King's Quest VII: The Princeless Bride

Review

by Joshua Roberts

Sierra Online's King's Quest VII: The Princeless Bride is the final game in the best-selling series to capture the feel and flavor of its predecessors. Once again, the story focuses on the royal family of Daventry and, as with the fourth installment, you control King Graham's daughter Rosella for much of the game.

When Rosella is lured into a magical pool, Queen Valanice, her mother, jumps in after her and winds up in an enchanted land far from home. You open the game as Valanice and switch to Rosella in alternating chapters. Bit by bit you discover the reason why Rosella was transported to the magical realm of Eldritch and as the story unfolds you must unite mother and daughter before doing battle with the evil enchantress Malicia. Along the way you'll travel through dark forests, underground lairs, cloud kingdoms and more. You'll meet trolls, dragons and an assortment of strange and amusing creatures in this fully animated Disney-like adventure.

Needless to say, The Princeless Bride is not for those looking to hack and slash their way to victory. In fact, it's probably the most family-oriented adventure in the entire series. While the game has enough twists and puzzles to satisfy teenagers and adults craving a traditional graphic adventure, it also has a unique storybook feel to it that will appeal to a younger audience.

The gameplay itself is enjoyable and occasionally challenging but the graphics are King's Quest VII's true claim to fame. With beautiful backgrounds and seamlessly animated characters, you'll feel as though you're immersed in a fully functioning cartoon world. Add the high quality voice acting and the game is a success.

Fans of classic graphic adventure games who don't want to fight with monsters every few minutes will enjoy the game on every level. Those who are looking for something new or revolutionary will have to look elsewhere.