The Legend of Kyrandia (Book One)

This Point-and-Click Adventure is very short, but it's is a game that I used to just dream about playing someday. It's hard to really nail it down, but there's something about the atmosphere, the environments, and the way it all unfolds that makes it something I've always wanted. The story, itself, isn't anything terribly out of the ordinary, but the way it takes you to the places that it does is what makes this really shine. Humor is sprinkled throughout, but sometimes, it's hard to tell whether or not it's intentional. The music is spectacular, if you like early '90s synth. The actual gameplay is good, what little is there. You'll collect gems and other ingredients for a variety of things, but primarily for mixing potions. The puzzles are pretty decent, with a few obtuse moments, but in this day and age, walkthroughs are common. so it's not really a problem. There are a few moments where I wish the game told you what certain things do, including one of the spells that you get. There's even a section where it would behoove you to draw your own map, if you're into that sort of thing. My biggest gripe with the gameplay is that there isn't enough of it. Mixing potions is fun, but very limited and the actual game is pretty short. Your mileage may vary, but this is a game that I wish I'd had back when it was new, though I'm still glad that GOG brought it to me now!

A huge disappointment. The game has serious flaws, crazy amounts of dead-ends and frustrating wandering around and trying this and that and hoping for a right combination. The puzzles are not adventure game puzzles that you're used to in Sierra's or Lucasarts' games. I bought the entire Kyrandia pack, but only managed to play the second game, as it's the only one with good gameplay and a fun lead character. Nr. 1 & 3 are just lame and I didn't bother finishing them.

I first played this at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry when I was very young, and the game has stuck with me ever since. From the opening music, the game strikes exactly the right chord, and sets a great tone. This is Kyrandia, a land of wonder. The game is fully voice-acted, and quite well in my opinion. There is a great deal of humor, a great story, and good puzzles to be found. Westwood Studios' Kyrandia series is highly under-rated, and I feel that this series stands up to the best that Lucasarts and Sierra had to offer.

I never got to play this trilogy back in the day, I only got my hands on the sequel Hand of Fate. I remember that game fondly and figured I'd start with this one. Now that I've completed it I must say it was a really good experience, at times frustating as it should but mostly just plain entertaining. Good story and acting, great music and general atmosphere. Highly recommended for fans of the genre. I can't wait to continue with Hand of Fate!

I love this game, but frustration reminds me very quickly ... no tips, trying solutions through save and load. Noteworthy is the extra guide to download, really worth reading for the for the walkthrough, which is quite specific and reflects the character of the series.