Techniques & Technology

SCI Engine

Sierra's Creative Interpreter

Sierra's SCI engine succeeded AGI with higher resolution graphics, mouse support, and better audio, powering adventure games through the 1990s.

pcAmigaatari-st engineadventuresierra 1988–present

Overview

The Sierra Creative Interpreter (SCI) replaced AGI with major improvements: 320x200 resolution (doubled from AGI), mouse support for point-and-click interfaces, and enhanced audio including Roland MT-32 support. SCI powered Sierra’s most beloved games from King’s Quest IV through Gabriel Knight across multiple revisions.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Sierra On-Line.
  • Era: 1988-1996 (multiple versions).
  • Resolution: 320x200, 256 colours (later versions).
  • Interface: mouse-based point-and-click.
  • Audio: AdLib, MT-32, General MIDI support.
  • Notable games: King’s Quest IV-VII, Space Quest IV-VI, Gabriel Knight.

Version evolution

SCI improved over time:

  • SCI0: 16 colours, parser-based.
  • SCI1: 256 colours, icon-based interface.
  • SCI1.1: improved efficiency.
  • SCI2/3: higher resolution, video support.

Technical advances

Over AGI improvements:

  • Resolution: 320x200 versus 160x200.
  • Colours: up to 256 versus 16.
  • Audio: synthesiser support.
  • Interface: mouse-driven point-and-click.

See also