"The Greatest Sequel in Gaming History"

GRAPHICS - Full motion video games were all the rage at one point in time, with successful releases like The 7th Guest. Then things changed. People complained that FMV-based games were too limiting and too ambitious for what they could actually provide in terms of gameplay. In the time before FMV-based entertainment software became completely dead as a successful style of computer product, Sierra built a huge blue screen studio where they made FMV games. The first of these was Roberta Williams' Phantasmagoria, a disappointing game that spanned an enormous 7 CDs of actors mixed with corny computer generated backdrops. Despite its size CD-wise, Phantasmagoria was the perfect example of why FMV games usually sucked; it was far too easy and could be beaten in a single day. The only game to ever be made using an FMV-based system that ended up being a masterpiece was, ironically, also made by Sierra. However, Jane Jensen is a far better writer and designer than Roberta Williams, and this game really proves that. The game is just as playable from a gameplay standpoint as the original, animated GK was (I'll get to that later in the Gameplay section). In terms of visual presentation, this game is superior to its predecessor. The movie sequences in the game (of which there are over 6 hours worth through 6 CDs) are done using actors on blue screen sets 95% of the time, but this time the backdrops are photo-real. They are actual shots from many real locations in Germany, which gives the game a sense of realism, detail, and immersiveness that most games can never hope to match. As for the other 5% of FMV, it's done on actual exteriors and an interior opera scene. The FMV is significantly better visually and far better directed than just about any other game you're apt to play (of course, camera movement is limited due to the bluesceen). In terms of actual gameplay graphics, they are exactly like the original GK (completely 2D) only here the backgrounds are photo-real instead of hand painted and the characters are actors you can guide around instead of animated characters. Also, the inventory and inspectable items are photo-real and extremely detailed. The envelopes look exactly like real envelopes, the parchments look like real parchments, and all the items look incredible; the detail that went into it is mind-boggling. The computer generated werewolves are the only graphical flaw this entire game has, and that's just because they don't mesh well with the live actors and realistic backgrounds. It's not enough to dock the game at all though, because the wolves look cool, they just also look...well...fake. Sierra games don't have feature film budgets, so this is very good for what they could afford. One of the most satisfying games, visually, I've ever played. Nothing that could really be called ground-breaking, but for a 2D adventure game, from a visual standpoint it's 99% flawless. SCORE: 10.0

MUSIC - Robert Holmes surpassed his work on the original GK, with his work in GK2. The music here sounds far more impressive in terms of texture and quality, and most of it is actually composed better as well. There are recurring themes from the original game (the most easy one to spot is the Police Station theme), and of course completely original pieces. The mood of the music in this game mixes a sort of classical romantic style with dark, exciting themes. It's very fitting and adds much to the experience. I really love the piece of music that plays while Gabe is sleeping and being "watched". It's also incredibly well done towards the end, with an opera sequence written exclusively for the game. SCORE: 9.5

STORY - Have you ever experienced a movie or game that was so great you couldn't imagine it being topped by a sequel? Well, as a general rule, sequels don't measure up. GK2, however, measures up and then some. The sheer depth and brilliance of the plot in GK2 surpasses that of the original. This time around Gabriel has accepted his role as Schattenjager and is staying at his family castle in Germany trying to write a new novel. It's about a year after the events in the original game and a little girl is murdered outside of her home near Munich. Locals come to the castle and request Gabriel's aid in seeking out her murderer. However, the killer was a wolf! Gabriel doesn't understand why he should look into it as opposed to the police. It just so happens that the police are looking into it, but they think two escaped wolves from a zoo are responsible. The locals don't agree. They are convinced that the killer was a werewolf. Gabriel agrees to look into it for them, and so begins another fantastic plot. This time around there are connections between werewolves, mad King Ludwig II, composer Richard Wagner, and a lost opera. The story is extremely intricate and detailed, with twists and revelations galore. Jane Jensen's writing here shows more prowess than the original game, even in terms of dialogue. Oh, and did I
mention that the climax is fantastic? SCORE: 10.0

CHARACTERS - This time around Jensen shows her talent for creating great characters once again. Gabriel, Grace, and Gerde are the returning characters from the original, while the rest are entirely new. The stand-out this time around is Von Glower, an exceptional character, and the leader of the Royal Bavarian Hunting Lodge. All of the other members of the hunt club are interesting characters too, particularly Von Zell, Klingman, and Price. Unfortunately, Mosely is still back in New Orleans, so his shoes are filled by a new cop named Leber. He's not very friendly most of the time, but he's integral to the final solution. Of course, Gerde, who was merely a bit-player in the events of the original game, gets a lot more development here. There are many other good characters too, including Gabriel's family lawyer Ubergrau, Georg the aspiring composer, and the comically bizarre Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The cast this time is equally wonderful in comparison to the original game, and the lead villain is much better. SCORE: 10.0

GAMEPLAY - GK2 plays the same way as GK (traditional adventure gaming, conversation dialogue trees, etc.) with only one real difference. That difference involves the number of cursors. GK had many different commands and choices (making it a slightly harder game), while GK2 features only one universal cursor for all actions. GK2 is still a very challenging game, and there's much more frustration involved in having the right idea but using the wrong cursor, which can't happen in GK2. Also, the gameplay here is improved by having the player switch off between playing as Gabriel and playing as Grace. There are six chapters in the game...three for Gabriel, two for Grace, and the final chapter utilizes both in an exciting race to the climax (no pun intended). As in the original game there is a point system to give you an idea of how much you actually did in the game, including optional things. Wonderfully addictive. SCORE: 9.5

ACTING - Here lies another problem that plagued the FMV games of old...bad acting. Well, luckily, the acting in GK2 is at least on par with most television movies and some theatrical movies. So, when it comes to comparison with games, it's near the top of the heap. I'm not saying the cast doesn't have a few bit-parts that are occupied by a less than stellar actor, but overall they do a fine job. Gabriel (Dean Erickson), Grace (Joanne Takahashi), and Gerde are all very well casted characters with some pretty good acting. The best of all is Peter Lucas as Von Glower. He's extremely well suited to the role, and I'm shocked that his talents have been reduced these days to starring in late night Skinemax features. The rest of the cast, which is quite large, is filled out nicely. Some of the best acting in a computer game. SCORE: 9.5

OVERALL SCORE: 9.8

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/23/04