(Looking to start some chatter in here...this was an immensely influential game series, it deserves the recognition)

I first played this series when it first came out, starting in the mid 80's. Upon re-playing the first 2 & now starting the 3rd (for the first time in many years), I feel I can accurately say that KQ3 is easily the deadliest of the first trilogy. Not to spoil for anyone, but between falls and creatures, I find death comes far more often than in the first 2.

While the third is certainly very tricky from the outset, I've always considered it to be one of the best Quest games, and one of the best graphic adventures I've ever played!

The first two definitely have their challenges though, with certain random encounters being quite deadly especially early on in the first game.

KQ3 was the first adventure game I ever played (followed quickly by KQ1 & 2). I've often wondered if it was my favorite simply because it was my first, or because it really was that good. Regardless, I think the magic spells are a big part of what makes KQ3 the best of the first trilogy (I haven't gotten to re-playing 4+5+6 yet).

I played the KQ games in order, and 3 is still probably my favourite.

The first has a lot of charm to it, but I was never fond of the second one. After 3, I would probably say 5 is next favourite, despite Cedric et al! The music in particular is fantastic.

KQ3 is the only one I've played in full, but none of the others felt as fun to me. I've only sampled 1-6 though. My sister played through at least 4 and possibly 6; I now have 7 and am looking forward to giving it a spin, as people seem to hold it in high regard.

KQ3 was among the first graphical games I played at all, so I've always suspected a degree of nostalgic bias for me . . . but I still think it's just a wonderful game, and I think you nailed it - the spells are such a cool element. And yes, I fell SO MUCH. $&^(#(()& cat. I remember being so proud of finally learning to descend the mountain at normal speed . . . I got a lot of practice, since it was probably years before I managed to get past the first part of the game (I was 6 years old, cut me some slack!)

I think KQ3 also had a sense of urgency that the first 2 didn't. Knowing that Manannan would eventually kill you if you didn't find a way to escape his evil clutches, as opposed to wandering around at a leisurely pace in the first 2, really made for a deeper game as well.