Windows 3.x

The Beast Within: A Gabriel Knight Mystery

This is a very gripping game that is one of a kind. I just can't say enough good things about it. So just go and buy it, play it, recommend it.

In conclusion, Gabriel Knight II is an excellent game. While other games at the time used full motion video as this does, they tended to be fairly poor, lacking the effectiveness of either movies or less realistic games. In this case, however, the movies are well-directed and at least decently acted, and are supported by some very well-chosen actors, such as Peter Lucas in the part of Baron von Glower. The game play is fun, the story is well-written and interesting, and the characters have advanced nicely from their previous adventure. The graphics are at times beautiful, and the music at its best stirring and dramatic. This is a game that I definitely recommend to any who might find the themes of interest, and would suggest that others at least try if they come by it for a decent price.

Jane Jensen ist mit diesem Spiel mehr als nur ein würdiger Nachfolger zu ihrem Erstlingswerk Sins of the Fathers gelungen. Sie hat es geschafft, mit einem fähigen Team von Filmleuten und Grafikern, den Musik-Kompositionen ihres Ehemannes Robert Holmes, einer Menge an kluger Rätsel und einer ebenso fesselnden wie faszinierenden Geschichte (die bis heute Ihresgleichen sucht), ein atmosphärisches Meisterwerk zu schaffen, das selbst noch in Zeiten, in denen 3D-Grafik nur noch Nostalgiker interessiert, ein einzigartiges Spielerlebnis sein wird.

The Beast Within is an incredible achievement. While not flawless, any problems with the game are easily outshined by the wonderful storyline, deep background, and excellent puzzle design. I highly recommend it to any adventure gamer as an shining example of what could be accomplished with Full Motion Video, as well as a classic gameplay experience.

The scope of this game is immense, ranging from the multitude of photo-realistic locations and superb actors, to the excellent Wagnerian music and operatic performances. This is what interactive entertainment is all about. The first Gabriel Knight adventure suffered from tedious clue-gathering and arduous gameplay but enjoyed reasonable popularity nevertheless. This second installment is light years beyond the first and should be on every adventurer's PC.