Over the winter I was brainstorming for activities for the boys while the family was fighting off the latest cold making the rounds from kid to kid. In a flash of inspiration I remembered the adventure games I used to play as a kid. I started out typing in my own text based adventure games into our TRS80 with my brother using the code that came in our monthly subscription to The Rainbow magazine. All that typing made me a very fast hunt-and-peck typist, but I was relieved when we were eventually able to just buy games for the computer. Kings Quest was one of my favorites. The emphasis wasn’t on amazing graphics and quick reflexes, but on problem solving and humor. These were games that would bring a family together, much like working at the dining room table on a big jigsaw puzzle.

With those fond memories in mind I set out to find something available for todays computers and was pretty disappointed. Games are either too violent or too complicated for young kids. I gave up, but as luck would have it I saw a story on Digg for a free flash based adventure game called Samorost that you can play in your browser. After trying it out during lunch I sent the link home and a couple hours later started getting IMed questions like “How do you catch the flies?”. Bingo, I’d found the game I was looking for.

Samorost is a guy who lives on an asteroid with his dog and the user helps him solve puzzles to complete his missions. There is no dialogue, no complex rules or character inventory, just puzzles and beautiful artwork. Everything is done via point a click with the mouse. It was simple enough that Ethan (4) could play on his own and interesting enough for Ben (2 at the time) to be his copilot and watch. Some puzzles require a correct sequence or timing and Ethan would ask us for help, but this type of cooperation was just what I was looking for. We bought the full version which gives you access to a downloadable copy and a couple more levels. Overall the games are short, but are tons of fun.

If you’re looking for a game that gives your kids quality screen time, requires puzzle solving, and is fun enough that you will enjoy playing along then try them out. Samorost 1 is completely free and Samorost 2 is free for the first half or you can get the whole thing for $6.90. These flash based adventure games are becoming popular and I’m starting to see more and more of them. I’ll try a few more out and let you know if they’re worth your time.

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