I decided to update my top 10 list every few years and just make a new list each time. The process for this list is here: https://intfiction.org/t/the-quest-to-make-a-new-top-10-favorite-games-list/80706/98
One thing they all have in common is that they're packed with interesting and cool things. There's very little boilerplate or standard/expected things. As many actions as possible are rewarded.
1. Curses by Graham Nelson (1993) Average member rating: (133 ratings)
MathBrush says:
My favorite of all time, and the game that got me into the genre! Old and partly underimplemented by modern standards, but a huge game that evinces a love of knowledge of learning and culture and a charming story about living unfulfilled and on the edges.
Fantastic 10/10 game that fulfills my childhood dream of playing a Vampire: The Masquerade campaign long enough to get a powerful creature.
3. Cannery Vale by Hanon Ondricek (as Keanhid Connor) (2018) Average member rating: (37 ratings)
MathBrush says:
AXMA game (an unusual engine) that lets you write and rewrite a story while entering its world. Great literary references, solid writing. I choose the least explicit option.
4. Hadean Lands by Andrew Plotkin (2014) Average member rating: (69 ratings)
MathBrush says:
Andrew Plotkin's magnum opus, a giant alchemical game that reminds me in positive ways of computer programming itself, creating 'functions' using bounds and having tiers of gameplay from micromanaging to overall strategy. Awesome.
Part of a huge series but can be played independently just fine. Uses all of Ryan Veeder's coolest tricks and has high stakes and a solid ending and memorable characters.
6. Spellbreaker by Dave Lebling (1985) Average member rating: (60 ratings)
MathBrush says:
My favorite Infocom game. The 2nd-to last and third-to-last puzzles get me every time, and I love the exploration style and how packed it is with goodness.
7. Endless, Nameless by Adam Cadre (2012) Average member rating: (58 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A love letter to one part of IF history. Beautiful presentation, fun 'multiple worlds' setup, good writing and cool magic system.
8. Worlds Apart by Suzanne Britton (1999) Average member rating: (93 ratings)
MathBrush says:
Amazing epic novel in IF form. Three acts, each full of emotion. Dolphin-humans heal through magic singing, but the world is intense and dangerous.
9. Six by Wade Clarke (2011) Average member rating: (45 ratings)
MathBrush says:
Cute and wholesome game about a kid at her costume birthday party that has to tag the other children. Very multimedia-heavy.
10. To Hell in a Hamper by J. J. Guest (2003) Average member rating: (114 ratings)
