There are games that break
expectations in such a profound way they raise the standards for the industry.
Some are awe inspiring for their graphics, others for their breathtaking
soundtrack. Dreamfall – The Longest Journey is an amazing example of a game that
stands to raise the standards in two categories, concept and sound, while
maintaining high standards for all aspects of the game itself. Dreamfall – The
Longest Journey has an intricate, compelling plot that is told through the
expressive voices of a talented acting staff. The graphics are rich and detailed
and the gameplay itself is engaging. The game itself is fun and challenging,
requiring players to think outside the box as they face the various challenges
and puzzles scattered throughout the game.
The world of Dreamfall is
exquisitely detailed. Every character a player can interact with is memorable.
Many have personal quirks that help identify their character. “Theoretically”
Blind Bob, the not-so-blind beggar is an amusing example of this. Every
character has a detailed background. Unlike other games, every character also
has a compelling reason for their actions. Players won’t be able to find a
character that makes an unrealistic decision just to move the game along. The
various areas that players can travel through are all vast and unique. From the
technological wonder of the mundane world, called Stark, to the fantastic and
magical forest players can explore in the mystical realm of Arcadia.
Dreamfall is a mix of adventure,
combat, and puzzle solving. Many of the problems players will face can be solved
through conversations with NPCs or the strategic use of items found throughout
the game. Other challenges are based on physical combat. At times players will
have to defend themselves from opponents who will stop at nothing to end their
quest for the truth. The combat system is easy to learn, but can be a trick at
times. The puzzle segments of the game are fun and challenging. While players
with a low tolerance for puzzles may be frustrated, the game itself is easy
enough to progress through as long as you keep your eyes open for objects you
can “borrow” and use later.
The controls themselves are very
easy to use. Movement is handled through the left directional joystick.
Interactions are handled through several of the buttons. Some interactions have
more than one option. For example, if you are standing close to an NPC you can
often talk to them, opening a dialogue, or you can let the character you are
controlling tell you what they see. This can lead to more than a few amusing
comments. The inventory system takes a little getting used to, as you must ready
an item in your inventory before you can use it. Simply having the keys to a
door in your inventory will not let you automatically open it, for example.
The voice actors for Dreamfall – The
Longest Journey are very talented. They bring genuine human warmth to their
portrayals of the characters. You can very easily tell when characters are
angry, amused, or curious just through the voices. The background music is
interesting, but the actors really help bring the action home. The programmers
have also brought an amazing amount of expression to the faces of the
characters. Eye movement, smiles, and posture help the realistic portrayal of
their actions.
As players travel through the worlds
of Dreamfall – The Longest Journey they become caught in an intricate plot full
of depth and mystery. Dreamfall is one of the hardest games to put down or walk
away from I have seen lately because of this. Once again the balance between
Stark and Arcadia has been thrown off dangerously. April Ryan, the original hero
of the Longest Journey has lost her abilities as a Shifter, an individual able
to travel between the worlds of magic and technology at will. A new heroine, Zo
