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Arguably the best adventure game series ever made, Gabriel Knight not only
sets new standards of interactive storytelling, but also proves that computer games
can be no less literate, mature, well-informed, and thought-provoking than other media.
Jane Jensen has created in a disheveled, egotistical, and tormented New Orleans writer
one of the most memorable computer game protagonists of all time, and thrust the term
Shattenjäger into the public spotlight. Every new Gabriel Knight game not only has an
even better story than the last, but also pushed the technological envelope at Sierra
in creative ways that no other designer can match. The amazing character-independent
movement modes and interface in this game is testament to how 3D can actually enhance
gameplay in adventure genre. It tackles Rennes-le-Château, one of the world's most
famous unsolved mysteries and one of the most hotly-contested locations of the Holy
Grail. Gabriel and Grace were requested by Prince James to help guard son from evil
men he suspected to be vampires. One night as they were on watch, a mysterious kidnapper
succeeds in abducting the baby. Gabriel pursued them on a train, only to find himself
whacked on the head and woke up in Rennes-le-Château. He has no choice but to check
himself in a hotel, explore the area, and find the missing baby. True to the region's
rich history, you will soon come across references to various legends including the
Knight Templars, vampires, political conspiracies, and of course the Holy Grail itself...
the unravelling of which will explain not only why Prince James' son is important,
but also sheds light on Gabriel's own destiny. You can roam around the scenes as
Gabriel/Grace stands still, and soon as you want to interact with something,
Gabriel/Grace will walk over to the hotspot. This independent movement method and
the game's real time gameplay makes possible some excellent puzzles, such as stealing
Mosely's passport. As with previous games, the amount of research that went into GK3
gives rise to not only a believable plot, but also some compelling puzzles. The La
Serpent Rouge puzzle you get to solve as Grace using Sidney, the in-game computer,
is one of the most elaborate (and even educational!) puzzles ever devised. With an
outstanding plot, great characters (Tim Curry is once again back to his celebrated
role as the voice of Gabriel Knight), and exceptional gameplay, it will glue you to
the screen for days on end. If you like mature, thought-provoking adventure games,
you can't go far wrong with this classic. |