Gabriel Knight Mysteries Pack (PC) (Gabriel Knight Mysteries Pack (PC))

Member Name: marlowe

Product:	Gabriel Knight Mysteries Pack (PC)
Date:	28/01/09 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good storylines,good attention to detail, overall a good set of games

Disadvantages: Slow moving graphics sometimes

The Gabriel Knight trilogy must surely stand as one of Sierra's finest set of games for the PC. First released over 15 years ago the original story introduces us to the protaganist, a second hand and rare book dealer named Gabriel Knight, who lives in New Orleans. The majority of the game's plot is centred around that city, though parts of it also take place in Germany, where we learn more about the ancestry of Mr Knight and the reasons for his current straitened means. As the game's plot progresses a tale of horror and suspense, focused around voodoo beliefs and a growing love affair enable the storyline to be brought to a devastating conclusion.
The graphics in the story cannot, of course, be compared to those of today, yet placed in the context of their time they are perfectly acceptable. Employing good artistic 2d graphics, a talented voiceover cast - which includes Mark Hamill and Tim Curry - and good musical score this is a game that, whilst it will not stand against some of the more developed later games, nevertheless is rewarding both to play and see.
The second in the series takes place primarily in Germany and continues with the horror and mystery theme., though preferring this time to centre on Werewolves as the plot. Sierra have, this time, gone for a different interface and, as a consequence, Gabriel Knight 2 was one of the early FMVs to appear on the PC gaming world. Different voices are used for several of the recurring characters, including that of Gabriel Knight himself. Ironically, it is this use of video pictures and actors that ensures the game does not run as smoothly as the original one. Due to the technical limitations of the time there are often significant waits whilst the game has to load another scene. Once these are overcome, however, the game is once more very enjoyable and the attention to detail with regard to both the geographical areas and some of the legends and historoes recounted, are very accurate.
The final game looks at the lore of the Vampire for the storyline and, rather unfortunately, appears to be the weakest of the trilogy. The graphics and plotline are adequate and there is enough in the game to warrant that it be played with to the end, but it lacks the imagination and plotlines that ensured the success of the first two. Combined with a disappointing ending, in my view, this is a game which is sufficient for tying up any loose ends, or for using up a few spare hours, but can not be ranked as one of the best games.

Summary: A good trilogy to buy.