What's the best order to play the entire Infocom catalog?

The problem with playing in chronological order is that the catalog peaks near the middle. That is a matter of taste, of course, but it’s not an unusual assessment. Spellbreaker, Trinity, and AMFV are all close together, and I would space them out (as my stalled out playthrough at Gold Machine might attest), or else not worry about playing everything and get to them soon.

What post-Trinity games do I suggest for general interest? Including ones that you’ve played:

  • Plundered Hearts
  • LGoP
  • Lurking Horror
  • Stationfall

Plundered Hearts is in a class of it’s own, I think, and my favorite of the lot. I like Ballyhoo, but it feels unfair sometimes. Many people are enthusiastic regarding post-Spellbreaker games with “Zork” in the title, but it’s not a feeling I share. Not enough to push other games out of the way, at least.

That isn’t to say there aren’t good games. Arthur is a pretty solid conclusion to a series playthrough, as Joey says. Lots of people love Hollywood Hijinx. I don’t, but I get where they’re coming from. I suppose I’m suggesting my favorites. After that, read some reviews and see what sounds fun.

If you want to keep going with Journey and those less-appreciated games, it isn’t a waste of time, but it takes a level of commitment. I’m glad I played Journey, but I have a hard time recommending it.

5 Likes