The Legend of Kyrandia (Book One)

I remember getting this game in the 1990s and playing it as soon as I got it. I don't remember where I got it from but I did enjoy playing it though I got stuck a few times. The biggest part that stumped me was the Labyrinth where you're trying to navigate an underground maze with the help of fireberries. Unfortunately, for all you would-be players out there, there is no way around this puzzle. Still, I enjoyed seeing a different take on a young man's proverbial date with destiny. This game was my first foray into Westwood Studios; way before Red Alert and the Tiberium saga. Oh, and Dune. Regarding the Labyrinth section, it helps to have a map so you know where you're going and how to avoid the hungry shadow beasts. I'm only giving this 4 out of 5 stars because of the frustrating puzzles and getting stuck at certain points. But as Westwood Studios' answer to King's Quest, it's just as good. Plus, you don't have to worry about typing; just point-and-click. Bottom line: try it if you have the patience and don't mind saving often. And save if you're not sure about a certain scenario or action.

I remember being around 10 years old when I played this on my Mac around '94. I was disappointed that the Mac didn't get the 2nd or 3rd book of the series(Typical anti-game Mac lol). All the voice acting is as cheesy as I remembered it, which gave it a certain charm. I always hated running out of Fireberries in the caves when I was younger. This game brings back a lot of childhood memories.

Legend of Kyrandia is a very solid point-and-click adventure with a solid (if somewhat simple) plot, great looking world, and smooth as butter gameplay. But it is also very much a product of it’s time, with issues like the ability to lock yourself out of winning, laughable voiced lines, and bug or two. To call it the best game ever would be a bald-faced lie, but it is a very good little title from a by-gone time that aged very well. If you like this kind of game, you could do far worse then to check it out.

I'm a sucker for retro gaming, so like a moth drawn to the fire, I will always play retro games if given the chance, no matter how bad or good. Kyrandia had my interest peaked when I realized it was three different games. Who doesn't want to the keep the adventure going if you really enjoy the game? The game was a joy to play! The backgrounds, the music, and the characters were fun to discover and amazing to gaze upon. The puzzles, however, can get really frustrating. I think one thing that irritates me more than anything in a game is constant back tracking due to lack of direction, meaningless side tasks, or the never ending fear of forgetting that one item you needed at the end of the game. This game tends to do that... a lot. You also need to save frequently because you can die pretty unexpectedly in a lot of places of the game. Other than those frustrations, I did honestly enjoy playing the game! It's a smooth interface and a joy!

I loved these games when they came out, and I still do. I think the graphics have aged well, especially with the resurgence of pixel art games, and the music, sound effects, and gameplay provided a trip down memory lane that didn't disappoint me.