I will preface my review with a strong warning : The Police Quest games were the first PC games I was introduced to that had me "hooked". I spent years playing all 4 of these games, and continue to do so every once in awhile (Like checking in on an old neighbor) Sierra was a household name in the industry of video games during the late 80's / early to mid 90's. While competition would come from other powerhouse companies such as LucasArts and MicroProse, Sierra would often take familiar settings / stories and apply them into their 'Adventure' formula to be released to thousands of hungry and ultimately satisfied customers. The Police Quest series applied the formula to our boys in blue. While the original trilogy share a story of drugs, murder, and the pursuit of a "Death Angel", each game applies certain elements of police work in a different manner. PQ 1 seems to focus more on the daily grind of a police officer, you go from investigating a traffic incident turned murder to responding to a public nuisance call involving parking spots and motorcycles. No day would be incomplete without a few traffic stops either. The story itself is exciting. PQ2 drops the traffic / mundane work of being a police officer and throws you right into a "catch the escaped criminal" scenario. The game focuses more on the training elements of being a police officer. Your weapon must always be calibrated, investigative tools always be stocked, and a keen eye for detail always equipped. The story itself seems like it could have been borrowed from an episode of America's Most Wanted. Gameplay is limited to the famous typing parser Sierra would use during this era. PQ3 seems to focus on the actual human persona side of being a police officer. The game attempts a variety of different psychological elements to allow you to "feel" like you are the main character. By far, one of my favorite of the series. The game feels like a giant leap foward in terms of the maturity necessary to play
