Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers

I bought the game years ago when it was released on 11 floppy disks, now, years later, I bought the CD talkie version and I still play it over and over again, probably every half a year. I keep asking myself "Why?" I know all solutions to all the riddles and quests, I know all the dialogue - and still I can't stop putting that CD in my driver over and over again. This game is absolutely magnificent and probably the best adventure game ever! Although I liked the second part "The Beast Within" too (and totally disliked the third one!) I wish they'd make a fourth part... in 2D, without FMV and without 3D graphics! What wonderful 2D(!) games must be possible these days when you look at todays (mainly 3D) games?

But let's get back to GK:SOTF. Years ago I was so amazed by the beautiful animations, the complex story and the score. Sierra put a lot of effort in this and I hope so dearly that we see such beautiful 2D games again in future... when we all got sick of hi-realistic 3D rendering. That would be my biggest game-related dream: Gabriel Knight 4 in 2D just like part one... with the same voice cast :-)

Parents please keep in mind, that GK is definitely no game for children. Sometimes it becomes pretty gory and bloody. But everybody who's no afraid of a few litres of pixelblood will have a wonderful time.

If you've never played this game, GO AND DO IT!!!

I admit I don't play video games all that much, but my brother does like to every now and again. When I saw that Tim Curry did the voice of Gabriel Knight I was even more interested. As for the game itself, it is wonderful. The plot is not always easy to follow, but for me that wasn't a bad thing, if anything it added to the fun. Also this plot is quite a clever one, and unfolds with no problem at all.

I was also impressed with Sins of the Fathers's dialogue. Like the plot it is clever, but it is also funny, witty, smart and sophisticated. The look of the game is also to be admired. The colours are excellent, the characters are well-modelled and the backgrounds are great. Also strong is the score, it is very rousing and jaunty, but also beautiful and haunting at the same time.

The characters and voice work are also a big part of why Sins of the Fathers works so well. Gabriel himself is roguish, charming and handsome, with cool lines and asides. Tim Curry, who I have loved for goodness knows how long, does a perfect job voicing him. The other characters are equally engaging and voiced very well by the likes of Mark Hamill and Leah Ramini.

All in all, if you love video games, Sins of the Father is almost something of a requirement if you haven't played it already. Also, check out the sequels, they are just as good, if not better, the third is my personal favourite of the whole series. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I am a huge fan of Adventure games (quests), the way they existed at the time when no unnecessary 3D technology was available, and people who made games counted on CONTENTS to make it worth. This game is one of the gems (along with Monkey Island 1,2) that make me stand for the 'quest' genre, and shout for it! ;) A masterpiece, really! I've played it again and again, and it never stops amazing me, it is so... REAL... I can't describe it...

Now, there are rarely new samples of this genre, and if so, they tend to spread onto tons of discs, and cannot offer that kind of INVOLVING with the characters and environment, and events, that will make your hair stand on end.

Just superb, you HAVE to play it! :)

Gabriel Knight immediately made an impression on me as it was one of the few games I have been able to completely immerse myself into.

I turn off all the lights and close the curtains, turn up the sound and discard my life and responsibilities for a few precious hours.

A form of escapism? most definitely, I played Gabriel Knight not just for the entertainment, but for the plot and story, I hungered for more, I wished to experience everything that Gabriel experience.. so unlike my dreary mundane life.

One unique characteristic of this adventure game is its "real life" setting. It seems the norm these days for adventure games to be set in magical fantasy cities or post apocalyptic war-zones. In either case it certainly raises an eyebrow when you come across a game set in modern day New Orleans. A normal city with magical properties of its own. The unique blend of white, carribean and French influences make it unlike any other place on earth. And this comes through in the game. The setting and backdrop to the drama that unfolds has a life of its own and certainly adds to the flavour of the game.

The gameplay itself un folds in a somewhat pedestrian fashion and there are a great deal of questions that you must find answers too in order to unravel the plot. However it is this pedestrian real world approach that makes the game more enjoyable. Such attention to realism makes it all the more easier to delve into.

GK is one game that i won't ever forget for some time. Its like reading a dark mystery novel only YOU become the author! This game is very, very long. But its a dang good one. Its characters are voiced over perfectly along with the correct scenery and proper music. I still haven't had a chance to play its sequels yet. I would hope that they are just as good.

check this one out.