I’m sure most people have heard about this game, in one place or another, but it really does bare repeating. Ben There Dan That is an amazing game that needs to be experienced, especially if you at all enjoyed the classic Monkey Island or Sam and Max games. It’s funny, witty, and has one of the most original stories I’ve played all year — for 2009 and 2010 actually.

Created using the simple, yet robust, Adventure Game Studio, Ben There Dan That is a brilliant addition to the engine’s lengthy list of quality adventure games. Beyond even that, though, it’s the game’s nostalgic factor that truly shines through the curtains of what the modern day adventure genre has become. To say the least, this is pointing and clicking at it’s best, complete with hovering dialog above the characters and everything. It’s rare that we get to play something so simple — within the realm of adventure gaming –, yet so feverishly fun, even in the indie world.

Ben There Dan That starts out in a particularly humorous fashion — dare I say… Monkey Island-ish fashion? — with the two returning from an adventure in only-god-knows-where. Suffice it to say Dan, from the title, is dead and has been zombified. Shortly after the intro-puzzle, however, Dan is back alive and the two of you are off on another wild adventure.

Now, I don’t want to spoil any of the story for you — this ain’t no review after all –  so I’ll refrain from listing any major plot spoilers or even plot summaries seeng as how much of this game rests of it’s ability to be hilarious. That said, however, I will say that the creators poke fun at American Football, which, if your anything like me, is an instant win.

Bottom line, Ben There Dan That is a great adventure classic that lives in the same humorous vein as the classic LucasArts adventure titles. Anybody, and I do mean anybody, who enjoyed the old Monkey island games needs to give Ben There Dan That a play through. I mean, aside from the fact that it costs nothing, it’s a great game that could easily be sold for $5-$10 and been worth it. The writing is top notch even for a AAA title and can easily go head to head against other comedic gaming greats like Brutal Legend.

Oh and I completely forgot to mention the puzzles. Well, I won’t go into much detail, but they are really good… funny too.

Now go download and play Ben There Dan That. No stalling, it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon and you have nothing better to do anyways.

[Download from Zombie Cow]