Police Quest: Open Season vs Police Quest III: The Kindred
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.


Police Quest: Open Season is the fourth entry in Sierra On-Line's acclaimed gritty crime drama adventure game series. Players step into the shoes of homicide detective John Carey, navigating the dark underbelly of Los Angeles to track down a sadistic serial killer known as the Bunting Murderer. Combining realistic police procedures, forensic investigation, and classic point-and-click gameplay, the title delivers a mature and immersive thriller experience. Utilizing live-actor digitized graphics and a compelling narrative, players must carefully gather evidence, interview witnesses, and follow proper protocols to solve the case.
Step back into the shoes of Sonny Bonds in the third installment of Sierra's acclaimed police procedural adventure series. Set in the fictional city of Lytton, California, the game challenges players to balance standard police protocols with a deeply personal crisis involving the attempted murder of Marie Bonds. Powered by Sierra's SCI engine, this graphic adventure combines realistic police procedures, crime scene investigation, and classic point-and-click puzzle solving. Navigate complex ethical dilemmas, gather forensic evidence, and hunt down a dangerous serial killer terrorizing the sleepy West Coast city.
- Compelling and mature serial killer storyline
- Authentic incorporation of police procedures
- Atmospheric digitized live-actor graphics
- Classic point-and-click adventure mechanics
- Engaging and realistic police procedure simulation
- Tense, suspenseful serial killer storyline
- Memorable continuation of the Sonny Bonds saga
- Classic nostalgic 1990s adventure design
- Difficulty spikes can lead to frustrating dead ends
- Dated visual style by modern standards
- Limited replay value once the mystery is solved
- Can be unforgiving with dead ends and sudden character deaths
- Dated graphical interface by modern standards
- Puzzles occasionally require very specific, non-intuitive solutions
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Police Quest: Open Season
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Sonny Bonds faces a deranged serial killer and a personal tragedy in Lytton.

Experience realistic police procedure and thrilling detective work in this classic adventure game.

Join Sonny Bonds in the Homicide squad to catch a dangerous escaped felon.
Alternatives to Police Quest III: The Kindred
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Experience realistic police procedure and thrilling detective work in this classic adventure game.

Join Sonny Bonds in the Homicide squad to catch a dangerous escaped felon.

Crawl inside the mind of a serial killer in this gritty crime drama adventure.

Drive as fast as possible without crashing or getting caught by the cops in this classic racing game.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic 1990s point‑and‑click police adventures with mature serial‑killer stories, but Police Quest III offers a more established series narrative while Open Season adds live‑actor visuals.
Key differences
- •Open Season features digitized live‑action actors; The Kindred uses standard 1990s graphics.
- •The Kindred continues the Sonny Bonds storyline; Open Season introduces a new detective, John Carey.
- •The Kindred’s MSRP is $9.99; Open Season’s price is not specified.
- •Open Season emphasizes authentic police procedures with forensic tools; The Kindred also includes procedures but highlights ethical dilemmas.
- •Both have difficulty spikes, but The Kindred notes unforgiving dead ends and sudden character deaths.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both offer classic point‑and‑click adventure mechanics with serial‑killer mysteries; neither is shown as superior.
Platform availability
No platform information is provided for either title.
Price & value
The Kindred lists an MSRP of $9.99; Open Season’s price is not specified.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Open Season notes limited replay value, but The Kindred mentions unforgiving dead ends that may discourage replay.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both have difficulty spikes and dead‑ends; specific accessibility details are not provided.
Graphics & performance
Open Season uses atmospheric digitized live‑actor graphics, whereas The Kindred has dated 1990s graphical interface.
Choose Police Quest: Open Season if…
Fans who value live‑action visuals and a fresh detective story.
Choose Police Quest III: The Kindred if…
Players seeking a continuation of the Sonny Bonds saga and known price point.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
The Kindred lists an MSRP of $9.99; Open Season’s price is not specified.
Do either games support multiplayer?
Both are single‑player only.
Which title has more modern graphics?
Open Season uses digitized live‑actor graphics, which are more advanced than The Kindred’s dated 1990s interface.
