A humorous game purporting to be the translation of some Russian CYOA novels.
10. Bogeyman by Elizabeth Smyth (2018) Average member rating: (83 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A beautifully displayed horror game that explores complicity and is just generally super creepy.
11. Aisle by Sam Barlow (1999) Average member rating: (331 ratings)
MathBrush says:
The first parser game on the list. Every move ends the game, so you can just experiment with different actions.
12. Aotearoa by Matt Wigdahl (2010) Average member rating: (65 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A kid-friendly game about an alternate reality where New Zealanders fought off the British with dinosaurs. Has several features helpful for those new to interactive fiction.
13. Bronze by Emily Short (2006) Average member rating: (291 ratings)
MathBrush says:
An introductory game. You play as Beauty in a dark interpretation of Beauty and the Beast.
14. The Dreamhold by Andrew Plotkin (2004) Average member rating: (181 ratings)
MathBrush says:
Another introductory game, by Andrew Plotkin. Explore the stronghold of a sorcerer and reconstruct their memories.
15. Kerkerkruip by Victor Gijsbers (2011) Average member rating: (69 ratings)
MathBrush says:
An RPG with only a few commands to learn. Randomized, big and fun.
16. Inside the Facility by Arthur DiBianca (2016) Average member rating: (64 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A limited parser game where the only commands are movement commands (N,E,S,W) and waiting (Z).
17. Lime Ergot by Caleb Wilson (as Rust Blight) (2014) Average member rating: (92 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A grim, short game that consists mainly of looking at objects. Often recommended for beginners.
An engaging game with very few commands. A large space-saving game with an economy.
19. Toby's Nose by Chandler Groover (2015) Average member rating: (122 ratings)
MathBrush says:
You are Sherlock Holmes' dog, and using nothing but your sense of smell and memory you have to solve a case.
20. Blue Lacuna by Aaron A. Reed (2008) Average member rating: (110 ratings)
MathBrush says:
An extremely long game, but with many adaptations to help first time players.
21. All Roads by Jon Ingold (2001) Average member rating: (156 ratings)
MathBrush says:
This is the first mid-difficulty game on the list. A mind-bending game set in Renaissance Venice. Has a hard puzzle at the beginning, but becomes easier.
22. Anchorhead by Michael Gentry (1998) Average member rating: (404 ratings)
MathBrush says:
The biggest game on the list, and more difficult. It's an epic story of creepy horror in a Maine fishing town.
23. Coloratura by Lynnea Glasser (2013) Average member rating: (115 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A more difficult game. Play as an alien being who influences other people's emotions.
Also available in Twine form!
24. Galatea by Emily Short (2000) Average member rating: (350 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A purely conversational game that focuses on exploration more than winning.
25. Lost Pig by Admiral Jota (2007) Average member rating: (502 ratings)
MathBrush says:
You play as a dimwitted orc chasing after their lost pig. A funny, fairly simple game that can be hard to finish.
26. Photopia by Adam Cadre (1998) Average member rating: (568 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A game that jumps perspectives and time to tell a powerful story.
27. Shade by Andrew Plotkin (2000) Average member rating: (422 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A short, creepy story about a young man in his apartment.
28. Slouching Towards Bedlam by Star C. Foster and Daniel Ravipinto (2003) Average member rating: (213 ratings)
MathBrush says:
An older game, but short with an excellent setting. I recommend trying an introductory game or two first.
29. Taco Fiction by Ryan Veeder (2011) Average member rating: (121 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A mid-length humorous game about a young man who seemingly discovers something sinister in his town.
30. Violet by Jeremy Freese (2008) Average member rating: (396 ratings)
MathBrush says:
A funny game that is easy to get into but hard to finish. You have to finish your PhD, and your girlfriends voice is constantly encouraging you, despite a multitude of distractions.
31. Colossal Cave Adventure by William Crowther and Donald Woods (1976) Average member rating: (96 ratings)
MathBrush says:
The game that kicked off the parser tradition, influencing every game that came after. Self-referential, intricate, and very well-done.
