My first encounter with Jules Verne's sci-fi classic Around the World in Eighty Days was not through the novel itself.

Though I'd love to say I was lounging around reading French literature at the age of 6, in truth I was watching quaint, already outdated cartoons like Around the World With Willy Fog.

Though the cartoon adaption turned the globe trotting Phileas Fogg into a talking lion, Inkle's upcoming digital adventure book 80 Days is a little more faithful to the original text.

In the game - which will be released this Thursday - you assume the role of Fogg's assistant Passepartout who must help his companion win a bet to circumnavigate the globe in under 80 days.

I'll admit right now that I'm excited about this one. The game is superbly presented, extremely well-written, and full of choices and intrigue. 

If you can't wait till Thursday to get a peek at 80 Days, take a look at the hands-on video below.