Gabriel Knight II
Published By: Sierra

Reviewed by Annette Bechamps
8/5/99

(Due to it's enormous popularity among our members, we will be doing a preview of Gabriel Knight III. To introduce those of you who have never played a Gabriel Knight game, Annette was kind enough to post this review. Make sure you read the interview with the game's author, Jane Jensen!)

First Impressions:

What do you get when you mix a great story with good acting, puzzles that are well integrated into the story, not too easy nor hard, and music that plays in your head well after you turn your computer off for the night? A game that is a cut above any other adventure offering, that can still hold it’s own many years later. Gabriel Knight became a legend in Sins of the Fathers. The writer, Jane Jensen, brought the story up several notches in the second installment by the addition of live actors; bringing a degree of emotion in the mix that cannot be gotten in any amount of 3D.

The Beast Within is the continuing story of Gabriel Knight and picks up a year after Sins of the Father. Since then Gabriel has written and sold a book based on his experience in GK1 and helped pay the debts on the Ritter estate in Germany, which is where he currently resides. He has been bequeathed the title of Shattenjager and Gabriel’s story begins with an opening movie of the townspeople asking for his help with a supernatural being, a werewolf. Grace comes along for the ride and you control both characters in separate chapters in point and click style, solving two separate mysteries that later become enmeshed as one. The story flawlessly combines history and fantasy using the association of Ludwig of Bavaria and the great composer Wagner and tying it in with the current Werewolf mystery.

It is easy to become involved in the three main characters because of the emotions projected by the professional style of acting. Working in front of a blue screen has clearly not hindered their believable performance. Gabriel Knight is the handsome but conceited bumbling hero who somehow manages to get the job done in spite of himself. Grace, his sidekick, is a typical nineties, no nonsense woman, who carries a chip on her shoulder and her heart on her sleeve; both because of Gabriel. And last but not least is the tall dark and drop dead gorgeous immortal werewolf, who oozes an intermingling of sex and sophistication. The supporting cast most notably, the rough Leber and the tender hearted Gerde also add their own blend of realism and pathos to their roles.

Graphics:

Most of the backgrounds are actual photographs taken on location in Germany. Even though they look washed out and drab in today’s technology, there is still a certain charm that is added to the game because of this. The cinematic sequences are so well written and exciting (especially the prologue movie and Grace’s dream, Chapter 4), they are still the equivalent of a Hollywood production.

Sound:

The music is haunting and melodious and enhances the game throughout. The Wagnerian style opera was convincingly done and probably the best part and reward for playing the game.

Gameplay:

GK2 is played in third person perspective in point and click style. Each time you click on something you either get a comment from Gabriel or Grace or a cinematic sequence where they complete whatever action is required. Conversations are selected but make no difference in order or sequence, as each must be selected in order to further the story. The game interface is intuitive and lights up when an action can be performed. A location map is used to go easily to each location. The puzzles are interesting and fit in well with the storyline. The use of the cuckoo clock to replicate someone knocking was an ingenious touch!

Enjoyment:

Gabriel Knight is still a viable competitor against the best games out today. The story alone will hold you captive throughout until the end, where you will be left gasping for more. If you haven’t yet entered the world of Gabriel Knight, lucky you! Countless fans have had to endure more than three years of waiting since The Beast Within first appeared on store shelves. Now the third installment's expected release is only months away. The Beast Within still has the ability to run a shiver up your spine when the first chords of the recurring theme are played.

Multiplayer:

N/A

Overall Impression:

Lock your doors and turn off the phone. Just don’t forget to eat and sleep. Put in the first CD of Gabriel Knight and enter the magic.

Marketing Efforts Towards Women:

Grace is an awesome, intelligent character, and I for one am glad that she will be one of the main players in GK III (Circe).Keep a look out for her in our digital women section.

Cheats, Hints & URLs:

Want to get prepared for the release of GK III? We highly recommend Prima's Official Strategy Guide. Usually ships within 24 hours.