Space Quest I: Roger Wilco in The Sarien Encounter (VGA Version)

"Unnecessary, but a pretty good remake"

In the early 90's, Sierra began remaking the first installment of many of their trademark games. King's Quest I, Police Quest I, and Leisure Suit Larry I all received fresh coats of paint. Obviously, Space Quest I was updated as well. Initially, I was pretty opposed to these remakes (as you would definitely know if you read my first version of this review), as it seemed the original parser games disappeared. This not only jumbled up the series (going from a point and click VGA game to the old parser sequel isn't exactly great continuity), but it was like trying to erase the past. However, it is nice to see your favorite characters looking more realistic, and the improved graphics and updated gameplay did make the game more accessible to newer gamers.

Back when this game could still be purchased from Sierra (an era I really miss), they didn't have the original, only the remake. Now, I'm one of those people that always prefers the original version of something, primitive graphics and all (actually, I find the older graphics more interesting than the updated stuff). That was why I was sour on the game at first. However, playing the original and the remake again, I realize they really compliment each other pretty well.

Story (9/10)- Same as the original, but the original had an interesting story anyway, so it's no big deal. You are Roger Wilco, a janitor that finds himself in the middle of a plot to rule the galaxy, courtesy of an evil group known as The Sariens. Nothing has really changed in this aspect.

Gameplay (10/10)- No real faults in the gameplay. Sierra's point-and-click interface was used here, and it works well. Navigating Roger is a breeze, as is the save menu, etc. However, note that this game will run faster than normal on modern computers without the use of some slow-down tool (the same thing plagues the CD version of Space Quest IV).

Graphics (10/10)- Very, very nice. The backgrounds are excellent, and the characters are a lot of fun to just watch. With improved graphics, there is more room for sight gags. Scenes are also more effective. At the beginning, with dead bodies all over the place, the shaking of the ship, and the timer, there is a much more realistic atmosphere this time around. No complaints with the graphics, they fit the game well and are great for the time.

Sound (10/10)- Another strong point. The SQ theme sounds as good as ever, and sound effects are fairly realistic. There are some very good tunes here and there, and I loved the bar.

Replay (7/10)- Easier navigation and better graphics and sound help replay value, but once you've been through the game once, there's very few reasons to go through it again right away. You'll probably only play this once in awhile.

All in all, it's a pretty good game. It fits in well with the newer games in the series (namely IV and V), even if it does mess up the continuity a bit. Frankly, I think everyone should have both this game, and the original, if only for comparisons sake. I suppose if Sierra had to remake the original Space Quest, they did the best job they could here, and the final result was pretty successful. If you're looking for a good Sierra VGA game, this is a safe bet.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/16/03, Updated 05/26/05