6 Rare LucasArts Games & Their Value
6 Rare LucasArts Games & Their Value
The Rise and Fall of LucasArts: Unearthing Rare and Pricey Gems
Once upon a time, in a galaxy not so far away, the iconic George Lucas created Lucasfilm, a production company that birthed the legendary LucasArts Gaming Group. This subdivision would go on to create some of the most cherished Star Wars video games and adventure games of the 80s and 90s. Exciting, isn’t it?
Sadly, in the 2000s, LucasArts met its demise, and since then, the torch has been passed to other developers for creating Lucasfilm-licensed games. However, fear not, fellow gamers! The wonders of the old LucasArts catalog can still be found online, and some former LucasArts employees continue to keep the flames of these old franchises burning bright. Talk about dedication!
But that’s not all! Collectors, adventurers of the highest order, are actively trading old copies of the rarest LucasArts games out there, and the prices they fetch are simply mind-boggling. Get ready to pick up your jaws from the floor, my friends.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of rare LucasArts games, where you’ll find excitement, adventure, and perhaps even a dent in your wallet!
6. Indiana Jones and His Desktop Adventures – Indiana’s Digital Quest ($179)
Ah, the mid-90s, a time of newfound excitement for home computers with graphical interfaces. LucasArts, always one to seize an opportunity, decided to cash in on this craze with two licensed games: Indiana Jones and His Desktop Adventures and Star Wars: Yoda Stories.
- Warzone Update Nerfs New Field Upgrade Days After Release
- 10 Evil Versions Of Video Game Icons
- Miyamoto explains poor sales of past Pikmin games.
Now, let’s talk about Desktop Adventures. It may not be the most mind-blowing Indiana Jones game out there. With its simple quest system, limited enemy encounters, and lack of a deep plot, it might not make it to the top of your gaming bucket list. Plus, let’s not forget the struggles of getting it to run smoothly on modern machines. However, it’s still a charming and unique entry in the world of the famous whip-wielding adventurer. Time well spent, my friends!
5. Loom – Weaving a Musical Tapestry ($187)
Hold on to your wizard hats, because things are about to get magical! Loom, my friends, is an adventure game that dared to be different. Its interface and plot pushed the boundaries of the genre.
Unlike other LucasArts adventures, Loom required players to wield magic by casting spells with musical notes. Just imagine, you had to play four enchanting notes on your distaff, which, by the way, took up the entire interface. Talk about using every bit of screen real estate! But fear not, dear companions, because this unique gameplay experience was coupled with an enchanting fantasy world ruled by guilds.
Oh, and did I mention the voice acting? Yes, the rare CD-ROM version delivered exceptional voice performances, making it a gem of the early 90s. Some editions even came with a captivating 30-minute audio drama, making the complete-in-box version a treasure for collectors. Talk about grabbing a piece of gaming history!
4. Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge – A Swashbuckling Journey ($199)
Ahoy there, mateys! Brace yourselves for the epitome of adventure gaming success – the Monkey Island series. The first game in the series set sail as a true groundbreaking masterpiece, leaving fans clamoring for more. And what did the brilliant minds at LucasArts do? They blessed us with Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge – a devilishly ambitious extravaganza that expanded upon the original’s humor, setting, and mind-bending puzzles.
More locations, more characters, more insane plot twists – LeChuck’s Revenge had it all. This magnificent game eventually received a 2010 remake, complete with smooth graphics, voice acting that would make even the most stoic pirate shed a tear, and an interface so sleek it would make Blackbeard himself reconsider his facial hair choices. But remember, my friends, the original floppy disks are harder to come by than a message in a bottle lost at sea. Keep your eyes peeled for this treasure!
3. The Secret of Monkey Island – Yo-Ho-Ho and a Barrel of Laughs ($235)
Arr, me hearties! Prepare to embark on a wild adventure inspired, in part, by Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Ah, the irony! The brilliant mind behind The Secret of Monkey Island, Ron Gilbert, crafted a pirate-themed masterpiece that led to not one, not two, but five glorious sequels.
This game stands strong even by today’s standards with its timeless humor and clever puzzles. No wonder it received a special edition rerelease in 2009, allowing a new generation of gamers to experience the magic. And let’s not forget the numerous PC platforms it graced, like the mighty Amiga and the legendary Atari ST. Collecting every version of this gem might require a bit of extra treasure, but trust me, it’s worth it!
2. Maniac Mansion – A House of Retro Delights ($259)
Before we sail further into the treacherous waters of rare LucasArts games, let’s take a moment to appreciate where it all began. Maniac Mansion, a true pioneer, wasn’t just the first adventure game from LucasArts, but it also introduced the legendary SCUMM engine that would go on to power countless adventures to come. Talk about a game changer!
This pixelated gem took inspiration from classic sci-fi B-movies, giving us a wacky tale of determined teens exploring a mansion occupied by a mad scientist and his oddball relatives. But what truly set Maniac Mansion apart was its revolutionary fully visual interface. No more guessing which commands to type! Players could choose verbs from a list, opening up a whole new world of point-and-click goodness.
Thanks to this new interface, Maniac Mansion could even be enjoyed on consoles like the NES and Commodore 64. The possibilities were endless! So, if you’re feeling nostalgic and in the mood for some good ol’ retro gaming, grab a floppy disk and dive into the zany world of Maniac Mansion!
1. Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders – A Cosmic Adventure ($367)
Hold on tight, folks, because we’ve reached the grand finale of rare LucasArts treasures. Say hello to Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders, a gem that stands out as both a one-off title and the second game to utilize the legendary SCUMM engine.
In this intergalactic adventure, you join the tabloid reporter Zak McKracken on a mission to save the Earth from pesky aliens. To succeed, you’ll embark on a thrilling journey across both Earth and Mars, collecting scattered parts along the way. But here’s the twist – originally intended as a serious game, Zak McKracken received a generous dose of humorous charm, courtesy of the persuasion skills of the infamous Ron Gilbert. And boy, does it show!
Although Zak McKracken may not have received the same level of attention as its predecessors or successors, it has cultivated a loyal fan base over the years. Its quirky sense of humor and its place as the second-ever SCUMM game make it a rare gem in the world of LucasArts. So, if you’re looking to embark on a cosmic adventure that’s out of this world, Zak McKracken is your ticket to interstellar bliss.
And there you have it, my dear gamers – a journey through the rare and exorbitantly-priced wonders of LucasArts games. These gems may be hard to find, but the experience they offer is worth every penny. So, unleash your inner adventurer and start hunting for these rarities, because nothing brings joy quite like unearthing a piece of gaming history!
MORE: Check out our collection of classic point-and-click games that have stood the test of time!
