: (115 ratings)
Danielle says:
Surrealist dream space. Quiet and poetic. Maybe difficult to fathom, but the atmosphere is most refreshing.
5. Metamorphoses by Emily Short (2000) Average member rating: (130 ratings)
7. Ad Verbum by Nick Montfort (2000) Average member rating: (134 ratings)
Danielle says:
Probably the most puzzle-based game on this list, and with some obtuse solutions in some areas. If you figure the puzzles out without hints, you'll feel brilliant, trust me. But hints are built-in and friendly.
8. Lost Pig by Admiral Jota (2007) Average member rating: (493 ratings)
Danielle says:
A real comic gem! Hilarious and exquisitely implemented!
9. Bronze by Emily Short (2006) Average member rating: (290 ratings)
Danielle says:
Love fairytale retellings? You'll love BRONZE. If your friends are new to IF, this would be a great work to start with, what with well-implemented hint, parser, and travel systems in place.
