is by far the most traditional text adventure on the list, but that doesn't make it dull. For one thing it's a well-written tale that gives you lots of exciting decisions; for another thing, it takes place on the friggin' moon. Can't argue with that really.

Is a game about a planet full of dead people, including you. You are dead. There are also terrifying spider things and skyscrapers of the dead and a number of other mysterious qualities. The whole game has a pleasent noirish quality to it, right down to some not-safe-for-work language and imagery.

is a text adventure about playing text adventures. As Tony the Thief you have to navigate not only the game within a game but also your relationships with friends and companions within the game and out in the "real" world, which is separate from the game's virtual BBS. It all sounds a little confusing but it's actually quite natural, and delightful, in game.