Top 10 Classic LucasArts Games

Time to dive into history with one of the original gaming giants. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down the Top 10 LucasArts Games. Back in the prime of their days, LucasArts knew a thing or two about developing creative, fun, and brain-tickling video games. No matter the genre, they gave it their all; so for this list, we’re paying tribute to some of the best they’ve had to offer. So sit back with a tall mug of Grog and enjoy

#10: “Maniac Mansion” (1987)

Warning, this game is NOT safe for hamsters (Weird Ed’s hamster is microwaved). In this horror B-movie spoof, Dave Miller and his friends must sneak throughout the mansion of Dr. Fred Edison to rescue Dave’s girlfriend. Only two characters can accompany Dave at a time, each one having their own unique set of skills for solving puzzles throughout the mansion… so choose wisely. Along with its bizarre humor and spooky environment, Maniac Mansion has open-ended gameplay with multiple ambiguous endings… some better than others. Effectively setting the bar for LucasArts’ self-published Adventure game genre, fans can relive the entire game by accessing a computer in the sequel game, Day of the Tentacle

#9: “Zombies Ate My Neighbors” (1993) Are regular monster-fighting games getting too intense? Then why don’t you and a friend try something lighter with this love letter to B-movie monster flicks? A mad scientist has unleashed an army of monsters –because why not, and teens Zeke and Julie must search throughout the suburban areas and rescue helpless citizens, while fighting off the beasts with unconventional weaponry. It’s a simple premise, but incredibly fun as you patrol each level –and hidden bonus levels- encountering any monster imaginable – zombies, werewolves, vampires, and even … Purple Tentacle from Day of the Tentacle. Though tragically overlooked, ZAMN is still praised for its colorful graphics, entertaining story, and two-player gaming -making Zeke and Julie’s return in Ghoul Patrol all the more welcomed.

#8: “Full Throttle” (1995) Tim Schafer has worked on some of the best games for both LucasArts and Double Fine Productions, and this badass biker story is no exception. In a dystopian future, the fast-paced motorcycling life is at risk, and Ben –leader of the Polecats- is framed for murder; now he must clear his name and save bikes everywhere from being replaced by… minivans. Like most of Schafer’s work, Full Throttle was critically praised for its cinematic feel – complete with an action-packed soundtrack, an outstanding voice cast –including Mark Hamill and the late Roy Conrad, and seamless 3D/pixelated blended graphics. While sequels are sadly out of the question, nothing rules out remastered releases.

#7: “Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis” (1992) Star Wars wasn’t the ONLY George Lucas product the company liked to represent. Near the beginning of World War II, our favorite adventurous archeologist –with support from an old co-worker- is in a race against the Nazis to find the sunken city of Atlantis. In addition to its stunning art, and story almost on the films’ level, Fate of Atlantis also features three different gameplay paths that help mold the rest of the narrative. The Wits Path challenges Indy’s capability to solve even the hardest puzzles; the Team Path shape’s his willingness to work with others; and the Fists Path… is self-explanatory. Any Indy fan will be Jonesing over this classic adventure.

#6: “Sam & Max Hit the Road” (1993) Though making their start in the comics, Steve Purcell’s Sam & Max’s true rise to fame began with 1993’s Sam & Max Hit the Road. In this hilarious road trip, the Freelance Police travel across the country –Sam doing most of the work- in search of missing carnival attractions, while going toe-to-toe with a Liverpudlian Elvis wannabe. An odd concept, but players praised the game for its humor and cartoonish graphics that perfectly simulate the comics, entertaining minigames, and puzzles that range from simple to challenging. Unfortunately, any sequels planned were cancelled due to financial issues and lack of market interest. However, the Freelance Police would ride again in Telltale Games’ episodic game saga (Telltale Games’ Sam & Max).

#5: “Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter” (1997) When they weren’t tackling adventure games, LucasArts was pumping out Star Wars games of many shapes and sizes. X-Wing Vs. TIE Fighter is considered by many to be the third in a series of simulation games where the player can step into the cockpit of Rebel X-Wings or Imperial TIE Fighters, and blast your enemies out of the sky. The only difference from the first two –aside from supposedly improved graphics, is that XvT now includes a multiplayer feature where you and eight buddies can gear up for co-op, free-for-all, or team-based gaming. A joystick IS required, but it’s well worth it –especially if you play the Balance of Power expansion pack.

#4: “Day of the Tentacle” (1993) Bernard from the original Maniac Mansion thought he had seen the last of Dr. Fred and the Edison mansion… but five years later, he and two friends –Hoagie and Laverne- must go back and stop an evil Purple Tentacle from taking over the world. Not bizarre enough? How about if our three protagonists end up stuck in different time periods, make a mockery of the timeline, and eventually come together… literally (Bernard, Laverne, and Hoagie merge together)? While the original is a classic, this cartoony pseudo-sequel offers less frustrating gameplay – starting from point A, ending at point B, with no dead end situations or character deaths, allowing us to fully enjoy this sci-fi comedy marvel… and its re-releases.

#3: “Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II” (1997) Following the original Dark Forces FPS, former Imperial officer Kyle Katarn must find the “Valley of the Jedi,” and confront those who killed his father. While the graphics aren’t perfect, players get to experience what any Star Wars fan can dream of – wielding a lightsaber and the Force. Dark Forces II being an FPS really adds a sense that you ARE a Jedi; of course, with that title comes the ultimate decision – the Force powers you choose to wield and who you harm could determine if the game ends in the light… or the dark side. Star Wars enthusiasts will flip for this game, and LucasArts patrons can appreciate the little surprises along the way.

#2: “Grim Fandango” (1998) With the Adventure Gaming genre slowly declining in the 90’s, Grim Fandango was its 3D-rendered swan song. The game follows traveling agent/grim reaper, Manny Calavera, as he tries to help a client he “borrowed” reach her final destination –along the way dealing with corrupt business in high places, and a four-year journey across the land of the dead. This is unquestionably one of Tim Schafer’s best projects – launching players into a neo-noir storyline and showing the afterlife in a new entertaining light –made even better with its Calaca-inspired art style. The remastered release of the game only makes it better with improved lighting and texturing, adding an even more cinematic feel.

#1: “The Secret of Monkey Island” (1990) Taking the number one spot is the start of the hilarious high-sea adventures that brought us into the age of pirates. The Secret of Monkey Island follows the misadventures of Guybrush Threepwood –an oddly named lad with dreams of being a Mighty Pirate. To accomplish said dream –he must journey across the Caribbean, defeat the fearsome ghost pirate, LeChuck, and master the sport of kings – Insult Sword-Fighting (Insult sword-fighting). Ron Gilbert’s pirate adventure has it all – puzzles that exercise the brain, an enjoyable soundtrack, and witty/silly humor to spare. All these factors –plus top-notch voice acting later on- kept the franchise alive for four more games and two Special Edition re-releases; not bad, Thriftweed… err, Threepwood.

Top 10 Top Five List Rank Gameplay Video Games LucasArts Star Wars Adventure game point and click Monkey Island Grim Fandango Tim Schafer Pirate Games Sam & Max Day of the Tentacle Jedi knight Dark Forces Full Throttle Maniac Mansion Best star wars star wars game Monkey island games best adventure games greatest adventure most fun funniest funny game funniest games tim schafer games

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#10: “Maniac Mansion” (1987)