9 Times Critics Ignored INCREDIBLE Video Games

2. Nelson Tethers: Puzzle Agents

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Telltale Games

Graham Annable is a cartoonist that has created or worked on the Grickle, Hickee, and even directed the 2014 film Boxtrolls. But back in 2010 he had a joint operation with Telltale Games - yes the same company that would make the fantastic Walking Dead and Batman adventure games a few years later. This joint operation birthed Nelson Tethers: Puzzle Agent.

In the point-and-click adventure title you play as federal agent Nelson Tethers, a member of the not-so-illustrious Puzzle Research Division of the FBI. The only member as a matter of fact. The President can't finish his crossword puzzle because he's out of erasers, but the company that makes his favorite erasers in Minnesota is closed. Why is it closed? Gnomes.

Yeah the game is absolutely wacky and super enjoyable, especially if you're into puzzles, point-and-click adventures, nonsensical humor, and the movie Fargo. Annable's art style is on full display with the graphics. And much like the non-existent Puzzle Research Division, you've probably never heard of the game unless you're a long-standing Telltale fan.

Because Telltale was still a small-scale indie-ish company back in 2010 Puzzle Agent, and its sequel, didn't get much press. A real shame.

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Author of Escort (Eternal Press, 2015), co-founder of Nic3Ntertainment, and developer behind The Sickle Upon Sekigahara (2020). Currently freelancing as a game developer and history consultant. Also tends to travel the eastern U.S. doing courses on History, Writing, and Japanese Poetry. You can find his portfolio at www.richardcshaffer.com.