ScummVM and the SQ AGI games

[Collector]

ScummVM supports the Sierra AGI games, SQI and SQII. For those struggling with mounting drives in DOSBox or are not sure how to set up DOSBox for Tandy or PC Jr. for the polyphonic sound that the games offered, ScummVM may be your answer. In addition, it adds mouse support for these games. Some may find those stairs a little easier with point and click. You can download the latest here:

• ScummVM

[MusicallyInspired]

My only gripe with Sarien (The AGI engine that ScummVM uses) is that the sound produced is not true Tandy 3-voice/IBM PCJr sound but instead some very odd saw wave/electric piano sound. Also the noise channel is just a constant hiss and doesn't change in pitch or speed for sounds that use a multi-pitched hiss from the noise channel. Until this is solved the best way to experience AGI games the way they were meant to be experienced is still DOSBox. But ScummVM is definitely still the easiest way as of now. Hopefully they fix the sound support. Then it'll be my #1 choice for AGI game play.

[Collector]

I had noticed the 3-voice/IBM PCJr sound before, but had missed the noise issue. This is noticeable in KQII with the breaking surf sound. It is still an option for those that have a hard time with mounting drives in DOSBox and the mouse support is a nice plus.

[MusicallyInspired]

Definitely. The next best thing, though, is NAGI. A fanmade AGI engine for Windows. The sound support is perfect and there's also mouse support as well. The only reason that it's second place is because it's Windows-only and doesn't work in Linux or a Mac.

[Collector]

And doesn't have aspect correction, can't be made full screen on the fly and you can't close the NAGI window with the close button.

[MusicallyInspired]

....those are very minor issues.

[Collector]

True, but annoyances, none the less. It is enough to get me to reach for DOSBox for the AGI games.

[MusicallyInspired]

Nevertheless, it's among the top 3 best ways to play AGI games.