King's Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow

(Sierra On-Line, 1992)

Adventure games by 1992 had seen their finest year, via titles like Alone in the Dark, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, Police Quest III...and, yes, King's Quest VI. Of these four games, all of them deserve to get placed in Techtite's list of Top 50 Multimedia Classics, and three of them did; the only reason for the omission of KQ6 from the list, was due to a ruling to only include one title from any game series (and, to be fair, King's Quest I deserved the honor more).

KQ6's story was often better than its predecessors', probably due to the addition of Jane Jensen (Gabriel Knight) to help write the story, text, and dialogue. The return of classic interwoven fairy tales was equally present, including an amusing genie, and even the Beauty & the Beast! Composer Mark Seibert helped enhance the story, via a fantastic song called "Girl in the Tower." This song was so good, it was even broadcast on a few radio stations; one of Seibert's best achievements while working for Sierra. Popping this game CD into any audio CD player would play this song on track 2; the song was that good, to warrant them wanting it heard as-is and not as some toned-down wave file.

As for the game itself, it was a perfect addition to the KQ series; perhaps the last of the finest. Learning from a few (though not all) mistakes made via KQ5, this game's puzzles were far better; my favorites being how to fool the five gnome guards (one for each of the five senses), and the riddles of the Sacred Mountain. In addition, an excellently orchestrated blend of multiple puzzle solutions --possibly, the first such multiple-solution puzzles Sierra ever attempted since KQ1-- led to an enormous blend of possible endings : the happiest leaving you with a now-peaceful land to rule, a princess bride, her family returned to her, a genie at your side, and all your family at the wedding. The game might have been easier to complete, via a still-present icon interface, though it was still a fun ride.

Rating : Large Crater.

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