2022 Aggie Award Nominees
And the Nominees Are…
Ladies and gentlemen, it's that time of the year again! The 2022 Aggie Awards are just around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited to recognize and celebrate the best adventure games released in the past year. 
Despite the challenges of 2022, the adventure game genre saw a wealth of new releases, each with unique stories, puzzles, and experiences. Narrowing down the list of contenders was no easy feat, but we're thrilled to announce the top nominees for each category.
This year's categories include the endlessly debatable controversial "Best Non-Traditional" and "Best Traditional" awards, along with the coveted "Game of the Year" award. And as always, we want to hear from you! Our reader poll opened yesterday, and we encourage you to vote for your favorites in each category.
So without further ado, let's dive into the world of adventure games and celebrate the nominees for the 2022 Aggie Awards. Stay tuned for the awards presentation on Friday, February 24th, where we'll reveal the winners of the golden (and silver) Aggie statuettes!
Best Story
One of the core components of any adventure, the game’s narrative must engage the player’s interest and imagination. Entertaining in its own right, a good story also immerses the player in a believable game world and serves as motivation to overcome the challenges presented. While often accompanied by quality writing, the plot is a distinct feature that may or may not be ably supported by the actual dialogue.
The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow
Best Writing – Comedy
Arguably the hardest genre to write well, comedy done right can amuse and uplift, finding humour in the ordinary and laughter in the unexpected. Often dismissed for not being “serious writing” (oh, the irony!), comedy has long been a beloved adventure staple and deserves appropriate recognition.
Lucy Dreaming
Justin Wack and the Big Time Hack
Best Writing – Drama
If comedy lifts the soul, then drama explores and challenges it. Though sometimes misrepresented as dry and boring or overly theatrical, a gripping drama simply engages players on a deeper emotional level. Quality writing is essential in maintaining the player’s connection to the characters, game world, and the story unfolding.
The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow
Best Character
Gabriel Knight… April Ryan… Guybrush Threepwood. These names roll off the tongue of any adventure gamer as a testament to the importance of compelling protagonists in an adventure. But just as important are the villains, sidekicks, and significant supporting characters, which are often the juiciest parts. This category recognizes those who have made the most memorable contribution, regardless of role.
Best Gameplay
Puzzles are an integral aspect of adventure gameplay, but not the only one. Good pacing, rich exploration, and variety of activities are all factors in player enjoyment as well, all suitably integrated into the storyline. The best games seek the right balance of these elements for the most rewarding gameplay experience, whatever the approach.
Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit
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