This is one of my favorite computer games of all time. The plot is great, the dialog is wonderful, and the voices are fabulous. The voice over cast did some prime work here. Tim Curry, one of my favorite actors, voice was perfect for the part of Gabriel with his cutting wit and vocal charm. Garce Nakimura, played by Leah Remini, was also great for fending of Gabriel's advances and still being a great friend. Leah unfortunately didn't star in the later two games in the series which in my view was a great loss. Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Father still can make my skin craw which is no small feat for this seasoned veteran. I have been gaming since Zork 1 and Wizardry 1 were brand new games. I give this game a A++++
13 Reviews
Ohhh... DO NOT MISS!
Adaam2 January 2002
The first of the series... It's the begining... And a great one aswell! It isn't in the best graphics, nor the greatest sound. Yet the perfectly written story line, the wonderfuly compsed themes and intreging characters, surley cover up for it!
Certainly one of my top favourites ever!
Vladko6 October 2002
I am a huge fan of Adventure games (quests), the way they existed at the time when no unnecessary 3D technology was available, and people who made games counted on CONTENTS to make it worth. This game is one of the gems (along with Monkey Island 1,2) that make me stand for the 'quest' genre, and shout for it! ;) A masterpiece, really! I've played it again and again, and it never stops amazing me, it is so... REAL... I can't describe it...
Now, there are rarely new samples of this genre, and if so, they tend to spread onto tons of discs, and cannot offer that kind of INVOLVING with the characters and environment, and events, that will make your hair stand on end.
Just superb, you HAVE to play it! :)
Now, there are rarely new samples of this genre, and if so, they tend to spread onto tons of discs, and cannot offer that kind of INVOLVING with the characters and environment, and events, that will make your hair stand on end.
Just superb, you HAVE to play it! :)
Absolutely fantastic!
Delosario-225 June 2004
I bought the game years ago when it was released on 11 floppy disks, now, years later, I bought the CD talkie version and I still play it over and over again, probably every half a year. I keep asking myself "Why?" I know all solutions to all the riddles and quests, I know all the dialogue - and still I can't stop putting that CD in my driver over and over again. This game is absolutely magnificent and probably the best adventure game ever! Although I liked the second part "The Beast Within" too (and totally disliked the third one!) I wish they'd make a fourth part... in 2D, without FMV and without 3D graphics! What wonderful 2D(!) games must be possible these days when you look at todays (mainly 3D) games?
But let's get back to GK:SOTF. Years ago I was so amazed by the beautiful animations, the complex story and the score. Sierra put a lot of effort in this and I hope so dearly that we see such beautiful 2D games again in future... when we all got sick of hi-realistic 3D rendering. That would be my biggest game-related dream: Gabriel Knight 4 in 2D just like part one... with the same voice cast :-)
Parents please keep in mind, that GK is definitely no game for children. Sometimes it becomes pretty gory and bloody. But everybody who's no afraid of a few litres of pixelblood will have a wonderful time.
If you've never played this game, GO AND DO IT!!!
But let's get back to GK:SOTF. Years ago I was so amazed by the beautiful animations, the complex story and the score. Sierra put a lot of effort in this and I hope so dearly that we see such beautiful 2D games again in future... when we all got sick of hi-realistic 3D rendering. That would be my biggest game-related dream: Gabriel Knight 4 in 2D just like part one... with the same voice cast :-)
Parents please keep in mind, that GK is definitely no game for children. Sometimes it becomes pretty gory and bloody. But everybody who's no afraid of a few litres of pixelblood will have a wonderful time.
If you've never played this game, GO AND DO IT!!!
Quite possibly the best adventure game ever made
DeKlerk16 March 2000
While the graphics look outdated now, and the music is all midi-based instead of digital, the first in the Gabriel Knight trilogy remains one of the best adventure games ever made. I spent many months absorbed in the great story and deep characters created by Jane Jenson, the literary genius of the computer game world. The designers got the atmosphere of New Orleans perfect for the technology of the time, and the music is astoundingly good! If you're a fan of incredible characters and an atmosphere you can lose yourself in, check this fine piece of work out.
It`s almost the greatest
korto30 December 2000
It`s old and rusty, but still one of the greatest adventure game of all times. The interesting plot, clever dialogs, all fits perfectly. The only bad thing about it it`s that it`s kinda difficult, but u can solve all problems using pure logic. With Grim Fandango, Gabriel Knight is the greatest one.
If you are a fan of video games, you shouldn't miss this one!
TheLittleSongbird16 February 2011
I admit I don't play video games all that much, but my brother does like to every now and again. When I saw that Tim Curry did the voice of Gabriel Knight I was even more interested. As for the game itself, it is wonderful. The plot is not always easy to follow, but for me that wasn't a bad thing, if anything it added to the fun. Also this plot is quite a clever one, and unfolds with no problem at all.
I was also impressed with Sins of the Fathers's dialogue. Like the plot it is clever, but it is also funny, witty, smart and sophisticated. The look of the game is also to be admired. The colours are excellent, the characters are well-modelled and the backgrounds are great. Also strong is the score, it is very rousing and jaunty, but also beautiful and haunting at the same time.
The characters and voice work are also a big part of why Sins of the Fathers works so well. Gabriel himself is roguish, charming and handsome, with cool lines and asides. Tim Curry, who I have loved for goodness knows how long, does a perfect job voicing him. The other characters are equally engaging and voiced very well by the likes of Mark Hamill and Leah Ramini.
All in all, if you love video games, Sins of the Father is almost something of a requirement if you haven't played it already. Also, check out the sequels, they are just as good, if not better, the third is my personal favourite of the whole series. 10/10 Bethany Cox
I was also impressed with Sins of the Fathers's dialogue. Like the plot it is clever, but it is also funny, witty, smart and sophisticated. The look of the game is also to be admired. The colours are excellent, the characters are well-modelled and the backgrounds are great. Also strong is the score, it is very rousing and jaunty, but also beautiful and haunting at the same time.
The characters and voice work are also a big part of why Sins of the Fathers works so well. Gabriel himself is roguish, charming and handsome, with cool lines and asides. Tim Curry, who I have loved for goodness knows how long, does a perfect job voicing him. The other characters are equally engaging and voiced very well by the likes of Mark Hamill and Leah Ramini.
All in all, if you love video games, Sins of the Father is almost something of a requirement if you haven't played it already. Also, check out the sequels, they are just as good, if not better, the third is my personal favourite of the whole series. 10/10 Bethany Cox
It's old, but head and shoulders above most games today.
JoeNo30 January 1999
They don't make games like this everyday. The original Gabriel
Knight mystery showed the world how to make a computer game. You
control Gabriel Knight, a budding true-crime novelist in New
Orleans. He's caught up in the investigation of the recent
Voodoo Murders with the help of his assistant, Grace Nakimura,
and his buddy on the police force, Mosely. This game is the
complete opposite of a shoot-em-up; you must figure out the
mystery and try to keep Gabe's sanity. Gather the clues, try to
save the girl, and discover Gabe's hidden past.
Knight mystery showed the world how to make a computer game. You
control Gabriel Knight, a budding true-crime novelist in New
Orleans. He's caught up in the investigation of the recent
Voodoo Murders with the help of his assistant, Grace Nakimura,
and his buddy on the police force, Mosely. This game is the
complete opposite of a shoot-em-up; you must figure out the
mystery and try to keep Gabe's sanity. Gather the clues, try to
save the girl, and discover Gabe's hidden past.
Classic
gillmurphydogg11 February 2023
Loved this adventure game so much. This game series about a New Orleans writer/bookstore owner whose wit, charm and sense of adventure gets him in all kinds of prickly situations. It's a series that blends adventure and drama with the occult/horror. In this particular game, the focus is on voodooism. There's a charm in Tim Curry's voice that can't be beat. He plays Gabriel's voice so well. I also still pinch myself that Mark Hamill is in this as well!
The game is so well-written, you genuinely feel like you're watching a movie. The music score is memorable. The comedic moments are to be cherished. Play this!
The game is so well-written, you genuinely feel like you're watching a movie. The music score is memorable. The comedic moments are to be cherished. Play this!
They need to make this into a film
cherylkyrandia29 March 2023
Honestly, the entire Gabriel Knight franchise is such an absolute delight. It follows a writer who is into the occult and gets himself into some hairy supernatural situations. This instalment centres on voodooism and the story is rather compelling. There are subplots focusing in on his grumbling romance with his friend Grace and bromance with his best friend, a police officer. The voice acting is beautifully done and the characters are incredibly engaging.
There's some moments of light and humour that are rather endearing in what is otherwise a serious adventure game with horror undertones. A must-play!
There's some moments of light and humour that are rather endearing in what is otherwise a serious adventure game with horror undertones. A must-play!
Review and some useful hints
EthernalMoment4 March 2022
Only 6/10 due to 3 puzzles in game which sole purpose was to slowdown progress.
Also, too much inventory junk which in modern era already is non conventional. Really wish that was fixed - than it's probably 8/10 or even higher.
Back then that was valid approach, but today just not enjoyable.
Specifically, without spoilers:
General approach: in about half of cases you can figure out solution by simply restarting the day and paying attention; don't forget to save before the day end.
Also, too much inventory junk which in modern era already is non conventional. Really wish that was fixed - than it's probably 8/10 or even higher.
Back then that was valid approach, but today just not enjoyable.
Specifically, without spoilers:
- yes, you actually need to use German to solve one of puzzles, even when it's obvious that it's requirement excessive
- there is nasty pixel hunt in one event, a new object will appear on the table
- once you will need to read chapter intro text to solve puzzle (seems no other hints available in the game)
- during one of time attack events you need to use specifically "gears" action while it's obvious that it belongs also to "grab" action in other parts of game
- during very last game stages important item is used like short-range, but then suddenly it's long-range under time attack events
General approach: in about half of cases you can figure out solution by simply restarting the day and paying attention; don't forget to save before the day end.
Immerse yourself in this realistic psycho-thriller
Macksta-215 March 1999
Gabriel Knight immediately made an impression on me as it was one of the few games I have been able to completely immerse myself into.
I turn off all the lights and close the curtains, turn up the sound and discard my life and responsibilities for a few precious hours.
A form of escapism? most definitely, I played Gabriel Knight not just for the entertainment, but for the plot and story, I hungered for more, I wished to experience everything that Gabriel experience.. so unlike my dreary mundane life.
One unique characteristic of this adventure game is its "real life" setting. It seems the norm these days for adventure games to be set in magical fantasy cities or post apocalyptic war-zones. In either case it certainly raises an eyebrow when you come across a game set in modern day New Orleans. A normal city with magical properties of its own. The unique blend of white, carribean and French influences make it unlike any other place on earth. And this comes through in the game. The setting and backdrop to the drama that unfolds has a life of its own and certainly adds to the flavour of the game.
The gameplay itself un folds in a somewhat pedestrian fashion and there are a great deal of questions that you must find answers too in order to unravel the plot. However it is this pedestrian real world approach that makes the game more enjoyable. Such attention to realism makes it all the more easier to delve into.
I turn off all the lights and close the curtains, turn up the sound and discard my life and responsibilities for a few precious hours.
A form of escapism? most definitely, I played Gabriel Knight not just for the entertainment, but for the plot and story, I hungered for more, I wished to experience everything that Gabriel experience.. so unlike my dreary mundane life.
One unique characteristic of this adventure game is its "real life" setting. It seems the norm these days for adventure games to be set in magical fantasy cities or post apocalyptic war-zones. In either case it certainly raises an eyebrow when you come across a game set in modern day New Orleans. A normal city with magical properties of its own. The unique blend of white, carribean and French influences make it unlike any other place on earth. And this comes through in the game. The setting and backdrop to the drama that unfolds has a life of its own and certainly adds to the flavour of the game.
The gameplay itself un folds in a somewhat pedestrian fashion and there are a great deal of questions that you must find answers too in order to unravel the plot. However it is this pedestrian real world approach that makes the game more enjoyable. Such attention to realism makes it all the more easier to delve into.
"I began to wonder, is this really a game?"
QKnown19 November 1999
GK is one game that i won't ever forget for some time. Its like reading a dark mystery novel only YOU become the author! This game is very, very long. But its a dang good one. Its characters are voiced over perfectly along with the correct scenery and proper music. I still haven't had a chance to play its sequels yet. I would hope that they are just as good.
check this one out.
check this one out.
See also
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