King's Quest (2015 video game)

King's Quest

Company type	Video game series
Industry	Video games
Founder	The Odd Gentlemen
Area served	Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Products	Episodic adventure video games
Parent	Activision (under Sierra Entertainment label)

King's Quest is an episodic video game series created by The Odd Gentlemen and released by Activision under the Sierra Entertainment label for platforms including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. This title serves as a modern reinterpretation of the classic King's Quest adventure game franchise. The gameplay interface is not entirely based on point-and-click mechanics; notably, the Windows edition employs point-and-click mainly during dialogue interactions and first-person segments.

This installment represents one of multiple efforts to revive the King's Quest series since its last reboot attempt in 1998, with its debut episode launching roughly 32 years after the original King's Quest I. The episodes are presented as a "re-imagining" instead of a direct sequel or remake. The original titles remain canonical, as each new chapter is set between them, though previous narratives may be reinterpreted.

Gameplay

In contrast to traditional King's Quest games, this version is not a pure point-and-click adventure but an adventure game where players guide Graham on his journey toward knighthood. Movement is fully player-controlled, featuring a "one-button context" system designed to streamline controls and remove complex interfaces. Players interact by collecting, examining, and using objects, with an option to switch to a first-person perspective for detailed inspection.

The story is narrated by an older King Graham alongside his granddaughter Gwendolyn. Player decisions impact the narrative flow, unlocking extra dialogue and eliciting responses when incorrect choices result in character death. Choices are categorized into bravery, wisdom, and compassion, each influencing the story’s progression. All decisions reflect heroic traits; there is no option to play as an antagonistic Graham.

The opening segment follows a linear path with levels unlocking in sequence, yet players have freedom to explore without strict routes. Objectives can be achieved through multiple approaches, including puzzles that do not have fixed solutions. Dialogue features branching options, supplemented by action scenes, quick-time events, and on-rails platforming sections.

Plot

King Graham recounts his past exploits to his granddaughter Gwendolyn, imparting lessons from his life.

This series reinterprets events and backgrounds from earlier titles, altering Graham’s origins. Rather than being raised in Daventry, he arrives there as an outsider from Llewdor. Chapter I centers on his youth before becoming a knight or settling in Daventry. Previously familiar only through travel guides, he eagerly explores its landmarks—now portrayed as a lively walled city surrounding Castle Daventry instead of the isolated fortress of the originals.

References to classic games and The King's Quest Companion are revisited with new interpretations, such as the Mirror of the three treasures serving as the pivotal object Edward sent Graham to retrieve to claim kingship. The dragon’s lair transforms into an action-oriented sequence requiring strategic distraction to escape. Subsequent chapters focus on Graham’s quests for other treasures (Shield and Chest) alongside his ongoing pursuit of lost artifacts to cement his legacy.

The central narrative follows Graham competing in a Knight Tournament to earn knighthood in Daventry and vie for the throne. He must overcome rival knights in diverse challenges. During this journey, he befriends Achaka, who instructs him in archery but later falls victim to a dragon—Achaka remains an important character throughout the saga. Ultimately, Graham defeats the final opponent, Manny, in a contest of Wits and exiles him.

Chapter 3: Once Upon A Climb reimagines King's Quest II, featuring two princesses imprisoned in a tower alongside the witch Hagatha—who is herself a princess. Graham becomes trapped with them and must find a way out. Players decide which princess will become his spouse, thereby establishing the canonical Valanice. This retelling implies that the original narrative was a simplified fairy tale.

Chapter 4: Snow Place Like Home revisits King's Quest III, depicting Alexander’s abduction along with the royal family and their imprisonment in Llewdor. Alexander and Mordon receive magical training aimed at conquering Daventry. Alexander escapes by turning his master into a cat and reunites with his family on a journey through an Ice Labyrinth. The princess not chosen as wife is revealed as Icebella (from King's Quest V). Icebella is slain by Manny (a Sphinx), who Alexander later defeats using magic to revert him into a cat. Icebella’s guardian proclaims herself her successor, hinting at future developments. Mordon adopts the name Mordack, further connecting to King's Quest V. Alexander’s dialogue alludes to events from King's Quest VI, including encounters with a minotaur and a woman with olive skin and green eyes.

Chapter 5: The Good Knight takes place late in Graham’s life during one final confrontation with Manny, revising elements from King's Quest V. The duel occurs on wooden floorboards instead of stone surfaces, featuring hiding spots revealed by a fire spell. References to King's Quest VI include Graham reflecting on mortality and traveling to the Realm of the Dead to meet Samhain—contrasting prior portrayals of the afterlife. Graham rescues his kingdom but suffers poisoning; Manny attempts ultimate revenge but Mordack intervenes, saving Graham and forging an alliance.

The framing narrative unfolds during Graham’s last weeks as he lies bedridden from poison. He recounts his life stories to Gwendolyn in preparation for her future rule. To ensure her succession, he amends Daventry’s laws to permit female heirs. As his memory fades, Gwendolyn fills in missing details and completes his story. Upon his death, he leaves her a letter encouraging her to create her own legacy.

In the Epilogue, Gwendolyn embarks on her own adventure hunting a yarblesnoof (a turkey-like dinosaur). She encounters Taskia, Achaka’s granddaughter who seeks vengeance against a dragon. They discover that the dragon is actually an innocent infant; they befriend it and return together to the castle.

Development

Following the 1998 release of King's Quest: Mask of Eternity, multiple initiatives aimed at reviving the series were announced but failed to advance beyond preliminary concepts. In August 2014, Activision reinstated the Sierra label and entrusted The Odd Gentlemen with creating a new installment. This project was structured into several chapters, each released sequentially over time. The script for the initial chapter alone extends to 640 pages, encompassing branching narratives, hidden references, voice-over scripts, interactive objects, and dialogue options. Each episode offers greater length and intricacy compared to comparable episodic titles such as those developed by Telltale Games.

The cast features distinguished voice talents including Christopher Lloyd, Wallace Shawn, Cherami Leigh, Tom Kenny, Josh Keaton, Maggie Elizabeth Jones, and Zelda Williams.

Release

Distributed in five episodes throughout 2015 and 2016, the game includes an optional playable Epilogue available exclusively in the King's Quest: The Complete Collection edition.

Chapter	Director	Writer(s)	Release Date
Chapter I: "A Knight to Remember"	Matt Korba	Matt Korba, Additional Writing Lindsey Rostal	July 28, 2015
This chapter narrates Graham's path toward knighthood, occurring prior to the events of the original King's Quest, as told to his granddaughter Gwendolyn.
Chapter II: "Rubble Without a Cause"	Matt Korba	Matt Korba, Additional Writing Lindsey Rostal	December 15, 2015
Focuses on Graham’s inaugural reign as Daventry’s king, defending his realm against goblin assaults.
Chapter III: "Once Upon a Climb"	Matt Korba	Matt Korba, Additional Writing Lindsey Rostal	April 26, 2016
Graham reminisces about meeting Valanice while rescuing two princesses imprisoned by the witch Hagatha.
Chapter IV: "Snow Place Like Home"	Matt Korba	Matt Korba, Additional Writing Lindsey Rostal	September 27, 2016
After Alexander breaks free from captivity, a family holiday turns dangerous when their resort becomes an icy fortress fraught with peril.
Chapter V: "The Good Knight"	Matt Korba	Matt Korba, Additional Writing Lindsey Rostal	October 25, 2016
The elderly King Graham recounts his ultimate showdown with Manannan.
Epilogue	Matt Korba	Lindsey Rostal	December 20, 2016

Chapter I: A Knight to Remember

The initial installment, Chapter I: A Knight to Remember, was met with favorable critiques. On Metacritic, the Windows edition achieved a score of 82/100 based on 23 reviews, the PlayStation 4 version earned 77/100 from 22 reviews, and the Xbox One release received an 80/100 rating from 26 reviews.

Chapter II: Rubble Without a Cause

Reviews for Chapter II: Rubble Without a Cause were varied. Metacritic assigned the Windows version a score of 67/100 from 7 reviews, the PlayStation 4 edition received 68/100 based on 12 reviews, and the Xbox One variant scored 71/100 from 11 reviews.

Chapter III: Once Upon A Climb

The third chapter, Once Upon A Climb, garnered positive responses. Metacritic ratings included 78/100 for the Windows version (4 reviews), 79/100 for PlayStation 4 (10 reviews), and 80/100 for Xbox One (8 reviews).

Chapter IV: Snow Place Like Home

Feedback for Chapter IV: Snow Place Like Home was mixed. Chris Carter of Destructoid awarded it a high score of 9/10, whereas Chandler Wood from PlayStation Lifestyle rated it at 5.5/10. Wood appreciated the cultural nods and character development but criticized aspects such as the chilly setting, outdated puzzle mechanics, limited impactful decisions, and insufficient use of previously acquired skills.

Chapter V: The Good Knight

Generally, Chapter V: The Good Knight was well-regarded. Chris Carter from Destructoid gave it an 8.5/10 rating. Chandler Wood at PlayStation Lifestyle scored it 8/10, highlighting its thoughtful exploration of themes like mortality and personal achievements, along with callbacks to earlier series entries and a gratifying finale. Nonetheless, he pointed out issues including abrupt memory loss elements and some problematic puzzles.

The Complete Collection

During the 20th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the King's Quest: The Complete Collection received a nomination for the D.I.C.E. Award for Adventure Game of the Year, presented by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.