Most of my childhood gaming is defined by classic Point-and-Click adventure games. I discovered this well after the whole Kyrandia trilogy was released. I had just finished various King's Quest / Space Quest games, Sam and Max Hit the Road, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, The Dig. I found the Kyrandia trilogy in a discounted box set. Instant buy (thanks Mom, lol). Much of this game is great, and yes, occasionally held back by painstaking, mind-numbing puzzles (jungle maze, anyone?). However, it's full of outstanding dialogue and the "Mood" system is one of a kind. At any point in the game, you can set Malcolm to any of three dispositions - Lying, Normal, or Nice. This changes the dialogues and interactions with any of the characters and many of the events as well. You're often rewarded for selecting the ideal mood. Sometimes it's necessary for progression, but just as often, is only a personal choice and to explore different outcomes. The ongoing appearances of your dual "consciences" (basically two individual personas representing angel and devil) provide non stop comic relief. Seriously, the Mood system and bickering betwen your competing consiences, is an under-discussed and underrated aspect of this game. Unlike many P&C adventure games, your inventory items can be dropped on the floor throughout, which opens things up considerably. It tells you that not every item is essential, which gets the gears turning in terms of figuring out what you need and when, and recollecting dropped items as needed. Sometimes, dropping an item proves to be the solution to a puzzle. The personal highlight, is the SOUNTRACK. It's a huge variety of musical styles from funk, drum and bass, groove, traditional fantasy themes, and more. Years later, I discovered the soundtrack is by none other than FRANK KLEPACKI (of Command & Conquer fame). No wonder parts of it literally sound like C&C. Westwood was a genius for hiring him for this game. There are also multiple paths, some areas you'll never see depending on the course of choices you took prior. Significant replay value. If you're an adventure games fan...take the low-star reviews with a grain of salt. PLAY THIS GAME. It's the most unique of the trilogy and has a lot to offer.
