Yes indeed -- the 3D engine really did have problems. GK3 is admittedly a clunky game, especially compared to today's sophisticated 3D games, but it was at least *playable*...and most important of all -- the story was GREAT.
I'm probably not alone when I say that I'd put up with a lot worse just to experience Jane Jensen's stories -- hell, I'd learn freaking morse code if she decided to use it to broadcast the story for Gabriel Knight 4. LOL!

Totally agree. I just love the game.

count me in, GK3 is the best in the series.
I love the beautiful 3D graphics

Color me stubborn then, 'cos I still think GB3 should have been FMV, with Dean Erickson reprising his role as Gabriel Knight. I really enjoyed his performance (alongside Von Glower and Grace), but I guess I'm in the minority here...
Don't get me wrong though, I still enjoyed GB3.

No you are not alone. :)
In fact I have very great time on Gab3 when it released (the real one) but now I think that Gab2 have a best ageing than Gab3 whose 3D have really take the age...
And give me a Gab4, please Miss Jensen... :)

I also agree with you. Having played all 3, GK2 is my favorite (with the first being very close behind). However, as far as GK3 goes, I was kinda disappointed. It was still a good story, but it didn't seem as well thought out as the other two. Also, Gabriel's character was rather bland in the third one, whereas I really liked him in the first two. It was still a fun game to play, but there was a definate drop-off from the first two games IMO.

I have played GK3 and GK1 and now I'm halfway through GK2.
I bought GK3 when it first came out and I remember that I was thinking that it's a fine example of the way how 3D should be in adventure games. When I compared it to other 3D adventures of the era, like for example Sierra's Mask of Eternity (probably the worst King's Quest game of the entire series, because it included action elements) and LucasArts' Grim Fandango (nice story and characters, but incredibly awkward controls), GK3 is clearly a winner. I loved the story 10 years ago and when I replayed it 6 months ago I still loved the game.
GK2 has interesting story so far, but it annoys me that I can't move Gabriel as freely around as in other GK games, but most of the time he just stands still till I click hotspot which launches next video. In GK3 you get the classic point and click interface with free camera rotation. A combination which I would love to see also in modern adventure games.
PS: I also think that Tim Curry is real Gabriel and GK2 feels bit strange without his interesting accent.

I definitely started out playing GK2 not liking Dean or... the chick who played Grace... Joanne Takahashi? but then I slowly warmed up to them. Then, when I got to GK3, it seemed like Tim Curry just didn't care, the accent was too exaggerated, etc. and I found I missed the FMV actors. Oh well. GK2 is probably my favorite, then 1, then 3. No hate for it, but hot dang some of those puzzles don't make sense ("and then you glue the furry tape to your face with syrup...")