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Although there are only two previous games, Jane Jensen's Gabriel Knight mysteries have become one of the most lauded adventure game series of all time. The first was a relatively straightforward mystery story, well-written and interesting, but only a hint of what was in store with the follow-up. The Beast Within, the second game, mixed historical fact with modern horror legend, creating a truly frightening and involved adventure game. The Beast Within went on to win Game of the Year from Computer Gaming World (in the year of Warcraft II, no less), Adventure Game of the Year from GameSpot, and numerous other awards.

Now, the third Gabriel Knight game is nearing completion. It's been four years since The Beast Within, and the landscape of gaming has changed tremendously. Gabriel Knight has changed with the times. While the first game was a traditional 2D sprite-based adventure and the second a full-motion video fest, the third will feature a full 3D engine. But that's all that has changed. Gabriel Knight III features the same mix of historical fact and horror fiction as its predecessor, only on a much grander - and much more interesting - scale.

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But first, a little history.

Gabriel Knight was introduced to the world in 1993 with his first adventure, Sins of the Fathers. Set in New Orleans, this first adventure had Gabriel investigating a series of ritualistic killings known as the "Voodoo Murders." At this time, he had no knowledge of his destiny; he was but a struggling writer who owned a bookstore called St. George's.

While cracking the Voodoo murders, however, Gabriel learned that he had much in common with the dragon-slaying saint after whom he named his shop. His ancestors, the Ritter family of Germany, were Shattenjagers (shadow hunters) chosen by fate to fight the forces of supernatural evil.

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The second game introduced a new element to the series. You not only played as Gabriel, but as his resourceful assistant, Grace Nakimura. The addition of Grace's pragmatic perspective added some depth to the game, with Gabriel pursuing the investigation of people and places (in his typically sarcastic, aloof way), while Grace's research added the historical perspective on the situation. And what a perspective it was.

The Beast Within was, on the surface, a tale of werewolves. But the story was much deeper than that, involving the mysterious (and mad) Ludwig II of Bavaria and composer Richard Wagner. It was a credit to designer Jane Jensen, not only to her storytelling ability, but to her ability to tell a story in a way uniquely suited to the medium. And Gabriel Knight III promises to be even more involving. Tying together a mysterious church, buried treasure, Catholicism, and a unique take on vampires, this story is, in a word, wild.

Next: The Story