Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers

"An adventure gaming classic"

For many years I have been a huge fan of the adventure game genre, but over the years there was one series I had been missing out on – the much-acclaimed Gabriel Knight series. So, after experiencing the splendour that was Gabriel Knight 3, I decided to delve into the roots of the dark and wonderful series by investigating Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers. Here are my findings. Delve? Investigate? Findings? Smells like a mystery adventure game to me…

Ah yes, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers (SOTF for short) is a mystery game, make no mistake. However, it is a mystery game of the HIGHEST calibre. It may be getting on for 7 years old now, but it is one of the best adventure games that you can play, that's for sure.

Released in 1993, SOTF was the first in a trilogy of games that revolves around the swaggering escapades of, surprise surprise, Gabriel Knight. A writer and owner of a ‘rare books' store – not a bookstore – a *rare* books store. Working on a book entitled the Voodoo murders, what starts off a simple research task, turns into a chilling tale of murder, voodoo, romance, passion, suspense and horror. Along with the able research of his shop assistant Grace and the fumbling nuances of Detective Mosley (his mother's maiden name is Humphrey – play the game, you'll get it) Gabe is swept unwillingly into the mystery that intertwines with his past, present and future.

As you can see, one of the most important and wonderful points of SOTF is the storyline. With the storyline written by Jane Jensen, you cannot go far wrong. With a mature plot that treats the audience like adults, SOTF is one game that you can truly say is for adults. The characters are unique and come alive in this breathtaking story and are portrayed excellently by their respective actors. Gabriel Knight's character is made his own by none other than resident Clue butler himself, Tim Curry, who's ‘unique' take on the New Orleans accent will make you either love it or loathe it. I loved it. Grace Nakimura is portrayed by then-child star Charity James, and her scathing sarcasm will keep you chuckling throughout. Also joining the party is none other than Mr. Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, whose portrayal as Detective Franklin Mosley is superb and his comments will keep you laughing more than Grace's sarcasm. Also along for the ride is Michael Dorn, better known as Worf from Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, who plays the inimitable Dr. John. Mary Kay Bergman, may she rest in peace, of South Park and countless other voice acting roles, adds her unique touch to the game with the role of Gerde.

With a cast like that you can hardly go wrong and SOTF does not. It's storyline is bolstered by the talents of the actors no doubt. But the whole feel game is just spot on.

The graphics are now getting on for 7 years old, but for the time they were absolutely wonderful. The graphics are moody and atmospheric and lend themselves to the game perfectly, and the cutscenes are also very compelling and leap out at you with their disturbing imagery. Believe me, the way the images in the nightmare will stick in your mind.

The audio of the game is a class above with it's top quality voice acting with over 7000 lines of dialogue, which is more than 3 full-length Disney motion pictures put together. And the sound effects are interwoven perfectly into the game also, with the sound of the Harley, and the sounds of the park. And you can't talk about audio in SOTF without mentioning the soundtrack. The music is just outstanding and deserves to have high accolades. Each audio score done masterfully by Robert Holmes.

And of course, the gameplay, as should be evident by now is perfect. The puzzles are spot on, not too hard, and each time you solve one and advance the plot on it has the greatest feeling of satisfaction, due to the fact the puzzles are so finely interwoven into the plot that it makes you gasp the smile. It may be your simple point-n-click gameplay, but that's what makes it so wonderful – take your time and look around, take in the game and marvel at the story.

If you have not played this game before, then I suggest that you stop reading this now, go out and find the Gabriel Knight Mysteries pack and buy it now. What are you still doing here. GO! GO!

Graphics: 9 – For the time, this were exceptional. Moody, atmospheric, brilliant.

Audio: 10 – Can't fault it. Brings the game totally to life. Voice acting, music, everything.

Replayability: 8 – You will want to experience this game again and again.

Gameplay: 9 – With an involving storyline, brilliant characters, and intricately woven puzzles, you can't go wrong.

An adventure gaming classic, and one that must not be missed.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/22/00, Updated 01/22/00