15 min read

King’s Quest IV Retold

Last updated: January 16, 2026

Overview

King’s Quest IV Retold is a fan-made point-and-click remake of Sierra On-Line’s classic 1988 adventure game King’s Quest IV: The Perils of Rosella1. Created by DrSlash using the Adventure Game Studio engine, this remake was released on May 5, 2021, and introduces modern mouse-driven controls while preserving the original’s beloved EGA graphics at 320x200 resolution2. The project aimed to make the classic adventure more accessible to new players while honoring the original’s story and visual aesthetic3.

The remake represents one of several community efforts to preserve and modernize the King’s Quest series, garnering significant attention from the adventure gaming community. The game received a nomination for Best Game Created with AGS at the AGS Awards 2021 and was selected as Pick of the Month in August 20222. With over 9,000 downloads on the Adventure Game Studio website, the project has found a dedicated audience among both nostalgic fans and newcomers to the series2.

A subsequent enhanced version, King’s Quest IV Retold VGA Talkie, was later developed by Magic Quest Entertainment with DrSlash’s blessing, adding voice acting and upgraded VGA graphics to the experience4. This collaborative effort drew upon assets from multiple unfinished King’s Quest IV fan projects, serving as a tribute to the creative fan community’s dedication to preserving Rosella’s adventure4.

Story Summary

The game’s narrative picks up immediately where King’s Quest III: To Heir Is Human concluded3. As King Graham joyfully tosses his adventurer’s cap to his reunited children, he suddenly suffers a massive heart attack and collapses, leaving him on his death bed5. The kingdom of Daventry is plunged into despair as the beloved monarch lies dying, and all hope seems lost for the royal family3.

Princess Rosella, daughter of King Graham and twin sister of Prince Alexander (formerly known as Gwydion), is contacted via the Magic Mirror by the good fairy Genesta6. Genesta reveals that a rare magic fruit exists in the land of Tamir that can heal Rosella’s father, but time is running short5. Rosella must journey to this distant realm and retrieve the miraculous fruit before it is too late to save the king3.

However, Rosella’s quest becomes complicated when she discovers that the evil fairy Lolotte has been terrorizing the land of Tamir5. The wicked sorceress has stolen Genesta’s magical talisman, leaving the good fairy weakened and near death herself6. Rosella must navigate the dangerous realm, overcoming both the perils of Tamir and Lolotte’s dark machinations, to save not only her father but also free the land from the witch’s tyranny3.

The adventure spans a full day-and-night cycle, with certain activities only possible during specific times, maintaining the original game’s unique real-time gameplay element that distinguished it from other entries in the King’s Quest series6. Rosella’s journey takes her through haunted mansions, dark caves, and mystical locations as she proves herself a worthy heroine5.

Gameplay

Interface and Controls

King’s Quest IV Retold fundamentally reimagines the original game’s interface by replacing the text parser system with full point-and-click mouse support7. This represents the most prominent change from the original SCI game, transforming the experience from typing commands to clicking on objects and selecting actions8. The mouse controls provide quality of life improvements that make the game “probably the best way to experience the game nowadays,” according to community reviews2.

Despite the interface modernization, the remake stays faithful to the original’s visual presentation, retaining the beautiful 320x200 EGA graphics rather than attempting an upgrade to VGA8. DrSlash made this decision partly to reduce development workload but primarily due to dissatisfaction with how previous fan remake attempts had translated EGA graphics into VGA, often losing the original artistic charm in the process8.

Structure and Progression

The game maintains the original’s structure, taking place across the land of Tamir during a 24-hour period6. Like its source material, this is the only chapter in the King’s Quest series where action occurs in real-time within an allotted time limit6. Some activities must be completed during daylight hours, while other puzzles can only be solved at night, creating a unique temporal dimension to the gameplay6.

Key locations in the game include:

  • The Castle of Tamir – Where Rosella begins her adventure
  • The Haunted Mansion – A spooky location with ghostly inhabitants
  • Lolotte’s Mountain Fortress – The evil fairy’s stronghold
  • The Troll Cave – A dangerous underground area
  • Various Villages and Wilderness Areas – Filled with characters and puzzles

Puzzles and Mechanics

The remake preserves the original’s adventure game puzzles while adding an option to remove dead ends, addressing one of the classic game’s more frustrating design elements2. Unlike many Sierra games of its era, players can toggle this feature to avoid situations where the game becomes unwinnable without warning2. However, in keeping with the original’s notorious difficulty, Rosella can still fall off edges to her death, maintaining some of the tension from the 1988 release2.

The overall high difficulty that characterized King’s Quest III was toned down in the original King’s Quest IV, a balance that the Retold version maintains6. Inventory-based puzzles, environmental interactions, and character dialogue all combine to create the classic Sierra adventure experience3.

Reception

Contemporary Reviews

As a fan project, King’s Quest IV Retold did not receive traditional publication reviews but garnered extensive community feedback through the Adventure Game Studio website and various gaming forums. The game accumulated 12 user votes on Adventure Game Studio, reflecting active community engagement with the project2.

Community member Creamy praised the remake: “The mouse controls, option to remove the dead ends and other quality of life improvements make it probably the best way to experience the game nowadays”2. Another player, sabrex, expressed enthusiasm: “Absolutely adored the point and click system, the beautiful music, and the incredible effect sounds which I had not heard in the original”2.

The subsequent VGA Talkie version received more mixed feedback. User irvstart positively noted: “This is literally the same game that I have always cherished (the same as KQ4 Retold, which, in turn is a perfect adaptation of the original Perils of Rosella), but enriched with new graphics and speech”1. However, Isaac45 offered criticism: “This game honestly, is sort of a mess? The scripting/programming is a bit all over the place - the textboxes don’t sync with the text, only some lines are voiced, and places like the Troll Cave are a lot worse than previously”1.

Modern Assessment

The remake has maintained a steady following within the adventure gaming community, with downloads continuing years after release. On the Adventure Game Studio database, the original Retold version accumulated 9,017 all-time downloads with 109 downloads in the most recent month tracked2. The VGA Talkie version logged 1,239 all-time downloads with 421 in the most recent month1.

The project was recognized in community awards, receiving an AGS Awards 2021 Nomination for Best Game Created with AGS and being selected as Pick of the Month in August 20222. These accolades demonstrate the adventure gaming community’s appreciation for preservation efforts.

Aggregate Scores:

  • Adventure Game Studio (Original): 12 user votes2
  • Adventure Game Studio (VGA Talkie): 7 user votes1
  • IMDB (Original 1988): 7.6/10 (139 ratings)9

The original 1988 Sierra game that this remake is based upon received widespread critical acclaim, earning scores including 91% from Computer & Video Games, 9/10 from Datormagazin, and winning Best Adventure Game of 1988 from the Software Publishers Association6.

Development

Origins

DrSlash undertook the King’s Quest IV Retold project as a labor of love for the classic Sierra adventure game8. The developer’s motivation stemmed from a desire to preserve the original game while making it accessible to modern players who might be unfamiliar with text parser interfaces3. Rather than attempting a complete graphical overhaul, DrSlash chose to maintain the original 320x200 EGA graphics, a decision driven by both practical considerations and artistic preference8.

The decision to preserve EGA graphics was “largely motivated by his dissatisfaction with the way many previous attempts at remaking 320x200 SCI games translated EGA graphics into VGA”8. DrSlash felt that in many cases, VGA conversions lost the charm and artistic integrity of the original pixel art, prompting the choice to honor the source material’s visual style8.

Production

Development utilized the Adventure Game Studio engine, a popular tool for creating point-and-click adventure games that has supported numerous fan remake projects1. The engine allowed DrSlash to implement full mouse support while maintaining compatibility across Windows, Linux, and MacOS platforms2.

The subsequent VGA Talkie version was developed by Magic Quest Entertainment, a collaborative fan project that received DrSlash’s blessing4. This enhanced version represents “the extension of his project” and draws upon assets from multiple unfinished King’s Quest IV fan projects1. The VGA Talkie version serves as “a tribute to all the original teams of creative fans, their devotion and engagement to bring back this wonderful story of Rosella back to us”4.

Development Credits (Original Retold):2

  • Creator/Designer: DrSlash

Development Credits (VGA Talkie Version):1

  • Developer: Magic Quest Entertainment
  • Designers: DrSlash, Jorge Pecador
  • Original Project: DrSlash

The VGA Talkie version acknowledged numerous fan teams whose unfinished projects contributed assets, including Nightfable, Blackthorne, Lorenz Falkson, Sponge Factory, and Magic Mirror Games1.

Technical Achievements

The remake successfully implemented Adventure Game Studio’s capabilities to replicate the Sierra adventure experience while adding modern conveniences1. The game runs in 32-bit color mode despite maintaining the original 320x200 resolution graphics, allowing for smooth operation on contemporary systems1.

The VGA Talkie version added voice acting and upgraded graphics, though community feedback noted synchronization issues between character animations and their voices1. Some backgrounds in the VGA version were identified by users as AI-generated, reflecting the challenges of creating high-quality VGA art for fan projects1.

Technical Specifications

Original Retold Version:2

  • Resolution: 320x200
  • Colors: 32-Bit Colour (rendering EGA-style graphics)
  • Audio: Enhanced sound effects and music
  • Media: Digital download
  • Platforms: Windows, Linux, MacOS

VGA Talkie Version:1

  • Resolution: 320x200
  • Colors: 32-Bit Colour
  • Audio: Voice acting, enhanced audio
  • Media: Digital download
  • Platforms: Windows

File Size:10

  • Retold Version: 140.4 MB

Version History

VersionDatePlatformNotes
Original RetoldMay 5, 2021Windows/Linux/MacOSInitial point-and-click remake release2
v.5052021October 2, 2023WindowsVersion update documented on GamePressure10
VGA Talkie Legacy2026WindowsWith installer, launcher, without textboxes1
VGA Talkie Basic Complete2026WindowsWith installer and launcher, textboxes enabled1
VGA Talkie Basic Classic2026WindowsRAR file, no installer, no character portraits1
VGA Talkie Basic Light2026WindowsNo installer, no portraits, no speech1

Technical Issues

The VGA Talkie version has documented compatibility issues with ScummVM versions 2.9.0 and 2.9.11. Users have reported that characters’ animations are often not synchronized with their voices, and portraits appear only once for each speaking character rather than displaying consistently1.

The original 1988 Sierra game had copy protection requiring manual lookups (“what’s the Xth word on page x?”), which frustrated players11. ScummVM does not remove copy protection unless the original interpreter had an official release with it disabled11.

CrossOver testing indicated that the Retold version “Installs, Will Not Run” on Mac using CrossOver version 22.0.1, though this rating is considered outdated for current CrossOver versions5.

Easter Eggs and Trivia

The original 1988 Sierra game featured notable Easter eggs that were not all preserved across versions:

  • Developer Room: The AGI version 2.0 contained a ‘beam me’ Easter egg that transported Rosella to a Star Trek-esque room featuring the development team6. This was removed from the SCI version11.
  • Item Descriptions: The AGI version included item descriptions that were cut from the SCI version11.

The 1988 original was one of the first games for IBM PC compatibles to support a sound card, with composer William Goldstein writing over 75 short music pieces described as “40 minutes of the best sound available on any computer disk anywhere”6.

Legacy

Sales and Commercial Impact

The original 1988 King’s Quest IV: The Perils of Rosella was a commercial success, selling 100,000 copies in its first two weeks and reaching 800,000 copies within a year6. By November 2000, the game had sold between 300,000 to 400,000 units in the United States alone6. The game won Best Adventure Game of 1988 from the Software Publishers Association6.

The Retold fan remake, while not commercially released, demonstrated continued interest in the King’s Quest franchise. With over 9,000 downloads of the original Retold version and additional downloads of the VGA Talkie variant, the project proved that the 1988 classic still resonates with adventure gaming enthusiasts2.

Collections

The original 1988 game has appeared in numerous Sierra compilations and is available through digital distribution platforms. PCGamingWiki documents releases including the original DOS version (September 1988), a Windows 3.x version (1994), and a Windows ScummVM-compatible version (February 25, 2010)12.

Fan Projects

King’s Quest IV Retold represents one of several fan efforts to preserve and modernize the King’s Quest series:

  • King’s Quest IV Retold (2021): DrSlash’s point-and-click remake preserving EGA graphics2
  • King’s Quest IV Retold VGA Talkie (2026): Magic Quest Entertainment’s enhanced version with voice acting1
  • Multiple Unfinished Projects: The VGA Talkie version incorporates assets from projects by Nightfable, Blackthorne, Lorenz Falkson, Sponge Factory, and Magic Mirror Games1

The community has embraced speedrunning the Retold version, with leaderboards tracking completion times. The current Any% record stands at 8 minutes 19 seconds by player Shawluck, with four total players having submitted 13 runs across categories13.

Original Game Materials:

  • Official Manual: Required for copy protection lookups11
  • Physical DRM: All original versions required the manual for authentication12

Critical Perspective

King’s Quest IV Retold demonstrates the enduring appeal of Sierra’s classic adventure games and the dedication of fan communities to preserving gaming history. The original 1988 game was groundbreaking for featuring a female protagonist—Princess Rosella—at a time when such representation was rare. Designer Roberta Williams expressed personal connection to the character: “I like the heroine, Rosella. I guess because she’s a part of me that’s coming out… Sometimes she’s delicate, but she’s strong, knows what she wants, she’s not afraid to do what she has to do”6.

The remake bridges generational gaps in gaming accessibility. While the original’s text parser interface and dead-end design choices could frustrate modern players, the Retold version preserves the narrative and puzzle design while removing friction points7. IGN’s retrospective assessment noted that “The Perils of Rosella stands the test of time despite its shortcomings”6, a sentiment that fan remakes like Retold help validate by introducing the classic to new audiences.

Downloads

Download / Preservation

Original Game (1988)

Manuals & Extras

  • Original game manual required for copy protection11

Series Continuity

King’s Quest IV Retold is a fan remake of the fourth installment in Sierra On-Line’s legendary King’s Quest adventure game series. The story directly continues from the events of King’s Quest III: To Heir Is Human, where Prince Alexander (Gwydion) reunites with his family in Daventry3. The game introduces Princess Rosella as the playable protagonist, marking the first time a woman took the lead role in the main King’s Quest series6.

The events of King’s Quest IV establish Rosella as a capable heroine, setting up her return in later series entries. The original game’s commercial success and critical acclaim helped cement the King’s Quest series as Sierra’s flagship franchise during the golden age of adventure gaming6.

Original Series Placement:

References

Footnotes

  1. Adventure Game Studio – King’s Quest IV Retold VGA Talkie – developer info, version details, technical specs, user reviews, download statistics, bugs ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19 ↩20 ↩21 ↩22 ↩23

  2. Adventure Game Studio – King’s Quest IV: The Perils of Rosella Retold – release date, awards, download statistics, user reviews, technical specifications ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19 ↩20 ↩21 ↩22 ↩23

  3. CodeWeavers Compatibility Database – game description, plot summary, compatibility testing ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8

  4. Reddit r/Sierra – VGA Talkie Discussion – Magic Quest Entertainment credits, development notes, tribute information ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  5. CodeWeavers – King’s Quest IV Retold – game description, Mac compatibility rating ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  6. Wikipedia – King’s Quest IV – original game development, sales data, review scores, awards, technical details, Roberta Williams quotes ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17

  7. Reddit r/kingsquest – Retold Announcement – interface changes, community reception ↩ ↩2

  8. King’s Quest Omnipedia – King’s Quest IV Retold EGA – development motivation, EGA graphics decision, DrSlash’s design philosophy ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7

  9. IMDB – King’s Quest IV – user rating for original 1988 game ↩

  10. GamePressure – King’s Quest IV Retold Download – file size, version number ↩ ↩2

  11. GOG Forums – KQ4 Copy Protection Discussion – copy protection details, AGI/SCI version differences, cut content ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6

  12. PCGamingWiki – King’s Quest IV – technical specifications, version history, system requirements ↩ ↩2

  13. Speedrun.com – King’s Quest IV Retold – speedrun records, player statistics ↩

Graph View

Backlinks