Tech: This 'Scumm' will let you play adventure games for free!

Scumm or Script Creation Utility for Maniac Mansion is a video game engine that was originally created by Lucas Arts to help them develop their first adventure game Maniac Mansion in 1987 It was later used for a lot of their adventure games The software called ScummVM lets you play some of these DOSbased adventure games on systems the games werenrsquot designed for like Windows Mac and Android It also lets you play from other companies like Sierra and Revolution SoftwareHow to use itUsing ScummVM on PCs and Macs is simple Just install run and show the software where the games are stored The software will list the games and let you run them with a single click Scumm is also available on the app store for Android users In case there are issues with your device look up the FAQs as most solutions are easily available thereDay of the TentacleWhile Maniac Mansion was the reason Scumm exists the Day of the Tentacle is the Maniac Mansion game that gamers will remember It was so popular that a newer version with updated graphics was released recently But the classic still holds up despite the jagged graphics You play three people stuck in three time zones as you figure out how to defeat a mutated purple tentacle which is out to conquer the world As with most Lucas art games this one is funny and wittyFlight of the Amazon queenThe game takes place in 1949 where you play Joe King the pilot and owner of the Amazon Queen airplane You crash into the Amazon jungle and embark on an adventure to save the local tribes your movie star passenger and the world from a mad scientist who wants to turn people into dinosaur warriors It is a bizarre fun plotSpace quest 16You play Roger Wilco a space janitor Through the series you save the universe several times but that will not garner respect from your peers There is a lot of witty banter and insults that your character will bear The storyline is engaging and some of the puzzles will keep you on the edgeBroken SwordBroken Sword is more serious when compared to the other games on the list You play an American tourist George Stobbart who witnesses a terrorist attack in Paris The mystery unfolds as you investigate and the Knights Templar are involved Needless to say it has a very Dan Brown storyline that just works well as an adventure gameIndiana Jones and the Fate of AtlantisAs an Indiana Jones franchise game this one hits all the right buttons However it is not as funny as other Lucas Arts games You will have evil Nazis trying to use ancient tech to win the war lost city of Atlantis being discovered by Indiana Jones and great puzzles You also get to play Indiana Jones The CD version even features full voice acting which only enhances the gameplaySam and Max Hit the RoadReleased in 1993 Sam and Max is a dog and rabbit private detective team that has to investigate the escape of frozen Bigfoot called Bruno from a carnival The game adapts the humour style from other Lucas Arts games and the puzzle is quite simple You will have several ahha moments when you finally solve them Monkey Island all three episodesMonkey Island was one of the first Scumm games to be remade The updated graphics version is available for a small price but if you arenrsquot feeling particularly loaded try the scumm version You play pirate Guybrush Threepwood is a puny nobody pirate who wants to make it big This one is a treat to playFull ThrottleIn Full Throttle you play Ben the leader of a biker gang that is framed for the murder of a motorcycle manufacturer You have to investigate and figure out who the killer is The game featured Mark Hamill Luke Skywalker in Star Wars as one of the voice overs and also featured music by The Gone Jackals The game might get remastered next year by Double Fine Productions