The Legend of Kyrandia (Book One)

First Kyrandia is on my top 10 list for several reasons. First is obviously its nostalgic value. (This Good old Games after all) It was one of the first adventure game we played as a kids together, trying to solve puzzles and drawing maps etc. Second is beautiful graphic and music, that gives it nice and almost zen-like atmosphere. Puzzles are probably not that great, granted and some of the Lucas Arts or Sierra games were much better at this. But they somehow fit with rest of the game. All in all, this is very decent adventure game that is worth playing even today.

A classic that has aged pretty decently. The first scene with the tree talking mumbo-jumbo about mother earth got me worried that Kyrandia would be in the same writing style as Loom. Fortunately it wasn't, as Kyrandia has a good amount of humorous dialogue. There are also several funny death scenes, so if you're playing for the first time, make sure to save often. I also enjoyed the music very much. It was very soothing without becoming monotonous or boring. The puzzles were good through most of the game. I liked the caverns labyrinth with the required map-making. However, there were quite a few puzzles that either required brute-forcing, or making wild guesses, especially in the castle part. This was acceptable in early 90s games but 30 years later it's a turnoff. Fortunately, the game includes a hintbook in the extras, so you won't be left scratching your head when the solution is to just brute-force.

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.