These are games that are pretty straightforward, and which are designed to be easy enough that you can keep moving forward while hard enough to make you nervous. These games get your blood pumping.
The quintessential thriller game. Playing through more than once spoils the illusion a little but gives you a better appreciation of the planning involved. Made my palms sweat.
2. Hunter, in Darkness, by Andrew Plotkin (1999) Average member rating: (122 ratings) MathBrush says:
A claustrophobic thrill ride through a dark cave pursuing a sinister enemy. Great pacing.
3. All Roads by Jon Ingold (2001) Average member rating: (154 ratings)
MathBrush says:
I didn't really enjoy this game the first time I played it, but now I realize I was just put off by the escape puzzle at the beginning. After that, the game really takes off as the story unfolds around you. Confusing and exciting, this one is worth playing multiple times to understand.
4. Spider and Web by Andrew Plotkin (1998) Average member rating: (316 ratings)
MathBrush says:
Now, this game isn't quite the same as the others because you retrace your steps so much, but the heart-pounding feeling is certainly there. Consistently ranked as one of the best games of all time.
5. Shade by Andrew Plotkin (2000) Average member rating: (419 ratings)
MathBrush says:
I didn't want to include yet another Andrew Plotkin game, but this game fits the bill; a progressively creepier, linear horror game.
6. Gun Mute by C.E.J. Pacian (2008) Average member rating: (156 ratings)
MathBrush says:
Contains a few inappropriate elements (like the tractor woman), but otherwise a great shoot-em-up. Blast your way through a dozen sci-fi-western critters to save your man.
7. Andromeda Dreaming by Joey Jones (2012) Average member rating: (18 ratings)
MathBrush says:
An on-the-rails game in the Andromeda Universe with an interesting new language to learn and trippy flashes between dream and reality.
