Riven. © Cyan	Zero Zero © Nicholson NY.

3. Riven
The anticipated sequel to Myst, the best-selling CD-ROM game in history, was well worth the wait. More of a free-form "exploratory experience" than a game, Riven takes users on a journey through a fantasy world of highly realistic 3-D graphics. Animation is used minimally, but to stunning effect, with incredibly smooth movement.
System: Windows/Macintosh
Publisher: Red Orb Entertainment (a division of Broderbund)

Interstate 76. © Activision.

4. Zero Zero
Theresa Duncan, creator of Chop Suey and Smarty Pants, has designed another gem that kids may not even suspect is educational. Described as a "fairy tale for the future," Zero Zero depicts a spunky, young mademoiselle on her adventures in Paris during the turn of the century (1900, hence her name, "Zero Zero"). Limited, but charming 2-D animation by Jeremy Blake brings this lyrical story to life.
System: Windows or Macintosh
Publisher: Nicholson NY

5. Interstate 76
Quentin Tarantino meets The Dukes of Hazard in this "retro-action" game. 3-D characters and their souped-up cars speed through the desert in search of revenge against outlaws. The entire game, including backgrounds, is rendered in 3-D animation, and can be viewed from multiple angles at any time.
System: Windows
Publisher: Activision

G-Police. © Psygnosis

6. Koala Lumpur: Journey to the Edge
Developed by San Francisco-based (Colossal) Pictures, from an original concept by director Jamie Baker, this funny mystery game features 2-D character animation that rivals some Saturday morning cartoons. The fact that the animation was created traditionally, with drawings on paper, is a refreshingtestament to doing things the "old fashioned way."
System: Windows
Publisher: Broderbund

7. G-Police
This space flight simulator shoot `em up game is set in a futuristic world inspired by Blade Runner. The intros feature some incredibly realistic 3-D animation of virtual humans, setting the story for the rest of the game. While the gameplay animation is not as finely rendered as the intros, it does feature detailed 3-D graphics in a full 360 degree environment.
System: PlayStation or Windows
Publisher: Psygnosis