An
adventure, adventure fans can really sink their teeth
into. by Mike Chasselwaite
April
20, 2006 -
Dreamfall
is the sequel to what many consider to be one of the
best adventure games of all times, The Longest Journey.
The developers are well aware of the heritage this
game represents and has delivered a product that is
a worth contender to the throne.
Where
Dreamfall excels is in telling a story. The imaginative
characters and locations are truly memorable and create
a unique experience that makes the ride more enjoyable
than the destination. It's all about the journey.
Although it's an adventure game you would assume that
the control system is of the point-and-click variety.
Instead, the character is controlled much like a character
in an action game. This gives you more of a sense
of interactivity since you can explore the environments
with more freedom. You also have more control over
the character as far as moves are concerned. Although
limited, there are some instances where you will use
combat and stealth. There are some puzzles and combat
sequences but they are downplayed in favor of maintaining
the momentum of the story. Consider Dreamfall an interactive
movie. With a compelling story and a cast of well-voiced
characters you won't want to be wasting time sliding
tiles around in some arbitrary puzzle.

Those
that have played The Longest Journey will recognize
not only some characters from that game but also the
affect of the parallel worlds of magic and technology
that April had to shift between to regain a harmonic
balance. It's not required that you play the first
game to enjoy Dreamfall. It's developed so that you
don't need to have prior knowledge but at the same
time this new game rewards those that played the original
as it gives them a deeper understanding of the circumstances.
I don't want to give away anything that would spoil
the surprises but let's just say that you're going
to find yourself split between two realities.
The
storyline is so integral to the game that all interactivity
is perfectly constituted within the context. In other
words, there is a purpose to the puzzles. You will
find the odd locked door but they don't seem like
they were included just to as a threat to block your
progress until you can locate the key. Nor will you
find obscure and insanely difficult puzzles that take
you away from the story. Often there is more than
one way to solve a puzzle. In some instances you can
avoid them altogether or talk your way out certain
situations. All elements in this game are designed
to enhance the story and make you feel as though you
are experiencing the adventure and not just playing
a game. Some adventure fans may be disappointed with
the lack of difficult puzzles but if they can resign
themselves to take this game for what it is, they
are going to be in for a real treat.
There
is lots of dialog in this game, because there are
a lot of characters. Thankfully it's well written
and very well acted. The game toys with your emotions.
You will feel pity, anger, fear, bewilderment and
even have a few good laughs along the way.

Zoe
Castillo is the sultry brunette protagonist. She's
going through a little bit of a rough time just having
broke up with her boyfriend and living at home with
her father while trying to figure out what she wants
to be in life. But fate soon intervenes and sends
her on a journey to faraway locations where fantasy
and reality exist in a symbiotic relationship. Zoe
gets caught up as one of the only people that can
travel between these two worlds to try to solve the
problems that are causing disturbances in the technological
world.
Zoe
isn't the only character that you get to play as.
There are two other characters that you can control.
It's interesting to see the different worlds from
their perspective. There are tons of characters in
this game and they will react differently to each
playable character. You will also have a variety of
questions and responses at your command which will
further alter the way characters relate and react
to you. One of the more interesting characters is
Zoe's robotic monkey that acts as a comedic foil to
lighten up some of the tension. The characters display
a lot of nuances in their words, actions and facial
animation. They are among some of the most realistic
AI I've encountered.
Set
in the future, the real world locations are spectacular,
displaying science fiction-style architecture with
natural surroundings. Even the wondrous lands that
exist in the magic realm are believable. Everything
seems cohesive and as alien as some of the lands and
creatures may be, it all seems to fit within the context
of the story. Highly recommended for those that are
looking for not only something that's different, but
something's that done well.

Features:
- Dreamfall
is a thrilling action-adventure featuring three
playable characters, dozens of locations spanning
three worlds, exciting set-pieces with multiple
outcomes, action-packed adventure gameplay, and
an epic and emotional storyline.
- Unparalleled
Gameplay Variety
You will never run out of new things to do! Explore
exotic locations, travel between three worlds, embark
on epic quests, converse with fully voiced characters,
fight intelligent monsters, sneak through dark shadows
and past dangerous enemies, solve intriguing puzzles,
and play fun mini-games.
- Three
Playable Characters
Experience the story from three separate perspectives,
and use abilities unique to each character: strength,
street-smarts, and dexterity.
- Three
Worlds
From vast cities to deep forests, across the seven
seas and into endless caverns, above and beyond
anything you have ever seen - the twin worlds of
science and magic are filled with challenges and
adventure. But in the world outside theworlds -
in the Winter - logic does not apply, and nothing
will have prepared you for the ultimate truth.
- Play
It Your Way!
Multiple solutions and multiple outcomes place you
in charge of the story. Make choices that affect
how people relate to you; solve conflicts with cunning
or with violence; and speak your mind in branching
dialogues.
- Powerful
World Interaction
Interact with the environment through the use of
the brand new Focus Field feature, an easy-to-use
context-sensitive interface, and fully analog character
controls - giving you total power over your character.
By
Mike Chasselwaite
CCC
Freelance Writer
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