I had completely forgotten how wonderful this game is. The graphics are really well done, the cut scenes are beautiful, the puzzles are interesting, varied (some very tough - for me, anyway) and for the most part make sense, and if I didn't know better, I'd say that the protagonist was Sherlock Holmes with an accent. I take that back. Van Helsing is a better detective than Holmes, not to mention invariably polite and concerned about people. (Except, of course, when he's watching a villain burn.) He even has a sense of humor, though it's sometimes anachronistic, as when he says (deadpan - he's always deadpan) that he's looking for a girl who was with a lion, a tin man and a little dog named... or assures Mustafa that his cousin will never have to tapdance again. <g> Frogwares created a great character here in their interpretation of Van Helsing and an outstanding game. Their best, IMO.

I think someone on the board said that she laughed herself sick at one of the objects the good doctor managed to stuff in his pants - no kidding! - and the evil priests in the Abbey would have done Ed Wood proud they were so ridiculous, but for the most part the story was really immersive and it didn't bother me that it was linear. It moved right along and I really enjoyed how completely it trashed the romantic image of Dracula. He may be cuter than Van Helsing but he's vicious, bloodthirsty, totally amoral and nobody in her right mind would be anxious to offer her neck to that guy. If they do make a sequel with Dracula as the protagonist, I'm going to be rooting for his nemesis and hoping there's an alternative ending in which Dracula gets his comeuppance.

After slogging through The Longest Journey, in my opinion an unforgivably long, boring, disjointed mixture of sci fi and the Brothers Grimm, Dracula: Origin was a pleasure to experience again and it's definitely on my list of favorites.

Gil

Thanks Traveler, I loved the game!

Ana

Good grief! Them's strong words!

I agree with your other comments - I loved the puzzles and the humour. It's a game that puts a big, daft, happy grin on my face every time I play it.

"Good grief! Them's strong words!"

Mea culpa! I should have said Frogware's version of Holmes, Rushes. <g> I am a huge fan of Jeremy Brett's Holmes; he really did Conan Doyle proud.

Gil

I'm a Jeremy Brett nut also, traveler. His Holmes was the finest ever portrayed on TV or film, imho. And pigs' bristles! - if that ain't the truth.

I just finished Drac 3 and got hooked on the genre. I just started "Origin" and see it is different, more a Syberia / Longest Journey type of game. However, it is beautiful and I am finding it to be a great adventure.

I have to jump in here and say that in my opinion the best Sherlock Holmes has to be Basil Rathbone.

I'm glad you are enjoying it, My

I just finished Dracula Origins, it was great! It took me a long time. I don't play everyday for hours so it took me weeks to finish. I am so glad I stayed with it.. Hope I can find another game just as good.

My, if you're as new to the old games as I am and haven't played it, RUN over to GOG.com and get Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers. This is one fantastic game! The graphics may be dated but it's a humdinger of a story and the voice acting is top notch.

Now if I can just get Gabriel out of this mess alive.... He's told me more than once that he really doesn't want to be dead. <g>

Gil.

I agree mybluesinew! Basil Rathbone is my favorite. I did see a couple of episodes with Jeremy Brett and want to watch more of him. I hated the new release with Robert Downey Jr.

A new SH series started on BBC1 last night, with Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes. He's fantastic.

Thanks Rushes! I didn't realize that they are starting a new SH series on BBC. I will have to check the schedule to see when it is on in my area.

Hi traveler

I too enjoyed Dracula Origin but I enjoyed Dracula 3 more

However, to say ....
"Van Helsing is a better detective than Holmes "

????

Nearly choked on my coffee at that one. Phew !!

Anyway, as we're listing favourite portrayals ; Basil Rathbone is still mine, with Jeremy Brett a very close second

But I too watched the first of the new series on TV last night, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, and he was just superb, so I might start to waver

Cheers.

Mad

Mad,

I couldn't find the new SH series listed on my local PBS stations. I then noticed that you and Rushes are both in the UK. Maybe the series isn't available here, yet? Hope it will be because I would like to see it.

I liked Dracula Origin but haven't played Dracula 3 so I will have to look into it.

I found the atmosphere of Dracula 3 to be more "menacing" - which I felt suited the story !!

I don't know when you might get BBC 1 programmes gatsbygirl, or even if you can, but if you do, I'd certainly recommend this one