My rating: 8 / 10
This is, in my opinion, one of the best adventures released by Sierra On Line . Created by Jane Jensen great, it is not easy and not an adventure soon, and certainly not for the newcomers to the world of adventure games. It has a compelling story, defined characters, clever puzzles, well-constructed dialogue. It is all the "realistic" one would expect from an adventure game. A true adventure game with full (in block capitals).
As mentioned, the story is compelling: we could say that it is a supernatural suspense thriller, which would be the envy of any Hollywood screenwriter, or any style writer Stephen King or Dean R. Koontz. The good thing about the story is reinforced by the characters and not only by the protagonist, Gabriel Knight. They are not mere puppets animated idiots repeat phrases over and over again, but almost look like actors play their part. To make matters worse, the game features the voices of real actors. Without going any further, the manager to give voice to Gabriel is Tim Curry, the famous British actor (who will charge quite a reputation thanks to the interpretation of the evil clown Pennywise, for the film It, based on the best-selling Stephen King).
Another important aspect, of course, are the animations, which added to the voices and dialogue, make the game even better. I refer not only to the animation sequences (which are many and very well done), I mean the movements of the characters during the game. For example, Gabriel can remove a shirt, scratching his head, rising to dance with a psychic, hugs her grandmother, etc., a fluent and convincing. Not limited to raising an arm every time you have to do something, things do not magically appear in the inventory when we get them, without the character moving a finger.
And since I mention the animation is a good time to talk about the graphics. They're all good you would expect from a game that dates back to 1993. Needless to say, compared with the current game graphics do not seem a big deal, but it would make a similar comparison turpitude. For those who do not know, let me say that it is as good as Monkey Island 2, but in a realistic style. The first drawings of the characters are made when we started a conversation, are wonderful. And even move his mouth when speaking. Mention this in the XXI century, it might sound silly, but we must not forget that we are talking about a game that has already eighteen.
As for the sound, sound effects (open a door, moving furniture), saying simply that they are good enough. Fulfill their mission. Most notable, perhaps, is the music, not to mention, of course, vocals. Each scenario has its own soundtrack. Some are happy, others sad, but the truth is that sometimes they can become monotonous if we take too long in one place.
The "playability" something very important in any adventure, is quite comfortable. Sierra typical of the icon bar at the top of the screen that appears when you drag the cursor there, but in a slightly different format, with the icons and grouped small action in one sector, and also adorned face of a lion and a serpent at each end. While, yes, the icons may be a bit confusing at first. For example, the icon to "open" is a little door. This would suggest that only serves to open doors, but also serves to open boxes, chests, etc.
Well, now that I have finished all the positive aspects of the game, I think it is to talk about the negatives that make Gabriel Knight: Sins of the fathers, not a perfect adventure, for this brief and imperfect analysis is as fair as possible.
For starters, the most important negative aspect: we run the risk of dying. This is the worst thing that can have an adventure game, the possibility that we might die if we make a mistake or if we do something in time to save our lives. It is so frustrating as frustrating and often ends up being a reason why the player gets tired and decides to leave without having completed the adventure. "Death is fun, "as Ron would say Gilbert great and that is something that should be applied to any adventure game.
Another feature that can be taken as "against" is the excessive difficulty of the game. It takes lots of patience and dedication to reach the final. This is not a game that finished in half an hour, and if you spend just a few minutes per day, may take several finishing. As mentioned at the outset, it may not be an adventure highly recommended for newbies (especially if we consider the possibility of dying), but rather for experienced players with enough nerve Tanned and puzzles to tackle complex situations.
Finally, a negative aspect totally personal and subjective, which is also a common factor in all the Sierra adventures: the fact that win points per puzzle solved. I just do not like to win points as I'm playing an adventure. If you want to win points, I get to play Pac Man or Space Invaders. I think the score is something that in some way, "kill" the illusion of playing an adventure game, although it may serve to indicate that we are moving and doing things right. But personally, I feel a bit like a dog to give him a cookie for doing a trick. As I said, is a negative point entirely personal and subjective, it should not be taken into account by those who do not share my humble opinion.
To finish: Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers is an excellent adventure. Very well told, very entertaining and interesting. For real thrill seekers, this is a true relic, reminiscent of the best adventures of old and makes you want to take back games as well. Which perhaps is asking too much.
Note: This brief analysis can also be read in Advenzone.net .
Note: This brief analysis can also be read in Advenzone.net .