While KQ7 got pretty lame reviews, I don't think it deserved them. I loved KQ7 almost as much as I liked KQ6 (still the greatest adventure game of all time). Yes, the graphics are cartoon-y, but the game is a King's Quest game all the same. You still get hilarious "death" messages, the puzzles are challenging, and the character dynamics are awesome. Overall, wonderful game. KQ8 is a beast of a different color, however. If you're hoping to find Alexander, Graham, Valanice, or Rosella, you're sorely disappointed. While it's not a terrible game in and of itself, it's not altogether a King's Quest game, which makes it somewhat disappointing to die-hard fans of the series (like me). However, as a lover of RPG's, I have to say, it's an okay game on its own. It won't leave you dying for more, but it'll leave you satisfied for playing. On another note, if you're into this series, the (unofficial) KQ9 is up, and it's a much better ending than KQ8 was. It's called "The Silver Lining."
Oh, King's Quest, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Yes, the plots are linear, and yes, the puzzles never change, but I have played all three of these games more than once. I can tell you that I have completed King's Quest VI no less than 20 times. Why? Quite honestly, replaying a King's Quest game (any KQ game) is like rereading your favorite book. You want to play again because the plot is so intriguing and you have fallen absolutely head-over-heels in love with the characters. The puzzles are fun, though at times frustrating. But the humor makes it worthwhile, too. I used to save the game, then die on purpose just to see what crazy message I would get. (My favorite comes from KQ I remake. If you fall down the well, you get the message "Well, well, well, water you going to do now?"). These games are refreshing and, for kids, they do wonders for problem solving skills. I would highly, highly recommend these games to anyone and everyone!!! Especially if you love a light-hearted, fun-filled adventure story! When I had to get Windows Vista, I was depressed for the main reason that I could not play King's Quest anymore. Thanks, GOG, for bringing it back!
