* NOW UPDATED WITH THE LATEST GAMES! *

The Dark Parables series is an incredibly beautiful fantasy adventure game series!!  The painted backgrounds and illustrated characters are freaking gooorgeous to look at while enjoying the game.  They are point-and-click adventure games involving solving puzzles and cleverly using items to advance, which is a relaxing genre to play while remaining engaging!

But what’s cool about Dark Parables in particular is that each of the games’ settings are wonderful, magical fairy tale stories!!  There are very cool interpretations of Red Riding Hood (where the “Red Riding Hood Sisters” are a band of rangers in the woods), Cinderella (where “Cinderella” is a title given to legendary girls that exhibit traits such as strength, kindness, diligence, etc.), and others (keep reading and I’ll describe each of them!).  The protagonist is an adventurous detective who investigates the strange and mysterious happenings around the world, wherever these fairy tale-like circumstances pop up.

Some of these are very suspenseful in nature, and watching the cool cinematics (where the art work is animated very awesomely) can get pretty intense!

As with the Awakening series, I had a really hard time navigating my way through the series to play them in order, so I made this list!  There are small continuities and nods between the games, but you are absolutely allowed to play them in whatever order you wish without any real context penalties if you decide to skip around.

Dark Parables: Curse of Briar Rose

The first in the Dark Parables storyline explores Sleeping Beauty.
It takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland!

1000 years ago, Sleeping Beauty was kissed by a prince,
which removed a terrible curse from the kingdom.
The rampant briars were held at bay, but the poor princess was left in her slumber…

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Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince

The story of the Frog Prince, set in the Black Forest in Germany.

Many centuries ago, a princess kissed a frog
and transformed him into a handsome prince.  Unlike the fable, they never ended
happily ever after.  It is rumored that the Frog Prince
is still alive and now roams the deserted path in the Black Forest,
capturing unsuspecting visitors. When the chancellor’s daughter goes missing,
you are sent to investigate her disappearance.

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Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen

A combination of The Snow Queen and Snow White.
Takes place in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland.

From the ashes of the snow, the legendary Snow Queen
rises and terrorizes nearby villages with her supernatural powers.
Rescue the missing children and stop the fabled Snow Queen
before her sorrow brings upon the destruction of the world…

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Dark Parables: The Red Riding Hood Sisters

An adventurous interpretation of Little Red Riding Hood
in the Vosges Mountains of France.

Centuries ago, the first Red Riding Hood defeated the wolf
and established the Order of Red Riding Hood Sisters. Recently,
the nefarious Wolf Queen entrapped the sisters and planned
to unleash legions of ravaging wolves onto our world…

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Dark Parables: The Final Cinderella

A variable mix of tales including Cinderella and Pinoccio as well as
elements from Donkeyskin and Kongji and Patzzi, taking place
in the Matese Mountains of Italy.

For decades, a mysterious witch, known as the evil Godmother,
has been hunting maidens in search of the legendary “Cinderella.”
Rescue the Final Cinderella from the evil Godmother’s clutches,
and stop her evil plans to conquer the world!

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Dark Parables: Jack and the Sky Kingdom

Um… is it just me, or is Jack REALLY handsome…?
Jack and the Beanstalk, Robin Hood, and Rumpelstiltskin combine
for this game set in Alblasserwaard, South Holland.

The legendary Sky Kingdom suddenly appears
and a destructive barrage is unleashed upon an unsuspecting town.
Embark on an investigation to rescue the townspeople.
In this quest, you will meet Jack –
an infamous treasure hunter who shares a secret past with the Kingdom –
and discover the tragic history behind the chaos.

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Dark Parables: Ballad of Rapunzel

An especially pastel, floral-centric take on Rapunzel,
set on Mount Sněžka in the Czech Republic.

You’ve been called to the kingdom of Floralia to track down the source
of a mysterious pollen spreading throughout the world.
Rumor has it that Princess Rapunzel is somehow involved –
the haunting melody she sings appears to summon the pollen…
But how did the once-loved princess come to control such a deadly force?
And who is the mysterious, shadowy figure always by her side?
The secrets you uncover may be darker than you imagined.

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Dark Parables: The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide

The coloration and setting of this game in particular are strikingly beautiful
with all of that blue and purple!!  This story is clearly the Little Mermaid,
and it takes place on the Greek island of Crete.

Follow the clues as they take you to an underwater kingdom!
You’ve been called to investigate a strange purple tide.
And that’s when the mermaid shows up…

–

Dark Parables: Queen of Sands

This setting draws from the mythical figure of the Sandman
and also borrows a bit from Beauty & the Beast.
It takes place in Provence, France.

Townspeople are disappearing in the provincial city of Montafleur
as its streets are overrun by nightmarish creatures that vanish into a purple mist.
The Red Riding Hood Sisters were called in to investigate,
but they’ve got their hands full chasing a ferocious beast
last seen along the outskirts of town. Explore the lush French countryside
as you team up with Ruth and Brianne to uncover the dark secrets
behind Montafleur’s world-famous perfumes. Unmask the true villain,
before their nightmares spread to the entire world.

–

Dark Parables: Goldilocks and the Fallen Star

The fairy tales involved this time are Goldilocks & The Three Bears
with flavorings of King Midas.

The Kingdom of Barsia has been invaded by mechanical beasts
that are attacking its citizens. You’ve been called in
to investigate these attacks and discover the origins of a mysterious artifact.
Can this artifact save the kingdom… or will lead them down an even darker path?
Only you can help Queen Valla discover the answers.

–

Dark Parables: The Swan Princess and the Dire Tree

Strange cracks are covering Dire Island, home of the Swan Kingdom,
but then an unknown thief steals the magical seed
that holds the key to keeping all of nature in balance!
Can you catch the culprit and save the kingdom before it crumbles?

–

Dark Parables: The Thief and the Tinderbox

It’s the eve of Gerda and Gwyn’s wedding, but a rogue arsonist
is setting the Mountain Kingdom’s forests on fire!
Your investigation will take you deep within the forest
where a dangerous artifact will be unearthed, one that could spell doom
for the whole world! An old friend will surface and his deepest desires
will determine the fate of the Mountain Kingdom.
Be careful what you wish for!!

–

Dark Parables: Requiem for the Forgotten Shadow

The people of Anaben are falling ill from a strange illness –
one that makes them become shadows of their former selves!
Your investigation takes a mystical turn as you uncover evidence
proving a darker magic at work. Can you restore the people
before it’s too late, or will you succumb to shadows as well?

–

Dark Parables: Return of the Salt Princess

Okay, I like this one because the princess is named Brigid,
making this the third game I’ve encountered recently
with a character that has a variation of the name “Bridget” (my name 😋).
The others are Brighid in Xenoblade Chronicles 2,
and Brigitte and Overwatch~

Together, we shall form a mighty League of Bridgets. 💪

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It has been a little while since I last featured these games, and a whole slew of new ones have come out since the last time I covered them!!  Here are the highest-rated and most popular mystery adventure games at the moment – click through to any of them to try out a demo of them for free!

Dark Realm: Princess of Ice

Mad Head presents the exciting continuation of the Dark Realm story line! This time, a magic bear summons you to help save the neighboring kingdom of Nypha. Find out what has Nypha and its princess trapped in a death grip of cold. As a fire-wielder, you have a few tricks up your sleeve, but the bear’s given you some special abilities too! You’ll be thrilled by the fun new Match-3 mechanic and enjoy adventurous interactions along the way.

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Sable Maze: Forbidden Garden

Your parents always told you to stay away from the mysterious hedge maze behind their house… and you’re about to find out why. On the eve of your wedding, your fiancé, Ryan, is kidnapped by a mysterious force and dragged straight to the heart of the maze – or so it seems. As you follow his trail, you discover that the labyrinth contains a door to another world… and whoever is on the other side has a vendetta against your entire family. Can you uncover the roots of their hatred and bring Ryan back before all is lost?

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Witches’ Legacy: The Dark Throne

What should have been a day of celebration turns into a nightmare as good witch Lynn is possessed by a strange evil force! As her witch hunter-turned-husband, you must follow Lynn into the Other World and defeat whatever has a hold on her.EleFun brings you a story rich with family history and witches’ lore in this thrilling continuation of the popular Witches’ Legacyseries. You’ll love your impish helper as much as the innovative hidden-object games and puzzles.

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Phantasmat: The Dread of Oakvale

It’s the end of the world… at least in Oakville. Find out what’s really happening in a town where everyone seems to be missing, and a strange mystic is warning citizens of the coming apocalypse. As fans of the Phantasmat series know, it’s hard to tell who’s really dead and who’s really alive in this world. The eerie continuation comes from Eipix, makers of the popular Final Cut and Myths of the World games! Play a new variety of puzzles and hidden-object games, including interactive morphing scenes, silhouettes, and multiple zoom HOPs.

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Beyond: Light Advent

Ohhhh look at the cuuuute little :3-faced robot in this one!!

As a child, you had a wonderful imaginary friend from outer space. Nix taught you about the stars and inspired you become an astronomer. Years later, while investigating a mysterious object in the sky, you discover that your imaginary friend was real all along! He’s come to warn Earth of a terrible threat – a merciless race of aliens is fast approaching, and you and Nix are the only ones who can stop them. Can you save both your friend’s planet and your own in time? Your journey will take you into the past and beyond the stars!!

I am in awe every time I see any of the beautiful painted sceneries in adventure games these days!  Ah, and they’re so relaxing to play, with some really cool little stories hidden away in them too.  They are perfect for playing on lazy Summer days!

All of these have free demos to download and play to check them out!

Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece

Albert had everything a painter could want, a successful business with a loving family to support him. But for the last few months he’s been plagued by nightmares, by visions of a terrifying being that he has named Solitude. One stormy evening, he finds his nightmares have become reality when Solitude kidnaps his family, taking them deep into her painting. Albert yearns to free them, but doing so will come at a high price. All his memories have been corrupted and now only Solitude knows the truth. Albert must face his fears and journey onward, armed only with his paintbrushes and his love for this family. Can he save them, or will Solitude’s painting become his final masterpiece?

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Witches’ Legacy: The Dark Throne

What should have been a day of celebration turns into a nightmare as good witch Lynn is possessed by a strange evil force! As her witch hunter-turned-husband, you must follow Lynn into the Other World and defeat whatever has a hold on her.

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Nancy Drew: The Silent Spy

Nearly a decade ago Agent Kate Drew left home to neutralize a biochemical weapon in Scotland. While her assignment was a success, Kate died in a tragic car accident. Or so we were told. Now the echoes of a similar plot reverberate and it’s up to you, as detective Nancy Drew, to thwart the sleeper cell and expose the truth about your mother’s tragic demise.

Learn about Nancy’s mother and what really transpired during her final days. Expose dead drops and black operations by gathering intelligence and new leads. Characters will change their motives as your investigation unfolds.

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Spirit of Revenge: Elizabeth’s Secret

Follow a maze of palace intrigue to root out the truth. Play as a maid of honor at Queen Elizabeth the First’s court, with the mischievous Francis Drake as your sidekick! But this game’s not just for history buffs. Bring your sense of humor and quest for adventure on this fun trip into the Elizabethan past!

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Dark Parables: Queen of Sands

The Dark Parables series is raaaaad!!
Someday I am going to have to write a full feature just for them on their own.
I adooooore their gorgeous fairy tale settings.

Townspeople are disappearing in the provincial city of Montafleur as its streets are overrun by nightmarish creatures that vanish into a purple mist. The Red Riding Hood Sisters were called in to investigate, but they’ve got their hands full chasing a ferocious beast last seen along the outskirts of town. Explore the lush French countryside as you team up with Ruth and Brianne to uncover the dark secrets behind Montafleur’s world-famous perfumes. Unmask the true villain, before their nightmares spread to the entire world!

Faeries and fairy tales have been my favorite setting for games since forever. <3  These adventure games are so beautiful, I could just admire the art for ages.  I wish that haunting, magical faeries were more common in more games~  But these will tide me over for now!

Otherworld: Omens of Summer

I talked about the first game in this series, Spring of Shadows,
in my very first ever write-up on these gorgeous adventure games,
and it remains to be a favorite for me even after playing so many others!
It is a must to continue the storyline!

Join Fiona, a young girl born with magic, as she stops dark creatures in this hidden-object puzzle adventure. There is a magical world hidden beneath our own — and only you can see it! Can you stop the Shade and his minions from casting our world into darkness?

With the help of Ms. Thomas, Fiona’s schoolteacher, find magical artifacts that will stop the Shade for good. Solve tricky puzzles and explore fantastic landscapes. Choose your own path and decide which location to visit first. Test your wits in a battle between good and evil in Otherworld: Omens of Summer.

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Awakening: The Redleaf Forest

Queen Sophia embarks on one final journey to rescue her parents and to defeat Dreadmyre once and for all. Her search has led her to the Redleaf Forest where she is to find the centaur who can help her forge the Blade of Courage. Will Sophia finally defeat the evil which has shadowed over her journey and be able to reunite with her parents?

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Living Legends: Wrath of the Beast

Bear attacks have increased since Goldilocks, the hero of Fortress, passed away three years ago. As her only son, you’ve taken on her legacy to protect the village and keep its people safe. Explore mountainous forests, snowy cliffs, and remote castles to uncover the truth behind the history of the village and unlock the secret of the magical bears who roam deep in the forest. What’s causing the bears to suddenly attack? Your mother’s diary may hold the answer, but will you survive long enough to read her final chapter?

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Enchantia: Wrath of the Phoenix Queen

Travel the magical world of Enchantia as you go on your quest to stop the Phoenix Queen. Meet the different races and creatures of this fantasy world and discover the story behind the Phoenix Queen, as you seek out your destiny and learn about your mysterious heritage. An epic fantasy adventure awaits you!

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Dark Parables: The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide

The bestselling Dark Parable series continues with The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide! Follow the clues as they take you to an underwater kingdom in this exciting hidden-object puzzle adventure game!

You’ve been called to investigate a strange purple tide. And that’s when the mermaid shows up…

I have been playing more and more of these lately!  If you clickthrough to any of these pages, you can play a portion of them for free and just checking out all of them is so addicting! @_@

Dark Romance: Heart of the Beast

Your father’s illness has taken a turn for the worse. Now only the fabled Rose of Life can cure him, but it grows only in a kingdom far from your home. And you aren’t the only one after it. The powerful witch Claudine craves its rejuvenating powers, and has stolen it from a prince, cursing his kingdom. She’ll stop at nothing to make sure she’s the only one who can use the Rose. Team up with the prince and work together to stop Claudine. Your father’s life, and the lives of the prince and his subjects, hangs in the balance.

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Rite of Passage: The Lost Tides

Your mom and dad set sail on the Everlast twenty years ago… and were never seen again. But today, as you prepared to observe the anniversary of their disappearance, the Everlast suddenly sailed back into port! The ship’s arrival is suspicious at best, but you’re determined to find out what happened to your family all those years ago. And so you set out against a host of strange sea creatures on a journey by land, air, and sea. Will you learn the truth… or will you suffer the same fate as your parents?

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Amaranthine Voyage: The Obsidian Book

WOW look at the colors of this one!!
I’m sold on the gorgeous color palette alone!

A long month of waiting, rising tensions and utter silence has passed. The stakes are high, and the fate of the harmonium radiation research team is still unknown. The CCPP decides to send one of the best agents – you – to find out what transpired.

As you land on the frozen mountains of Iceland, a mysterious helicopter passes above you. CCPP didn’t send reinforcements, and the question arises – did someone else find out about the important research of your scientific team?

As you traverse the narrow pathways and ice coated cliff sides, you will discover the findings of your scientists, and their conclusions will be borderline impossible. The investigation will pull you deeper into the research of harmonium energy, its possible uses… and abuses.

Prepare yourself for a journey that will change your life and your perception forever.

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Reflections of Life: Equilibrium

You’ve been summoned to Creatos to save Princess Espera, who has been attacked and ensnared by magical vines. But when a group of strange monsters arrives suddenly and captures the Queen, you quickly realize that the princess’ plight was just a distraction. Without its Queen, the World of Fantasies will begin to crumble… and once Creatos falls, the rest of the world will soon be destroyed! Now, you must set out on a journey through several magical worlds. Can you reveal the villain, return the Queen, and restore balance to the world in time?

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Myths of the World: The Heart of Desolation

It was just supposed to be a routine mission. Fly in, drop supplies, and fly out. But when a dragon attacks your plane, crash-landing in a lush valley, you’re drawn into the adventure of a lifetime! This ancient valley is filled with living, breathing dragons – guardians of nature who protect the weak. But when one of their own becomes possessed by their ultimate foe, it’s up to you to restore order. Can you defeat the Dragon King’s mighty terracotta army, or will the world be destroyed once more, just like it was centuries ago?