Comedian Alasdair Beckett-King recently shared a skit that hilariously showcases some of the problems that crop up when playing point-and-click games, particularly those of the old-school variety. Point-and-click adventure games aren't quite as popular as they once were, but the influences of titles such as The Secret of Monkey Island and Grim Fandango are unlikely to fade into obscurity anytime soon.
This computer game genre sees players control their character with point-and-click actions. The adventure aspect comes into the picture in myriad ways. Notably, such experiences usually feature tasks that involve searching an environment for clues, solving puzzles, engaging in conversations, and then using all of the above to progress through the given narrative. The problem is that these tasks can often become convoluted. Sure, Grim Fandango warrants recognition as a genre-defining classic, but why are its puzzles so needlessly obtuse?
A recent skit from comedian Alasdair Beckett-King explores the absurdity that rests at the core of many an old-school computer game. The hilarious video centers on a detective asking a "Goon" about a young girl. When the potential suspect refuses to comply, the detective begins asking a series of questions about seemingly unrelated topics, such as opera glasses, string, a com, and a piece of trash. The trash proves useful, though, since combining it with string creates a medallion belonging to the suspect's grandfather. Handing over the trash turned priceless family heirloom culminates in the Goon's decision to become more forthcoming; however, the video cuts out when the all too familiar "Insert Disk 2" prompt appears on screen.
Fortunately, point-and-click adventure games eventually evolved, seemingly in an effort to attract a mainstream audience. In recent years, the genre managed to spawn award-winning franchises like Life is Strange. These properties, as well as others that have followed in their footsteps, still carry with them the core tenets of adventure games of old. However, they're far more streamlined, cinematic even.
Some of the developers responsible for the most seminal point-and-click games of yesteryear are still creating new experiences today. Grim Fandango's writer and director Tim Schafer arguably counts among the most notable of such creators. His studio, Double Fine Productions, released the awe-inspiring Broken Age just a few years ago. Who can say for sure where the genre will go next?
Source: Alasdair Beckett-King
