The Phoenix Wright series is, technically, an adventure game series, as is the Professor Layton series. You might want to give them a try, if you haven't already.
As for out-and-out adventure games...
Ankh: Curse of the Scarab King (Europe only, sadly)
Another Code: Trace Memory (aka Another Code: Two Memories)
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars - Director's Cut
CSI: Dark Motives
CSI: Deadly Intent - The Hidden Cases
Hotel Dusk: Room 215
Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles
Runaway: Dream of the Turtle (not released in the US)
Secret Files: Tunguska
Secret Files: Puritas Cordis
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Mystery at the End of the World (Europe only)
...there may be more, but I'm not particularly familiar with them.
Ankh: Curse of the Scarab King (Europe only, sadly)
It was a terrible port, full of bugs. I would advise people in the US not to go out of their way to try to find it - the PC version is a much better experience.
Some others that haven't been mentioned are Time Hollow (designed by the same woman who designed Shadow of Destiny), Touch Detective 1 and 2, and Miami Law. Myst was also ported but that's another one that's probably better played on the PC.
If you're trying to decide where to start, Adventure Gamers has reviews of most of these games.
Nothing new to add, but I'd really like to put my support behind Hotel Dusk. It was made by the same people who made Trace Memory, and it has everything that was right in that game with more characters, a more involved story-line and embittered, betrayed, former cops, the best kind!
Nay, the best kind is the monologuing cop propped up against the wall clutching a bullet wound and telling his partner that he was two days away from retirement. It can't be one day, it can't be three days. It has to be *exactly* two days away from retirement.
Also, his father has to have been a cop. Preferably a highly-lauded one. And his partner is either:
A) Secretly related to him Secretly in love with him
C) A bad-ass cop with a heart of gold
D) Reginald VelJohnson
or
E) A jar of almonds
Nay, the best kind is the monologuing cop propped up against the wall clutching a bullet wound and telling his partner that he was two days away from retirement. It can't be one day, it can't be three days. It has to be *exactly* two days away from retirement.
Also, his father has to have been a cop. Preferably a highly-lauded one. And his partner is either:
A) Secretly related to him Secretly in love with him
C) A bad-ass cop with a heart of gold
D) Reginald VelJohnson
or
E) A jar of almonds
E) but only if it's wearing a navy blue fedora. What did I win, Bob?
Professor Layton series. Not only is it adventuring, but it has puzzles...and cutscenes...and voice acting...and is generally amazing. Trust me on this.
Inkheart is made by dreamcatcher, and would have been a nice adventure game, but since it is a family movie game, it seems to be aimed a more casual audience. The game is far too short. Also you have to guess what would be a clickable object, this means tapping the stylus everywhere on screen in order to get some dialogue. But it is a 3rd person point and click adventure, I'll give it that and there are some nice mini games on certain puzzles. Some tasks do even require some thought and combining of items. The areas and sections are too contained though and there are too many point of no returns after you complete the one task you are given. It is worth a play-through, if you can rent it. Other games you might try are Touch Detective 1 and 2, Syberia, Secret Files 1 and 2, undercover:dual motives, Diabolik, and Broken Sword Directors cut. Neighbours from hell is not exactly an adventure game, but it will be very enjoyable to adventure fans, check it out.
Comments
As for out-and-out adventure games...
Ankh: Curse of the Scarab King (Europe only, sadly)
Another Code: Trace Memory (aka Another Code: Two Memories)
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars - Director's Cut
CSI: Dark Motives
CSI: Deadly Intent - The Hidden Cases
Hotel Dusk: Room 215
Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles
Runaway: Dream of the Turtle (not released in the US)
Secret Files: Tunguska
Secret Files: Puritas Cordis
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Mystery at the End of the World (Europe only)
...there may be more, but I'm not particularly familiar with them.
It was a terrible port, full of bugs. I would advise people in the US not to go out of their way to try to find it - the PC version is a much better experience.
Some others that haven't been mentioned are Time Hollow (designed by the same woman who designed Shadow of Destiny), Touch Detective 1 and 2, and Miami Law. Myst was also ported but that's another one that's probably better played on the PC.
If you're trying to decide where to start, Adventure Gamers has reviews of most of these games.
If you prefer a "larger" experience and would like voice acting in the game, you should get this for the Wii instead.
Woo-hoo; 100th post!
Nay, the best kind is the monologuing cop propped up against the wall clutching a bullet wound and telling his partner that he was two days away from retirement. It can't be one day, it can't be three days. It has to be *exactly* two days away from retirement.
Also, his father has to have been a cop. Preferably a highly-lauded one. And his partner is either:
A) Secretly related to him
C) A bad-ass cop with a heart of gold
D) Reginald VelJohnson
or
E) A jar of almonds
E) but only if it's wearing a navy blue fedora. What did I win, Bob?