Gamers faced some sad news this week, when Disney announced it was shutting down famed game developer LucasArts, though it will keep its respective licenses. What that means for the company's future projects, including its previously announced game 1313, is anyone's guess.
However, over the last 30 years, LucasArts has managed to create a niche in the industry. The company produced licensed “Star Wars” titles, as well as original games, appealing to loyal fans and casual players alike.
If we had to choose only five, however, we'd say these games best define the LucasArts legacy.
"Maniac Mansion" (1984)
This ridiculously funny point-and-click adventure follows a nerd and a group of his friends through a haunted mansion as they try to stop a mad scientist. Initially a hit on PCs, the game would later be released for the Nintendo Entertainment System, becoming a cult favorite.
"The Secret of Monkey Island" (1990)
Another point-and-click adventure that thrived with a comical theme, "Monkey Island" follows pirate wanna-be Guybrush Threepwood as he solves puzzles while dealing with unusual characters, including a potential love interest. The game was re-released in 2009 as a digital download title for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
"Star Wars: TIE Fighter/X-Wing" (1993)
Flight sims were all the rage throughout the '90s, but none struck a chord as deeply as the "TIE Fighter" and "X-Wing" games. Featuring fantastic graphics that recreated the ambience of the "Star Wars" universe, authentic sound effects and missions galore, the games were huge hits. The introduction of "X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter" brought multiplayer action to the series, pushing its popularity to new heights.
"Zombies Ate My Neighbors" (1993)
This classic Super NES/Sega Genesis title is one of LucasArts' finer original efforts, featuring rich content inspired by a variety of horror and sci-fi classic films (watch out for the psycho dolls) and great two-player action for you and a friend to enjoy. This game is available for digital download through the Wii Virtual Console service, for both the original Wii and Wii U. [See also: The 10 Best Zombie Games of All Time ]
"Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" (2003)
Out of all the "Star Wars" licensed games (even the popular "The Old Republic"), the one we can't get enough of is BioWare's epic "Knights," which gives you options galore ― good and evil ― as you craft your own "Star Wars"-oriented legacy. It shows just how devoted LucasArts was to making experiences for true "Star Wars" fans.
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