Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Legend of Kyrandia: Book 3 – Malcolm’s Revenge retains the beloved point-and-click interface of its predecessors, offering an inventory-driven adventure that veterans of the series will instantly recognize. The “smart cursor” is still the centerpiece of player interaction, seamlessly shifting between “take,” “use,” “examine,” and “talk” modes depending on context. This simplification ensures that newcomers can focus on solving puzzles and soaking in the story, rather than fumbling with awkward controls.

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One of the most compelling features of Malcolm’s Revenge is the branching puzzle system. Many of the game’s challenges can be overcome in multiple ways, enabling creative problem-solving rather than funneling players down a single linear path. Whether you choose to outwit a guard with clever contraptions, bribe him with rare items, or simply bluff your way past his questions, each solution feels meaningful and authentic to Malcolm’s roguish personality.

Dialogue choices play a unique role in shaping the experience. Throughout the adventure, you can adjust Malcolm’s honesty and moral alignment, toggling between mischievous pranks and more altruistic actions. While the core storyline remains intact, these choices affect interactions with NPCs and unlock hidden jokes, making multiple playthroughs rewarding. This dynamic encourages players to experiment with different personas and witness how the world of Kyrandia reacts to a jester on the loose.

Graphics

Graphically, Malcolm’s Revenge stays true to the hand-painted, cartoon-inspired art style that defines the Kyrandia series. The backgrounds are richly detailed, each environment teeming with whimsical flourishes—from the twisted turrets of the royal castle to the lush foliage of enchanted forests. Subtle animations, such as flickering torchlight and swaying branches, breathe life into every scene without overwhelming the eye.

Character sprites have been given a slight polish over previous entries, exhibiting smoother motions and more expressive facial features. Malcolm’s own design captures his dual nature: one moment he’s sporting a sly grin suggesting mischief, the next his posture softens when you steer him toward more honorable deeds. Supporting characters, from bumbling guards to eccentric townsfolk, each possess distinctive looks that make Kyrandia feel like a living, breathing realm.

Though the game relies on a 2D engine typical of the mid-’90s, modern systems can upscale the graphics without losing the original charm. Colors remain vibrant, and the user interface is clean and unobtrusive. Whether you’re admiring the stained-glass windows in the royal chapel or deciphering arcane glyphs in a hidden vault, the visual presentation consistently reinforces the fairy-tale atmosphere at the heart of the series.

Story

Malcolm’s Revenge picks up after a dramatic twist: once blamed for petrifying the royal family and slain by Prince Brandon, the jester is given a second chance when a mysterious thunderbolt frees him from his stone prison. Now armed with an opportunity to clear his name—or further muddy the waters—Malcolm steps onto the stage to tell his side of the story. The narrative cleverly balances humor and intrigue, allowing you to decide whether he’s a secret hero or a prankster with a tragic past.

The game explores themes of trust, perspective, and redemption. As Malcolm interacts with former allies and enemies alike, the lines between truth and deception blur. This moral ambiguity is reinforced by the dialogue system, where you can opt for outright lies, half-truths, or genuine confessions—each path shedding new light on the events that led to Kyrandia’s fall from grace. Although the main plot arc remains consistent, the depth of character relationships evolves based on your choices.

Supporting subplots add texture to the main storyline, introducing side characters whose fates hinge on Malcolm’s actions. Whether you help a trapped spirit find peace, reunite a lost child with her family, or simply play harmless pranks on unsuspecting townsfolk, these episodes enhance the world-building and keep the pacing lively. The ending, while predetermined in its broad strokes, gains emotional resonance through the cumulative effect of your decisions, making the final reveal a satisfying payoff.

Overall Experience

The Legend of Kyrandia: Book 3 – Malcolm’s Revenge delivers a captivating journey for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers to classic adventure games. Its intuitive interface, layered puzzles, and branching dialogue ensure that players remain engaged from the opening cutscene to the climactic finale. The sense of agency afforded by Malcolm’s dual nature—balancing mischief against morality—provides a fresh spin on the tried-and-true Kyrandian formula.

Atmospherically, the game excels in immersion. A whimsical score complements the vibrant visuals, and subtle sound effects—like the jester’s playful jingle or the echo of boots in ancient corridors—draw you deeper into the realm. Voice acting, where present, adds warmth and personality to key moments, though much of the story unfolds through written dialogue that is skillfully penned, blending humor, wit, and moments of genuine pathos.

With multiple puzzle solutions, dialogue variations, and hidden easter eggs, Malcolm’s Revenge encourages replayability long after the credits roll. Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic trip back to 90s point-and-click adventuring or a well-crafted story about truth, mischief, and redemption, this title stands out as a worthy capstone to the Legend of Kyrandia trilogy. It’s an engaging, thoughtful adventure that proves a jester’s story is never as straightforward as it seems.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10