KQ3VGA by IA Now Released

[Rosedragon]

I was hoping KQ3 remake would have a cool new plot like AGDI's KQ2+. I was hoping to see Count Caldaur, Hagatha and the Father. Also, in the desert, after you defeat Medusa, she says "Sisters, avenge me!" But you never meet her gorgon sisters anywhere in the game. Perhaps they will be in future games?

[koko_99_2001]

Hmm...well, IA did say they were making a one-to-one remake, so by adding the characters who were not in the original series would keep it from being a one-to-one remake

[Baggins]

Well its not exactly a 1:1 remake as it is, they added in a bunch of characters that weren't in the original KQ3. For example that woman that kidnaps Alexander.

Thus they added several new or extended scenes that were not in the original version of the game.

Its more of a 1 to 1 1/2 remake, or a 120% remake.

[Storm]

I think it's more like a 1:1.1 remake Sure, the added some new cutscenes, dialogue lines, easter eggs etc., but the game itself plays exactly the same - you don't get to interact with any of the new characters, there are no new puzzles, and you can basically use the same walkthrough you used for the original. The changes they made are mostly 'cosmetic'.

[Elessar]

I think it's more like a 1:1.1 remake Sure, the added some new cutscenes, dialogue lines, easter eggs etc., but the game itself plays exactly the same - you don't get to interact with any of the new characters, there are no new puzzles, and you can basically use the same walkthrough you used for the original. The changes they made are mostly 'cosmetic'.

...with the biggest change being the removal of The Birthmark.

[Petra Rocks]

...with the biggest change being the removal of The Birthmark.

  You can't conjure up a storm on the ship either. 

[maestro]

...with the biggest change being the removal of The Birthmark.

What's that birthmark thing?  I've tried typing "SHOW BIRTHMARK" to Rosella with two versions of the original KQ3, and nothing happens.  What am I supposed to do?

[Deloria]

Just type "talk princess" several times.

[maestro]

That did it.  Thanks!

[Baggins]

there are no new puzzles, and you can basically use the same walkthrough you used for the original. The changes they made are mostly 'cosmetic'.

Actually they changed a few puzzles. You can't get certain spell items before reading the book like you could in the original.

Also the map of Llewdor was changed a bit, map of Daventry was changed around alot.

The way the magic map functions was changed alot.

I still think its more than .1% in length with new stuff. Much of the new material extended the game and its storyline quite a bit.

[Broomie]

You do realize the reason we didn't want to change anything in the storyline was because the it didn't need any change. It's considered one of the best in the series and when making it we felt that the story doesn't need to be altered because it's good as it is.

We changed a few things yet we didn't want to tamper with a classic to much, we're happy with what we've done and you'll love the game even better when the patch and the voice pack comes out.

[Yonkey]

I'm actually kinda glad you guys didn't tamper with storyline.  I hadn't played the original, so I'm looking forward to playing this one!

The only thing preventing me is lack of time.

[Baggins]

There is actually a tiny bit of tampering with the storyline.   A few examples, the intro is quite a bit different. The oracle scene has some big differences, and the ending is quite a bit different.

But its not so blatent like KQ2 remake was. The kept much closer to the theme of the story, even though they may have altered/added dialogue and other changes.

[Yonkey]

Blatent or not, I trust that all changes made from the original were made for a reason.  The original KQ2 had pretty much 0 plot, so the changes AGDI made to it were excellent IMO.  I'm sure that whatever changes IA has made in KQ3+ are great.

[Broomie]

We didn't alter the story in any way, we just explained a few parts better. For example, in the original KQ, alot of people were confused on first play why you were playing as a slave and not King Graham, it was only until you play into it you realize you're Alexander. We just wanted to add a little something to show that this isn't is home and he is from somewhere else. Originally we did plan to use a very big scene which involved the Royal Family but we decided against it.

The cutscene, again is to explore into the storyline abit more. All we know what happened in the original was that she was sacrificed to the three headed dragon, but we only get that through text and a tiny animation. We thought we could spice it up and abit and show the emotion and stress of King Graham as he lets his daughter go. We had the resources to do it, so why not!

Other scenes like the Manannan and Mordack scene, is again explains deeper into the story. The origin of Manannan and what his purpose with Gwydion is. It's a very rare cutscene and it only happens on Manannan third and final trip, this is unless you turn him into a cat when he returns from his first trip.

And the ending? We thought it was kinda rushed in the original, as they just stand there waiting for the hat. In this we wanted Alex to get used to his surroundings and see an estranged father and son getting to know each other.

So yeah, we changed the way it is displayed in soem parts but we still kept true to the original. Tierra/AGDI only did this with KQ2 but the storyline was very blank and plain, and if you played it in the original it's very VERY random and was considered not the best in the series. I was impressed with what they did with the remake yet I feel it was the only EGA game which deserved a storyline alteration. The others should be kept well alone. I know it's nice to play a brand new adventure with a new story but when it comes to remakes, the real reason is not to tamper with a classic by changing it to much, you just want to update it to today (well early 90's) standards. And that is what we did with KQ3.

And as I said, the patch and voice pack is slowly coming along which will make the experience even better.

[Baggins]

"

We didn't alter the story in any way, we just explained a few parts better. For example, in the original KQ, alot of people were confused on first play why you were playing as a slave and not King Graham, it was only until you play into it you realize you're Alexander. We just wanted to add a little something to show that this isn't is home and he is from somewhere else. Originally we did plan to use a very big scene which involved the Royal Family but we decided against it."

Actually in the original that was quite intentional. He didn't know who he was. He didn't find out who he was, except by listening to animals along the way, and it wasn't confirmed until the end. Roberta Williams wanted it to be a mystery, so people would either have to take the time to listen to animals, or wait until they reached the old gnome before his name was confirmed. Even the oracle scene while talking about his family and sister, did not mention his name.

Well the official novels, and even occasional manuals, strategy guide have a bit of different explanation than your team chose to do heh.

I mention the differences between official story, and the remake's story over in the King's Quest omnipedia btw, if you are interested.

As for KQ2, beyond a nice short story in the manual, and an introduction movie (that few watch since it takes getting past the credits), it didn't have the most detailed story. It was about as undetailed as the original KQ1. Like KQ1, it was mostly a treasure hunt.

Imo, Peter Spear's official adaptation of the story however did alot to flesh out the story, and give some backstory to the characters seen in the game.


As for the KQ2 remake however well they totally changed characters around. Good Guys form the first became badguys, badguys became good guys, etc. Some characters were left out. They made some really big changes.

It also doesn't even have the same feel imo, and theme is a bit darker.

Again I think the KQ2 remake is cool, but I personally I prefer the original and official storyline, call me nostalgic, heh.

[Yonkey]

Again I think the KQ2 remake is cool, but I personally I prefer the original and official storyline, call me nostalgic, heh.

The original didn't have a storyline.  At least, not one that made any sense.  Wasn't it just completely random puzzles to find the three keys, and then suddenly you find Valanice?  I would hardly call that a "story".

[Baggins]

The story progression was basically the same as KQ1.

Except instead of having to find the 3 treasures of Daventry, it was to find the 3 keys to the magical door.

Past the credits was a bit of description text, and a cutscene that that mentioned that graham had been looking for a wife but hadn't found anyone. It shows him going to mirror. The mirror shows him that in land of Kolyma Valanice had been kidnapped by the evil, Hagatha, and was locked away in a tower on an island, and that he must find 3 keys which unlock a magical door, in order to get to her. So he decides to go on a journey to save her.

Various characters you bump into will give you clues as to what you need to do if you used the "talk" command as you explore the land, and what they needed help with, as well as why they are willing to help Graham succeed. You can also get a tiny bit of backstory to them if you  type the "look" command as well.

The door itself even had clues as to what you had to do next, and had a linear progression of events. The first door for example had a riddle that lead graham to where the first key was held. Once he opened the first door, it then told him to look for the second key on the mountain top, and lastly that he must destroy Dracula for the last key.

Infact as far as story is, KQ1 was non-linear, where KQ2 had linearity. So KQ2 actually was a bit more advanced than KQ1, as far as how they could tell stories on computers in those days.

Also the manual had this as a backstory;

A long, long time ago, when creatures of myth and magic walked the earth openly with lesser mortals, there dwelt in the kingdom of Daventry a King name Graham. He had won the crown by his wit and courage, when he went forth to uncover and reclaim the three lost treasures of Daventry. Now Graham ruled over the land, with the aid of the mirror that foretold the future, the bottomless treasure chest, and the invincible shield. The people of Daventry prospered under the reign of the kindly monarch.

Just one year after returning from his first victorious quest, King Graham arose and looked into the mirror as he was wont to do daily. Much to his astonishment, he beheld the face of Edward, the King who came before him in the succession.

King Edward spoke, "Graham, your kingdom is strong now, thanks to the recovery of the three treasures and your wise leadership. But it will soon grow weak again, if you do not provide an heir to the throne. Marry, my son, and give your people a prince that make their future secure."

The vision faded. King Graham pondered how he might find a bride fit to reign over Daventry. He consulted with Gerwain, his wise prime minister.

"She must be good, and kind, so that she will love my people and they will love here," said Graham. "She must have the wisdom to counsel me in my daily problems, and a loving heart to bring me comfort. I wish my Queen to glow with an inner beauty of spirit as well as beauty of face and form."

Gerwain suggested that Graham host a celebration, and invite all the maidens of marriageable age from his whole kingdom. He could then observe and conserve with the likely candidates, and see if any one of them fit his idea of a queen.

The invitations were sent out, and the whole kingdom turned out for the celebration. From every corner of Daventry the maidens came. Short and tall, slender and plump, fair and dark, pretty and plain. There were maidens from all stations of life, from Dukes' and earls' daughters to the village goose girl and the scullery maid from the castle kitchens. They all had but one thing in common: They greatly admired the handsome King, and were eager to catch his eye. Word had spread that the King was looking for a bride, and they were all thrilled at the prospect of marrying the charming Graham.

For two days the celebration wore on, and though he tried to be cheerful, Graham gradually became somber. None of the maidens he had met quickened his pulse. One maid squinted, another triped over everything in sight. Another was too coy, and the one after her giggled constantly. They all had some fault, however small. It was with great relief that Graham saw his guests ride away at then end of the celebration. He retired to his room to reflect gloomily.

"My kingdom is home to hundreds of lovely maidens," he mourned. "Why is there not one among them who touches my heart and my dreams."

As he asked the question, King Graham was standing near the magic mirror. He glanced toward it, and noticed that the glass had grown inexplicably cloudy.

The mist cleared, All at once, King Graham beheld the most beautiful maiden he had ever seen. She had hair of glowing auburn, and eyes of midnight blue. Her skin was the color of rich cream, but alas, no roses bloomed in her cheeks, and the corners of her pretty mouth drooped in sorrow.

She was standing at a window, motionless except for the stray breeze that stirred her hair. A tear fill from one eye, and sparkled on her cheek like a diamond on velvet. She put up one hand to brush it away, and Graham was struck by the grace of her movement.

The kings heart was suddenly enveloped in a strange fever. He knew that this was the maiden for whom he longed - this was the woman who must be his queen. He wanted to find her and bring a smile to her lovely face. He wanted to take her in his arms, and protect her from trouble forevermore. Eagerly he consulted the magic mirror.

"Oh mirror wise," said Graham, "I have vowed to make this maiden my bride. Where may I find her?"

The mirror clouded again, and a voice was heard. "This is the maiden Valanice. She is from the kingdom of Kolyma, and is known for her goodness no less than her beauty. The jealous crone Hagatha whisked Valanice away to an enchanted land, and imprisoned her in a Quartz Tower guarded by a ferocious wild beast."

"I must rescue her or die in the attempt," declared King Graham. "How may I find this enchanted land?"

"You must travel to the kingdom of Kolyma," said the mirror. "There you may search for the keys which unlock the three doors to the enchanted land..."

The voice faded and the mirror cleared. Graham stared at his own reflection. Vainly did he call for its return, to give him more clues to the whereabouts of the magic keys. Finally, he shouldered his provisions, and set out on his quest of love.

Only you, my bold adventurer have the power to finish this tale. Accompany King Graham on his quest to find the magic keys. Encounter characters of legend, folklore and fantasy. Explore underground caverns, eerie towers, and ocean wonderlands. Help him rescue the enchanted maiden, so he can lay his kingdom and his heart at her feet.

You will be faced with challenges that would intimidate those of lesser timbre. Summon all your strength and courage. Leave no stone unturned, no avenue unexplored, and your perseverance will be richly rewarded.

It may be possible to find each key through more than one avenue. The more imaginative your solutions, the greater you reward.

Study all the ancient lores for clues. Along the way collect as many treasures as you can - treasures fit for a queen.

The road you must travel is long and perilous. You will be beset by many dangerous beings, both mythical and magical. You must have the wisdom to know when to stand and fight and when to flee from superior strength. But take heart -- you may receive help in unexpected places.

Go now, and remember true love conquers all!

The King's Quest Companion continues where that backstory leaves off, and has Gerwain chronicling the adventure Graham had in the land of Kolyma. He even fills even more background to the characters and land, and the events that went on. Its quite a bit more detailed story than the game. It is very different than the story in the KQ2 remake.

Also by one definition of the term "story", "an account of incidents or events", the game definitely has a story. Maybe not the most detailed of stories, but certainly a story.


Now one big difference, in original KQ2, Graham, kills Dracula. The monk that graham befriended officiates Graham's wedding at the end of the game.

Where as in KQ2 remake, the monk is the bad guy, and graham kills him, and the vampire is the good guy who officiates Graham's wedding at the end of the game.

Of course Gerwain was not evil in the official timeline.

[dew7]

Well, I changed my mind and downloaded and installed KQIII.  I did not want to wait any longer for the voice pack.  I have played it and beat it.  I found it to be much easier than the original KQIII.  I remember if you made one little mistake with the spells in the original then you were toast.  The graphics were good but I was disappointed that I found it to be not as well made as the AGD KQ1 and KQ2 remakes.  I had a lot of points where you would just enter a scene and freeze and not be able to move in that scene.  Fortunately, it was possible to navigate around this using the map and different paths.  I was bored waiting so long in the ship after exploring it so I started to read the newspaper until I got the call that we were near land.  All in all, a fun and enjoyable game.  Thank you, IA.

[KQ5]

I just downloaded it and will edit in my thoughts after I beat it (which shouldn't be too long, I played the original tons  ).