With film franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones to base games on, it’s not surprising that LucasArts created some of the most imaginative and adventurous video games on the planet during the 1990s.
But even outside of the big franchises, LucasArts created some truly memorable (and sometimes hilarious) video games. Here are our favorite ten LucasArts games.
10. Star Wars Episode 1: Racer
Based on the podracing sequence in the film Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace comes 1999’s Star Wars Episode 1: Racer. The game delivers on what players expect. It features the course and all of the racers from the film, plus a variety of visually unique tracks. Every character and pod can be unlocked. The gameplay captures the sense of speed competition.
9. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
Released in 1998, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron is based on the Star Wars: X-wing Rogue Squadron comics from 1995-1998. It’s an arcade-style flight action game and space shooter with objective-based missions. The 16 missions are categorized as Rescue, Protect, Search and Destroy, or Reconnaissance. The player controls Luke Skywalker in a battle against the Galactic Empire.
8. Loom
The 1990 fantasy-themed adventure game Loom is rich in story with a complex plot. Music is central to the gameplay. Spells can be created with four-note tunes played by the protagonist on his distaff, a tool otherwise used for spinning fibers. This unique and intricate game set a high benchmark for all LucasArts games that followed in the 90s.
7. Full Throttle
In 1995’s Full Throttle, the player controls Ben, the leader of a biker gang who is framed for murder. This was one of the first graphic adventures to utilize high-quality voice talent, including Mark Hamill. In 2017, the game was remastered with significant graphic improvements and ported to several platforms.
6. Sam & Max Hit the Road
Sam & Max Hit the Road is a 1993 graphical adventure based on the iconic comic book characters of the same name. They travel around America searching for a once-frozen carnival attraction, a Bigfoot named Bruno. The dialogue is humorous, the plot is well-written, and the unorthodox puzzles reward creative thinkers.
5. Day of the Tentacle
The 1950s sci-fi-like title reflects the fantastic fun of 1993’s Day of the Tentacle. The player controls the protagonist and two pals who attempt to stop the evil Purple Tentacle from taking over the world. Early on, a faulty Time Machine separates the players across time. The player explores different moments of history, transporting objects across time while solving puzzles.
4. Star Wars: TIE Fighter
One of the best space shooters of all time, 1994’s Star Wars: TIE Fighter immerses you in space combat. It’s a sequel to the Star Wars: X-Wing series. The player takes on the role of an Imperial Starfighter pilot during events between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. You’ll fight Rebel Alliance forces, traitors, pirates, and more.
3. Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge
This 1990 sequel, Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge, is one of the most memorable graphic adventure games ever. The original had first-rate gameplay, puzzle design, and lots of wit, and LeChuck’s Revenge retains much of what made the first game great. It was the first to use the unique iMUSE sound engine.
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2. Grim Fandango
The first adventure game by LucasArts to use 3D graphics over static backgrounds, 1998’s Grim Fandango is set in a retro-futuristic version of the 1950s. It juxtaposes Mexico’s Day of the Dead and Aztec mythology with film noir like The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca. The player controls Manny who attempts to save a virtuous soul on her journey.
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1. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
First released in 1992, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis was reissued on CD-ROM as a “talkie” edition with full voice acting and sound effects. Its incredible story based around the lost city of Atlantis rivals Raiders of the Lost Ark. It contains some of the most ingenious puzzles ever created in an adventure game. Incredibly, LucasArts remastered this game.
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