Nintendo King's Quest V
Updated: May 14, 2023
King's Quest V: Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder! is a classic adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line. Originally released in 1990, it is the fifth installment in the renowned King's Quest series created by Roberta Williams.
In King's Quest V, players assume the role of King Graham, the protagonist and ruler of the kingdom of Daventry. The game begins with Graham being kidnapped by an evil wizard named Mordack, who turns the king's castle into stone and transports it to a distant land. The objective of the game is to guide Graham on his journey to rescue his family and regain his kingdom.
King's Quest V features a point-and-click interface, where players interact with the game world by selecting commands and objects using the mouse. Players navigate through various screens, each representing a different location in the game world, and solve puzzles by examining the environment, collecting items, and using them in creative ways to progress the story.
The game takes players through diverse environments, including forests, mountains, deserts, and magical realms. Along the way, Graham encounters a variety of colorful characters, both friendly and hostile, with whom he can engage in conversations and interact.
The puzzles in King's Quest V range from inventory-based challenges to logic puzzles and riddles. Solving these puzzles often requires careful observation, logical thinking, and creative problem-solving. The game also incorporates multiple paths and solutions, allowing players to approach challenges in different ways and experience various outcomes.
King's Quest V boasted impressive graphics for its time, featuring hand-painted backgrounds and detailed character sprites. The game utilized the SCI (Sierra's Creative Interpreter) game engine, which allowed for smoother animations and improved audio compared to previous entries in the series.
The musical score of King's Quest V was composed by Mark Seibert and featured a memorable soundtrack that enhanced the atmosphere and storytelling of the game.
The success of King's Quest V contributed to the popularity of the adventure game genre and solidified the reputation of the King's Quest series. It was well-received by critics and players alike, praised for its engaging story, challenging puzzles, and immersive world.
King's Quest V remains a beloved title among fans of classic adventure games, showcasing the charm, creativity, and storytelling prowess that made the series a landmark in the gaming industry.