Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness was the proposed title for the next game following Quest for Glory III: Wages of War as shown at the end of the game. The name was changed simply to Quest for Glory: Shadows of Darkness in the released game, dropping the roman numerals. Though the released game is sometimes referred to as the original proposed title retroactively.
Background[]
The game was the rename of Quest for Glory III: Shadows of Darkness after it was decided to add one more game to the series (between Quest for Glory II: Trial by Fire and Shadows of Darkness). This was because the Coles didn't feel as if the Hero was ready to take on the dangers in Mordavia yet.
The dropping of the roman numeral "IV" was to marketing trends at the time (to drop numerals in series, something that would catch on in other Sierra On-Line series going forward as well. However, the roman numeral was brought back with the sequel Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire.
Despite the name change to drop the numerals from the game, promo material, and some collections still refer to the game as "Quest for Glory IV", or "QFG4". The Quest for Glory: The Authorized Strategy Guide accidentally lists QFG4 as VI: Shadows of Darkness on one page (but normally lists it as Quest For Glory IV).
Preview References to QFG4[]
- "Best of all, Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness is coming this Fall from Sierra. Watch these pages for more news on this groundbreaking new game."[1]
- Game Review: Quest For Glory: Shadows of Darkness
Retroactive References to QFG4[]
- The collections often saved QFG4 into "QFG4"/"QFG4CD" or "QG4"/"QG4CD" related folders. Some files in the collections have QFG4, or QG4 in their names.
- Readme (Collection): Several references to "Quest for Glory 4", "QG4", "QG4CD", "QFG4", "QFG4 Floppy" and "QFG4 CD".
- "...I want players to care about the people and story of the game. I want them to really feel the sorrow and glory of sacrifice when, in Quest for Glory IV, Toby gives his life for the life of young Tanya. I want the player to feel that same pain and glory as he plays the Paladin, knowing the risk inherent in all he does."-Lori Cole[2]
- "You always play the same character, each time building his abilities and skills, making new friends and enemies, and developing the overall plot. We've taken the Hero from a beginning-level graduate of the Correspondence School for Heroes to a seasoned adventurer in the course of Quest for Glory IV (Shadows of Darkness)."[3]
- Interview with Lori Ann Cole and Mishell Baker
- Shady Ladies of Shadows of Darkness/Women of QFG4: Erana's Peace/Women of Glory 4: Daughter of Darkness/Women of Glory 4: Dark Mistress
Gallery[]
This gallery includes assorted references to "Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness" made in various collections after the release of Quest for Glory: Shadows of Darkness specifically.