Up until the early 90s, Sierra games had a very distinct style. Space Quest III is a perfect example - it literally illustrates my point.
I know they "had to go with the times" and changed their style in later years. It became smoother and, to a degree, more mainstream. I might be one of the few who didn’t like the switch - I preferred their original chunky pixel art. To me, those games will always be emblematic of Sierra’s legacy.
Whenever I replay the older classics like King’s Quest, Space Quest, Leisure Suit Larry, and Police Quest, there’s something oddly comforting about them, like catching up with an old friend after many years.
Just look at these four screenshots and tell me they aren't full of wonder, skill, and soul. They had to work with limited color palettes and low resolutions, yet every shot is packed with incredible detail. It's so easy to get lost in them.
I assume younger generations might not see it the same way. And yes, maybe nostalgia is hitting me hard right now - but I still believe one of the main reasons so many of us remember Sierra so fondly is their art style. It had a certain magic that has never been replicated.