Founded in 1979 by George Lucas himself as the video game development group of Lucasfilm, LucasArts released so many great games until its folding as a developer in 2013. Listing them all would be impossible. The sky was truly the limit for LucasArts, as the developers made excellent tie-in games for the most popular properties owned by Lucasfilm, but also made all-original games that continue to hold popularity to this day. A truly timeless legacy that we will be honoring today with this ranking of the best LucasArts games ever made. It’s a daunting task, but we’re like the LucasArt of old: we do not balk at taking on any challenge.
35. Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (2002)
There are games that truly test your patience. Star Wars: Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast is among them. If it tests your patience so much, why is Star Wars: Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast considered as one of the finest classic Star Wars games? Easy: because of lightsaber combat and amazing Force Powers. The problem is that you’ll have to survive the first five stages of the game. They are a slog, and play like the most mundane first-person game you can think of, complete with horrible puzzles that will constantly make you wonder if the effort is worth it. But it is, believe me, although it may not be the first LucasArts game you’ll ever want to play. Worth looking into though.
34. The Dig (1995)
If an ancient civilization has long been forgotten, it’s often for the best. Born from an idea Steven Spielberg came up for a television show, The Dig is a sort of Indiana Jones in space. It features Commander Boston Low, journalist Maggie Robbins, and scientist Ludger Brink as they search their way home from a mysterious barren alien planet. With a rather basic point-and-click gameplay and lackluster puzzles, the game was not met with the hottest reception. But the years have been kind to the game, which has become a sort of a cult classic for its atmosphere and setting. Flawed, but very intriguing, like any ancient civilization is supposed to be.
33. Battlehawks 1942 (1988)
LucasArts is renowned for its ability to create compelling new worlds for us to enjoy. But they were just as good recreating the real world. Set in the World War II Pacific air war theater, Battlehawks 1942 allows us to take part in four different battles, control real aircrafts of the time, and even turn off unlimited fuel and ammo to create the most realistic aerial war simulation of the 80s. If aircrafts were piloted with a mouse and keyboard, this would be the way to go. As some versions of the game did not support joystick controls which at the time was just preposterous!
32. Lucidity (2009)
We all need a little lucidity in our life. Especially if we have to take care of a very clumsy girl. Despite being a somewhat modern game, Lucidity feels like a game straight out of the late 80s, early 90s. Think of a modern version of Lemmings without the weird abilities, and you’ll get pretty close to the mark. Starring the young girl Sofi as she travels through a world rendered in a beautiful, almost paper cutout world, you’ll have to make sure she doesn’t get into trouble by safely guiding her to the end of each stage. While the game does lack the madness and the sadistic fun of Lemmings, Lucidity is well worth a spin if you loved the classic game.
31. Zombies Ate My Neighbors (1993)
What do you do if zombies suddenly start eating your neighbors? You gun them down. The zombies, not the neighbors. Zombies Ate My Neighbors is a love letter to B-grade horror movies, filled with the sorts of creatures you would expect from such movies. You know, like chain-saw armed killers, swaying zombies, alien pod people, and so on. These goofy creatures are serious in wanting to kill all of your neighbors, so you and a friend will have to travel through different stages in search of people that need saving, and zombies that need killing. And I’m sure you won’t have any trouble becoming the hero your neighborhood needs, thanks to an arsenal of devastatingly powerful weapons like a holy water gun, exploding soda cans, and rotten tomatoes. This is another SNES classic that many gamers didn’t even realize was a LucasArts production.
30. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (2010)
Pick up your Wiimote. It’s time to go bzzzz (cue Lightsaber ignition sound) Sadly, you won’t be swinging your Wiimote around as if it were a lightsaber too much. But when you do, it will gloriously finish your enemy. Featuring fast-paced combat and iconic locations such as Dagobah and Kamino, The Force Unleashed II feels like comfort food at its best. A game that Star Wars fans will appreciate despite the not-so-great weapon variety and sometimes frustrating platforming sequences. The pull of the Force is always strong. And so is Force Pull!
29. Outlaws (1997)
Outlaws’ cult following is proof that a game does not always need to revolutionize its genre. Outlaws is honestly a very straightforward first-person shooter in the vein of Doom and Quake. Set in the old west, you’ll control retired lawman James Anderson as he’s seeking those who killed his wife and kidnapped his daughter. While this quest isn’t particularly remarkable, due to the basic gameplay, Outlaws more than makes up for it with style. Mostly thanks to the beautifully animated cutscenes and the orchestral soundtrack. It’s not Ennio Morricone’s, but we’ll take it all the same.
28. Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders (1988)
Did you know that aliens found the perfect way of subduing humanity back in 1988? Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders is the quintessential LucasArts game. It’s witty and fun, featuring a story where aliens are making humans stupid by broadcasting signals over phones. I’d argue it’s also quite creative, featuring puzzles that must be completed using multiple characters. And it’s complex featuring innovative sub-systems as you play. Not to mention it’s as obtuse a game could get: play your cards wrong and you may have played yourself into a dead end. Unforgiving. So much so that it could be the Dark Souls of point and click adventure games.
27. Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance (1999)
Another Star Wars space shooter? Sorry, maybe you shouldn’t have made the franchise so popular. Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance bears a lot of similarities with games like TIE Fighter, as the dozen of spacecrafts control pretty much the same as in those games. What truly makes a difference in X-Wing Alliance is the sheer amount of main missions, over 50 in total. Plus the ability to control transports, which shouldn’t come as a surprise since the main character Ace Azzameen comes from a family of merchants. Moving containers and docking properly doesn’t sound too heroic? Wait until the end. Or rather, Endor.
26. Star Wars Episode I Racer (1999)
Now this is pod racing! Said the one who will terrorize the entire galaxy. Star Wars Episode I Racer has the great honor of being the only Star Wars racing game ever made. Even if it had some competition, however, it would probably have emerged as the best, as the arcadey racing experience is not just fast-paced and exciting, but also quite nuanced. This is mostly thanks to the ability to upgrade pods with various parts. When a driver’s truly great, he does not need the Dark Side to be the fastest around!
25. LEGO Star Wars (1999)
May the LEGO be with you, young Skywalker. LEGO and Star Wars have always been a match made in heaven. So it’s no surprise that LEGO Star Wars is such a great game, one of the best from the entire LEGO game library. Focusing on the prequel trilogy, you’ll be able to control pretty much any character who’s appeared in the movies. Complete with unique special abilities that are used to defeat enemies, including powerful bosses like Count Dooku. All seasoned with a little pinch of humor that makes this re-telling very memorable. Sometimes even more memorable than the original movies! Honestly a great game to try out.
24. Gladius (2003)
My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius. And I will have my vengeance! Sorry, wrong gladiator. The Gladiator and Gladius have very little in common, despite both featuring gladiators. Set in a world where two warring nations decided to settle it out in the arena, you control two different characters as they set up a worthy team of gladiators. While the tactical role-playing mechanics do get stale after a while, the different victory conditions will force you to rethink your strategy and adapt on the fly, making for a varied experience. Just make sure to never miss a swing: the consequences will be dire. As dire as a thumbs down was in the Colosseum.
23. Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine (1999)
From Indiana Jones to Lara Croft to Indiana Jones again. The result is Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine. Sent on a journey all over the world to retrieve parts of a machine that can open the door to a parallel dimension, the most popular archeologist has actually turned into a hat-wearing, whip-wielding version of Lara Croft. Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine plays a lot like the classic Tomb Raider games. It features huge stages, puzzles that unlock more puzzles, and the same frustrating controls that will make you wonder how did this archeologist manage to survive so long? Not the most original of games here, but one that does justice to the franchise’s legacy in a great way.
22. Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005)
Star Wars: Battlefront II is an authentic Star Wars experience. Without any annoying microtransactions too. Very few games managed to capture the sense of scale of the major battles in the Star Wars universe as well as Battlefront II did. Improving on pretty much everything that made the original game great, the sequel added space battles to the mix. This allowed you to take down even capital ships with just an X-Wing. And if you’re the MVP of the match, you’ll also get to control a Hero character to crush the spirit of your opponents and conquer the map with lightsaber skills, Force Powers, and advanced weaponry. Being the best does pay off in the end.
21. Labyrinth (1986)
Labyrinth was a revolutionary game. And not just because it brought David Bowie onto computer screens! Being the first adventure game ever developed by LucasArts, it came with many of the features that have since become staples. Stuff like the text-based interface and the word wheel are both iconic. While simple for today’s standards, Labyrinth managed to become more successful than the movie it is based upon. If this doesn’t tell you how game-changing Labyrinth was, well I’m not sure what else to write. Maybe we should ask Jareth.
20. Escape from Monkey Island (2000)
Escape from Monkey Island. But only if you haven’t played the previous entries in the series. While the game is a more than good adaptation of the classic series gameplay on the 3D plane, Escape from Monkey Island does leave something to be desired. Guy Brush Threepwood’s journey to restore his wife Elaine to the title of governor of the isle is just as over the top as ever. But much of the humor makes sense only if you’re a returning visitor. There are a lot of moments of genius, but the clunky interface and the uneven quality of the puzzles make the game not as good as its predecessor. It’s still Monkey Island, though. So you will still get a laugh, or two, or fifty if you care to listen.
19. Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (2004)
Oaths are so complicated. Swear many, and you’ll end up betraying at least one in your life. Very few role-playing games managed to be as morally ambiguous as Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. No decision is the right one in this game. Not that it’s easy to say which one is right to begin with. During the game, you’ll be faced with so many ambiguous choices, that striving to be the perfect Jedi will be more difficult than taking down the Siths and their allies. While not as good as its predecessor, Knights of the Old Republic II is a memorable game that expanded the franchise’s canon in the best possible way. Absolutely worth a try for hardcore Star Wars fans.
18. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (2003)
Becoming a Jedi is no easy thing. The training is harsh, and the Dark Side of the Force is never too far from reach. If I were to judge Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy only on its story, the game would definitely be unremarkable. Controlling prodigy Jedi student Jaden, you’ll travel all over the galaxy to uncover a mysterious organization that aims to permanently get rid of Luke Skywalker and all of the Jedi. Just a regular day in the Star Wars universe. What sets Jedi Academy apart from most Star Wars games is the lightsaber combat: it’s fast and visceral, with its three different fighting styles that will turn Jaden into a wannabe Anakin Skywalker or Darth Maul. Without having to worry about falling to the Dark Side, obviously.
17. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II (1997)
Doom set in the Star Wars universe? I’ll take it, please. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II doesn’t seem to fit into the established lore all that well. But this is the only blemish on the game, as the first person Star Wars experience is, simply put, amazing. Controlling the Jedi Kyle Katarn, you’ll be seeking the dangerous Dark Jedi and will traverse a lot of beautifully rendered locations. You’ll get to use your full arsenal (which includes Force abilities) to take down both Imperials and rogue Jedi. The Dark Side, however, is always there. And giving in to your anger can turn you into something even worse than the Dark Jedi…
16. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (1998)
If you absolutely do not agree with Disney having made the Extended Universe non-canon, playing Star Wars: Rogue Squadron is the best way to get back at them. Set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, Rogue Squadron tells the story of Luke Skywalker and his Rogue Squadron, as they fly all over the galaxy to prevent the Empire from having things their way. Far from being a realistic simulator, as realistic as an X-Wing could ever be, the game is an extremely fun experience that’s easy to pick up and play. But much harder to master. The experience is so fun that even those with a passing interest in the saga will find something to like in it. And that’s no small feat, considering how confusing the universe became after the original trilogy.
15. Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1994)
Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is likely the best Star Wars platform game ever released. Period. It really couldn’t have been any other way, as Return of the Jedi is the ultimate refinement of the formula introduced in Super Star Wars. It comes with seven different playable characters, varied level design ranging from linear beat’em up-like designs to open-ended designs, and the best video game renditions of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa. SNES fans probably already know about this game and love it. And if you really want to know, yes, Slave Leia is in. Complete with a terrifying whip that will shut any ogling eye close forever.
14. Loom (1990)
Loom: the adventure game that was meant to be completed. Back in the early 90s, LucasArts’ iconic adventure games were a nightmare to complete without a guide. Puzzles weren’t always logical, and the wealth of contextual actions made finding items and solving puzzles a trial-and-error-endeavor. Not in Loom, though. Controlling the Guild of Weavers’ outcast Bobby Threadbare, you travel through a world dominated by magic, solving puzzles with your magic distaff that plays notes. These notes take the place of the typical actions of adventure games, streamlining the experience and making it so the solution to any given puzzle is always within reach. Music to our ears, in every sense of the word!
13. Full Throttle (1995)
Careful when going full throttle… you may end falling off the edge of a cliff. Full Throttle is, in all honesty, a pretty weird adventure game. If it were just for its gameplay, we would remember the adventure of the biker Ben as a pretty run-of-the-mill one, filled with puzzles that do not make a whole lot of sense. And some bike fighting action that we could have honestly done without. It’s the setting that makes the game what it is: a sort of Wild West-like world where bikers are the last cowboys and hover cars are slowing condemning them to oblivion. An amazingly written adventure where even the most predictable of quips is one to remember.
12. Star Wars: Republic Commando (2005)
You think Star Wars is all about Jedi, lightsabers, X-Wings, TIE Fighters and Death Stars? Well think again! Star Wars: Republic Commando places a squad of well-trained Clone Troopers into the spotlight as they take part in battles set during the Clone Wars. Armed to the teeth with state-of-the-art weaponry, they’ll have to explore a variety of locations, fight a lot of enemies, and use the power of teamwork to make it out alive. Yes, teamwork, as you’ll be able to direct your squad at any time. But without having to rely on the AI to get things done. And the AI is actually surprisingly good here. Crazy, I know.
11. Star Wars: TIE Fighter (1994)
With so many Star Wars shooters, it’s impossible to say which is the very best. Just kidding, it’s TIE Fighter. There are many things that Star Wars: TIE Fighter does well: the story focused on the Empire, the shooting and flying mechanics, and the challenging missions. But it’s one specific mechanic that makes the game stand out from all the others: energy management. Depending on your current status, you’ll have to divert energy to your weapons, your shields, and so on. This ofrces you to make split-second decisions that will be the difference between victory and defeat. With these features, you won’t be surprised when you see that the game holds up incredibly well in the modern day. Timeless, just like the never-ending war between Jedi and Sith.
10. Maniac Mansion (1987)
If Labyrinth put LucasArts on the map, it’s Maniac Mansion that propelled the team into the sky. A sky filled with crazy scientists and tentacles. Dave’s quest to save his girlfriend from the crazed Dr. Edison is epic in every possible way. Maniac Mansion featured the first iteration of the SCUMM engine, which expanded gameplay options considerably with a lot of contextual actions that gave way to a lot of memorable witty remarks. The ability to choose different companions, coming with different skills, also adds an unprecedented replay value. This would make Maniac Mansion the best & craziest adventure game ever made by LucasArts. If it weren’t for the even madder sequel, that is…
9. Sam & Max: Hit the Road (1993)
Ever heard of the Freelance Police? Well having given themselves such a fancy title just to get the license to do whatever they wanted, detective dog Sam and his rabbit friend Max finally “hit the road” when they’re assigned a very peculiar investigation that will bring them all over the United States. While the game is essentially identical to many of the LucasArts point-and-click adventure games of the early 90s, Sam & Max: Hit the Road manages to stand out by being a parody of detective stories filled with some truly surreal characters. People like the Uri Geller clone who constantly swears and is constantly censored with the all-too-familiar beeps. It couldn’t have been any less surreal, considering we have a detective dog as the main character.
8. Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade (1989)
Remember those bad tie-in games developed to make a quick buck by taking advantage movie’s popularity? The Last Crusade is not among them. Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade follows the story of the final entry in the Indiana Jones classic trilogy, so you’ll be on the hunt for the Holy Grail, hoping to recover it, and save Indie’s father Henry as well. All before the Nazis do something stupid. Powered by the same game engine seen in Maniac Mansion, Indie’s quest is an atmospheric journey through a lot of different locations featuring sometimes illogical puzzles, and even a combat system that’s incredibly engaging.
7. The Curse of Monkey Island (1997)
Unlike most curses around, The Curse of Monkey Island is not a bad thing. At all. Starring wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood as he embarks on a journey to save his love Elaine, The Curse of Monkey Island features everything a great adventure game needs. An amazing story, clever puzzles, a great interface that allows you to interact with characters and objects easily, plus witty writing and amazing graphics. Not to mtion a soundtrack that make the whole adventure feel like a high-quality animated movie. And ship battles, of course. You cannot expect to become a true full-fledged pirate if you haven’t sunk a vessel or two.
6. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is the best Star Wars game ever made. Don’t believe me? I find your lack of faith disturbing. Setting the game during the Old Republic era was a very bold move that could have spelled disaster. But developer BioWare proved to be worthy of the challenge, creating what is unarguably the Jedi simulator every fan should play. Creating your character and learning all about the Jedi Code are just the first steps in a journey that will take you all over the galaxy to change your destiny. And if the pull of the Dark Side is too strong, give in to it and unleash Force Lighting on your enemies. Nothing wrong in Knights of the Old Republic, because only you are the master of your own fate.
5. The Secret Of Monkey Island (1990)
Here it is. The game that started it all. I honestly feel embarrassed to say why this is arguably one of the best games ever developed by LucasArts. Why? Because of its incredibly funny story, the ver and dialogue tree system that have since become adventure games staples. Plus the clever puzzles, the three trials Guybrush Threepwood, and the return of LeChuck from the dead. If you’ve never played the game none of this will make sense, I’m sure. Well you’re lucky I wanted to say everything anyway: just talking about The Secret Of Monkey Island makes we want to play the game all over again! Do yourself a favor and definitely keep this one bookmarked. It’s worth the time.
4. Grim Fandango (1998)
Dia de Muertos. When the dead walk the earth. But I assure you, there’s nothing to be worried about! Grim Fandango is a timeless adventure game. And not just because main character Manny Calavera and his friends come from Mictlan, the afterlife as the Aztecs saw it. Grim Fandango is timeless for its amazing art style, its great humor that plays incredibly well with the setting, the puzzles that always make sense, and the control scheme which completely gives direct control of the main character. And here you thought the dead were stuck in the past, eh?
3. Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge (1991)
Sequels almost always pale in comparison with their predecessor. Almost, the key word here. While not all that different from the original game, Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge manages to be so much better than its illustrious predecessor. Mostly thanks to clever tweaks to the formula, such as verbs getting reduced for smoother puzzle-solving and even better writing. LeChuck’s revenge is as crazy as anyone expected, and the spit contesting and wood polishing are just the seasoning of an adventure that has truly become timeless.
2. Day of the Tentacle (1993)
Abandon hope, all ye who enter here. The Day of the Tentacle is nigh, and no one will ever be safe! Nothing in Day of the Tentacle makes sense. Going on a time-traveling adventure, the geek Bernard, the metalhead Hogie, and the spaced-out girl Lavine will have to stop the purple evil tentacle from taking over the world. Still with me so far? This absurd premise allowed the developers not only to come up with what is the funniest story ever seen in a point-and-click adventure game… but also with some complex & time-bending puzzles that require the three characters to work together to prevent the tentacle from making his horrid vision a reality. This is definitely more of a “you’ve gotta play it to understand” title, but it’s certainly belongs in top 5 for LucasArts titles.
1. Indiana Jones & The Fate Of Atlantis (1992)
Indiana Jones & The Fate Of Atlantis is, simply put, the best point-and-click adventure game ever put out by LucasArts. It effortlessly surpasses the madness of Monkey Island and Day of the Tentacle as if the two were the worst games ever made. With its original and well-researched story, Indiana Jones & The Fate Of Atlantis can rightly stand head to head with the amazing movies directed by Steven Spielberg. And if a great story is not enough to make you pick this up, what about the amazing puzzles offering multiple solutions to solve? That’s not so common these days. This adds unprecedented replay value, plus the beautiful pixel-art graphics and the hilarious banter between Indie and Sophia. All of this offers the best iteration of the classic SCUMM engine that has powered many great adventures. If you’re not an Indie fan then I totally get it. But if you’re into more retreo LucasArts stuff, one of these titles is sure to get you hooked.
