Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: Best of Sierra Nr. 1
Item: Best of Sierra Nr. 1
Author: Retro Replay

The “Best of Sierra Nr. 1” compilation delivers two very different gameplay experiences on a single CD, catering to both adventure fans and mech-simulation enthusiasts. Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers offers classic point-and-click mechanics, where exploration, inventory management, and brain-teasing puzzles drive the experience. The game’s intuitive interface makes it easy to pick up, yet the complexity of some puzzles ensures seasoned adventure gamers will still find a challenge.

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In sharp contrast, Metaltech: Earthsiege immerses you in first-person mech combat. Here, quick reflexes, tactical loadout choices, and situational awareness are critical. Piloting your heavily armed HERCULEN robot through open battlefields against waves of enemy mechs feels remarkably visceral, especially when coordinating strafing runs or deploying rocket barrages. The steep learning curve of mastering mech controls is balanced by the sheer thrill of cinematic dogfights.

Beyond the two full titles, the CD sprinkles in demo versions of upcoming Sierra releases and a handful of third-party program demos. These bite-sized previews are perfect for sampling new genres or checking out side utilities. Add in a bonus screensaver and occasional mini-game surprises, and you have a package that never feels barren—even after you’ve completed both headline titles.

Graphics

Gabriel Knight’s visuals are a highlight—the hand-drawn backgrounds and character art bring 1990s mystery noir to life with rich detail. Each location, from New Orleans bayous to shadowy mansions, is awash in mood-setting color and lighting. While the resolution may feel dated by modern standards, the artistry and animation frames still hold up remarkably well.

Metaltech: Earthsiege, by comparison, leans on early 3D polygonal graphics. Mechs, terrain, and explosions come across with a raw, blocky charm that’s emblematic of mid-’90s engineering. Frame rates can dip in intense battles, but there’s something undeniably satisfying about watching your mech’s cockpit shake during a heavy missile impact. The minimal texturing is more than compensated by wide-open vistas that emphasize scale and mechanical awe.

The accompanying “Best of Sierra” magazine itself is a visual treat. At roughly 60 pages, it’s bursting with full-color screenshots, hand-drawn comic panels, and stylish typography. The special comic-style background story for Gabriel Knight spans 14 pages, offering fans a fresh narrative angle presented in a vibrant, illustrated format that adds real value to the package.

Story

Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers weaves a dark, mature tale of voodoo, family legacy, and supernatural intrigue set against the backdrop of New Orleans. The narrative is driven by well-written dialogue and cinematic cutscenes that build suspense as you unravel a series of occult-tinged murders. Gabriel’s character—part noir detective, part struggling novelist—feels relatable, and the layered plot keeps you turning inventory puzzles into stepping stones toward dramatic revelations.

In lieu of a traditional story for Metaltech: Earthsiege, you get the raw battlefield premise of a future Earth ravaged by rogue AI armies. The focus is squarely on action, but a sense of narrative emerges organically through mission briefings and environmental storytelling. It’s leaner than Gabriel Knight’s elaborate arc, yet it sets the stage for the high-stakes mech warfare that follows.

The magazine’s extra content deepens the lore, especially for Gabriel Knight fans. Its 14-page comic narrative fleshes out backstories and introduces minor characters, while an 8-page walkthrough ensures you never get stuck on a cryptic clue. For those curious about Sierra’s upcoming lineup, preview articles offer intriguing teasers, making the “Best of Sierra Nr. 1” as much a collector’s digest as a game compilation.

Overall Experience

“Best of Sierra Nr. 1” stands out as an exceptional value proposition for PC gamers of the late ’90s—and even today for retro enthusiasts. You receive two full-length titles, a glossy magazine packed with artwork, walkthroughs, and developer insights, plus a curated selection of demos and bonus utilities. It’s a one-stop showcase of Sierra’s quality output and forward-looking projects.

The bi-monthly release schedule means you’re never left waiting long for the next volume, and Volume 1 sets a high bar with its strong headline games. Whether you’re drawn to Gabriel Knight’s rich storytelling or Earthsiege’s kinetic mech battles, there’s something here to satisfy varied tastes. The extra screensavers, demos, and mini-games scatter moments of surprise that keep the experience fresh.

All told, “Best of Sierra Nr. 1” is more than just a disc full of software—it’s an immersive package that celebrates Sierra’s legacy. It’s perfect for longtime fans wanting handy walkthroughs and behind-the-scenes articles, as well as newcomers curious about classic adventure and simulation genres. For the price of one CD, you get hours of gameplay, collectible materials, and a window into Sierra’s creative world.