Space Quest 6: Roger Wilco in the Spinal Frontier

In the past games had many elements that tried to separate them from simple entertainment to actual works to be appreciated. User manuals gave detailed system information and added value to a game besides the now mundane control schematics. One unique thing about this game was the demo. It was not the simple first couple of levels but a truly separate version of the game that you would never see in the "full" game. Roger Wilco is the goofy hero with plenty of pop culture references to satisfy the snark is all of us. While not the dry British humor that is "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" it is a series that needs more recognition. If you only try two games in this series check out the time bending plot line in Space Quest IV and check out this Space Quest VI as well. Between Sierra and Lucasarts the adventure game was tops. One thing is for sure the classic adventure games of the past I do not believe are going to return but it would behoove you to check them out.

What ever happened to the point and click adventure game? The Space Quest series has always been a favorite of mine ever since the first one came out in 1986. It was the first game I ever beat, and its humor left a lasting impression on me. The deal with space quest, was that it was a spoof of all things sci fi. The humor was always top notch, with nods to Douglas Adams and Monty Python. And when the voices were dubbed, you couldn't do better than Gary Owens, who is the perfect voice for Space Quest. You assume the role of "Roger Wilco, SPACE GUY!" an underachieving janiter who manages to fumble his way into saving the galaxy. This game, in particular, was mainly a spoof on Star Trek The Next Generation an Inner Space. As usual, the voice acting was top notch, the puzzles challenging, the storyline hilarious, and the game fun. Unfortunately, this was also the last space quest game. But keep an eye, angry fans are refocusing their energies into getting another one fan made.

Out of all the Space Quest games, this one probably isn't my favorite, but it's not bad.

Sierra's quest game graphics and interface evolved predictably during their run of popularity between roughly 86 and 93, but this one was a complete departure from the others. Difficult to get used to, but still contained the same spirit.

Unfortunately, as PCs were becoming as prevalent in homes as 'platform' video games, niche and quest games were in decline as a winning proposition. Replayability is limited to going back and finding all the different parts of the puzzle you missed and all the different ways you could die. Can't really hold a candle to the sports and fighting games with largely unlimited replay value.

Fond memories of playing the series, but quest games just never do very well, despite being engaging and fun.