Quoting: denyasisI did have a talk with them the other day. School, journaling, Web browsing, and gaming. With that in mind, I think, if I can afford it, I'll aim for a good CPU platform and add GFX and memory later, as needed.

The problem is: "Gaming" might be gaming, gaming or gaming.

Quoting: EikeI played through it and consider it a great puzzle game. One evening during Christmas vacations, far away from my computer, I found the solution for a puzzle i had struggled with for days. So, the puzzle wasn't too complex, I could remember all the parts and figure it out, it was just difficult in a good, satisfying way.

Maybe the game takes a slow start, and then, of course, there's the philosophy, which may or may not resonate with you.

I don't like puzzles like that though... I didn't get half way through either of the Portal games either. I got further because the puzzles were easier. I'm just not interested enough to continue. My young niece (12'ish at the time?) did them though.

Didn't get far enough in Talos to know about the philosophy (the "text" others were talking about earlier in the discussion?)

Another thing that turned me off is that it ran like shit for me at the time (Croteam's games did until they switched to Vulkan). I didn't send it back, so maybe I'll try it again some day.

Quoting: Eike

Quoting: denyasisI did have a talk with them the other day. School, journaling, Web browsing, and gaming. With that in mind, I think, if I can afford it, I'll aim for a good CPU platform and add GFX and memory later, as needed.

The problem is: "Gaming" might be gaming, gaming or gaming.

Hahahaha, lol!!!! I love that!!
Most of their gaming experience is on the Switch, and they've mentioned Minecraft. Most of what they've played on my PC isn't very demanding (Slime Rancher, Besieged, Super Tux Cart, Lit, etc). I think if I aim for "Steam Deck"-ish performance, I'll be ok (and I can use remote play for more demanding titles).

Our little one's old enough now that he's having lots of fun with Hypercharge Unboxed.

The Syberia series is well worth a look the graphics are super and the story is neat. They come up every now and again in sales. The first three play well on linux. I have not played the fourth one yet as I am waiting for it to appear in a sale.

https://www.microids.com/game-syberia/

Robotfindskitten is available for most distros and on-line or as a Snap and there are many variations of it.

https://www.crummy.com/software/robotfindskitten/

https://github.com/noncombatant/robotfindskitten

"Machinarium is a prime example of why point ‘n’ click adventure games are not dead. It was created by people who clearly love the genre with aim to deliver a top-notch entertainment for all those gamers who really miss the magical world of adventure games."

https://www.gog.com/en/game/machinarium_collectors_edition

YoFrankie is well worth a look. Itried it way back in 2010 on Arch and it ran ok.

https://apricot.blender.org/yofrankie-11/

Dink Smallwood HD is the newly remixed version of the classic RPG brought to you by the original creators.

https://www.dinknetwork.com/file/dink_smallwood_hd/

"The Book of Unwritten Tales is a classic point-and-click adventure game with a cornucopia of humorous references. Whether it gently lampoons a particularly popular MMO or the stereotypical fantasy conventions, it’s sure to put a knowing smile on the face of even the most hardened adventurer! If you're looking for a comedic relief from all the super-serious plots of modern games, this beautifully-presented point-and-click adventure will be perfect for you. "

https://www.gog.com/en/game/the_book_of_unwritten_tales

"One of the most acclaimed adventure games of all time is now back, better than ever. Grim Fandango's epic story of four years in the life (or death) of Manny Calavera, travel agent to the dead, has been remastered to look, sound, and control even better than when it won GameSpot's Game of the Year award upon its original launch. Grim Fandango still stands as a classic of the genre, with unforgettable characters and unique combination of film noir and Mexican folklore."

https://www.gog.com/game/grim_fandango_remastered

Zork and any version of NetHack are worth a looksee too.

I never ever buy a game at full price and always buy in sales. Happy gaming.

Are you sure you've posted in the correct thread? All these adventure games are clearly not something children will persevere with.

Quoting: damarrinAre you sure you've posted in the correct thread? All these adventure games are clearly not something children will persevere with.

For young children playing solo, I agree. But playing as a family (perhaps with some Duck Duck Go assistance), it could be a fun thing. I recall someone posting earlier playing Talos Principal with a younger Child and having a good experience. Might depend on the kid too. My oldest was just complaining Stardew Valley was "too boring", while my youngest could sit there and farm and forage all day long.

Quoting: amorticianZork and any version of NetHack are worth a looksee too

Nethack wasnt my jam, but got me thinking about TOME, Transcendence and then Endless Sky. Might be interesting for an "older" kid.

Last edited by denyasis on 4 October 2023 at 7:35 pm UTC

Quoting: damarrinAre you sure you've posted in the correct thread? All these adventure games are clearly not something children will persevere with.

A previous poster said

QuoteBoth my now 7 and 9 year old are enjoying Portal and Portal 2. I might try to find some other games like that!

So it seems my choices could be played by children. I agree that the choices might be more suited to slightly older children.

Gah, I missed the obvious connection. Portal is JUST like Syberia.

Our little one (10) got a PinePhone for her birthday.

She's playing that Solitaire clone by now a lot.

And when an external display + kbm is connected there's also Chromium BSU and Tux Racer. Both work okayish considering the poor hardware. Frozen Bubble sadly doesn't start, have yet to find out why.

On PC they play mostly Minecraft because everybody at school does. You know. Peer group pressure.

…and together with parents it's even World of Warcraft or Elite Dangerous ;-)

It's seldom that they want to try something different. The Books Of Unwritten Tales for example worked but didn't keep em captivated. They did manage to proceed to chapter 2 though.