Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition Review
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Version Reviewed: 1.0
App Reviewed on: iPad Mini Retina
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There’s a reasonable argument against the need for HD remakes as it is. Do we really need to return to so many old games, all for the sake of some shinier graphics? Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition really reinforces that concept by somehow disrupting some of the key visual and audio flourishes of the original. Throw in the fact that the game is often quite obtuse, and the past doesn’t seem so great any more.
The foundations are pretty solid, at least. Ritualistic killings are occurring in New Orleans, and it’s down to struggling author, Gabriel Knight, to figure things out. True Detective fans are going to like this. At least they will until they realise that Gabriel is a fairly obnoxious womaniser. Arrogance is fair enough at times, but this character takes it too far.
That isn’t where Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition truly flounders though. Thanks to its re-imagining, the graphics have been spruced up but in a way that detracts from the charm of the original. Similarly, the original had great voice acting but this version lacks that touch, instead feeling awkward. It’s a step backwards, unfortunately.
This re-imagining does at least offer a series of bonus features through a journal, offering concept art and insight into how things came to be. It’s interesting stuff and Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition could have done with more moments like these.
That’s the awkwardness behind Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition. On the one hand, it offers moments of feeling like a detective novel, with you asking many questions to get to the bottom of things, but on the other hand, it throws in obtuse puzzles that remind adventure fans just how rough the early 90s were when it came to illogical conundrums.
As a historical piece, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition has some benefits but it’s a harsh reminder that sometimes you’re better off sticking with the memories than going back to them.
iPad Screenshots
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