Funny and enjoyable entry in a classic series
The Space Quest series stands as one of the most beloved set of adventures in gaming history, alongside Sierra's own King's Quest, thanks to its mix of comedic sci-fi storylines and clever and inventive puzzling. This is actually the last in the series and continues in the vein of its predecessors, following the adventures of our hapless hero Roger Wilco who, despite having saved the universe several times over, now finds himself busted back down to janitor. However, it's not long before he finds himself caught up in another complex plot that manages to poke fun at everything from Star Trek to Wing Commander, The Terminator and Innerspace. Gameplay is largely similar to previous instalments, with the usual mix of puzzles and exploration, but with a modified interface that allows players to choose verbs in order to carry out actions and interact with other characters and objects, similar to some LucasArts games. If you're a fan of Space Quest and its unique brand of spoof-based humour, then this is likely to appeal to you, as it doesn't really stray too far from the path. The script and story and well-written and engaging, with plenty of funny situations and characters to enjoy, and with movie and game references galore. However, while it is certainly fun to experience, it's slightly more doubtful as to whether it's actually fun to play. The puzzles are certainly challenging and clever but are somewhat too convoluted for their own good and which often lack any real payoff, something which does make the game less enjoyable than it should be. The cartoon-style graphics are generally of a high standard, with nicely detailed environments and characters that bring the game a lot of personality. If you're a Space Quest fan, this is a no-brainer and should be played but if you're a newcomer, head back to the start and work your way up from there.
