This is the ultimate adventure game. Seek no more.
AND I did not play it in my youth, I've grown up on Broken Sword and Curse of the Monkey Island instead.

Our titular protagonist is a rare books store owner (no big spoilers here) and a pulp novel writer. All these rare books give him an aura of mystery and understanding. I don't know about you, but I always wanted to go on a mythical quest. One that would test my skills as a historian, translator, liar and seducer. Gabriel Knight is *the* archetypical hero for that.

And just like in Roger Zelazny's "Amber Chronicles" the world unravels its mysteries gradually. At first, one might think it's just some cantrips and charlatanerie in downtown New Orleans...

This, plus the snazzy narrator (who takes time to get used to), leaning on the fourth wall and being ahead of you by just one step - the game has it all.

I wish I played it when it came out!