Dreamfall: The Longest Journey (2006 Video Game) User Reviews

Immersive scifi / fantasy game where the STORY is the main thing

[kasha-kroger · 10/10 · 3 May 2006]

I held my breath, I feared, I laughed, I cried, and when it was over, I was begging for more.

While maybe not the most conventional computer game - even in its own genre of adventure games - the story and characters simply took me with them. Dreamfall is a worthy, long-awaited sequel to my favorite adventure game ever, The Longest Journey. It is an experience all fans of science fiction, fantasy and mythology should experience.

If you're not into adventure games - or gaming in general- simply take it as an interactive film or book. The story is amazing, and the reality is credible and thoroughly thought through. Ragnar Tørnquist is a true storyteller.

While the graphics are maybe not the best possible, the voice-overs are absolutely awesome, and the dialogue is one of the strengths of the game - awesome voice directing and acting. The characters will comment on objects and things, revealing a lot about the world and themselves, and you'll probably find yourself playing the game through a second or a third time after completing it, just to explore the different dialogue alternatives, and look for details you've missed. Big thumbs up!

The best video game story in a decade if not longer...

[allman2568 · 10/10 · 3 May 2006]

This is about the best game I have played in years. I loved TLJ and never expected a sequel, but anticipated it powerfully when it came around. It did not disappoint, containing the same level of brilliant mature storytelling, compelling characters, and memorable scenes. If you love great stories in gaming, you owe it to yourself not to miss one of the finest ever made, with top notch graphics, amazing voice acting, and an unforgettable story that still lingers in my mind, and will for a long time to come. I can't put it any more simply: support one of the finest games ever made by buying it. I played TLJ when it came out in 1999, I imported it from the UK I had heard so many good things about it. The sequel is far easier to get, but not as easy as it should be. If you have to order it, do it. If you have to get it from Amazon or EBGames.com or whatever, do it. If you cant' find it in the stores, find it somewhere else. YOU REALLY should play this if you enjoy games.

Best game in a long time

[peter-Ciurczak · 10/10 · 5 May 2006]

To begin with, this game started from excellent material, that of the setup provided by The Longest Journey. On top of that, it benefited from one of the businesses best writer/directors, Ragnar Tornquist. If that isn't excellent pedigree, i don't know what is. In any even, the story revolves around Zoe Castillo, and her quest for answers that winds up bringing her face to face with April Ryan, the first games heroine. The graphics are spectacular, frankly, they are smooth, crisp, and beautiful, more so than any other engine could do, the shark engine powering dreamfall's graphics truly gives one a sense of the wonder that is both stark and arcadia. Other engines would be lost trying to represent the pre-rendered backgrounds, and that is why i am glad the shark was chosen. Gameplay could use a bit of work, the camera can suck, and fighting does suck, but i've found it much easier to play the game solely with the keyboard. doing so gives the gamer a very good camera, and for those moments when it's necessary, you can manipulate the camera to see what you want to see. Audio, is, well, it's hard to describe. The audio would make and audiophile such as myself weep tears of joy. It's spectacular. A full orchestra with some excellently composed music works wonders on a game's audio. When the soundtrack is released, i for one, am snapping it up. All in all, this game is well worth the purchase. The presentation, both of the audio and visual well make up for the horrid controls, and the story just is in a category of it's own. It's like playing a novel.

Terrific interactive story-telling

[Albedo777 · 3 May 2006]

Hi guys, this is my first time commenting on anything at IMDb.com. But I wanted to share my review (I also review at Amazon.com) for those who don't know anything about Dreamfall. I will keep my review spoiler-free.

Six years. Quite a long time to be waiting for a sequel to an adventure game. When TLJ came out, it was heralded by critics as being one of the best adventure games a person could buy. It incorporated a terrific story, wonderful voice work and good graphics that helped bring depth to the genre. Now, Dreamfall: TLJ is out, a direct sequel to the events of the first game. Is it everything we could hope for? Well, that depends on what you're looking for.

A lot of reviews have talked about various aspects, mostly focusing on negative points like the easiness of the gameplay, the bulkiness of the controls and the horrible combat. The positives have been over-whelming the terrific, complex and utterly addictive story and plot. So, depending on what you are looking for, you will either really love this game or really dislike it.

As far as the gameplay is concerned, I tried playing it with a mouse and keyboard but the controls felt wonky to me; however, plugging in a controller, all of my complaints went away. I'd recommend trying a controller if you have any problems, as the game seems better suited to it.

The difficulty has been lessened from The Longest Journey. On one hand, this is a valid complaint. However, my complaint with the first game was that there were times where the puzzles seemed utterly illogical and were very order-specific. I spent a long time trying to get something accomplished simply because I didn't do it exactly how the game wanted me to. In that aspect, Dreamfall lessens any frustrations to allow you to enjoy the story more fully. That said, the puzzles do lack the depth of TLJ. I wish they were a bit more difficult or took a little more brain power to figure out what to do.

The combat is a bit clunky. It is a rock/paper/scissors combat comprised of block, light, and strong hit. However, the controls are wonky as well, making battles unintuitive. Actually, calling it a game might be stretching it a little. And I don't mean this in a bad way. You will move from place to place, work on puzzles, do some stealth and some clunky fighting. But the game play is there to pull you in and create an interactive story. A cinematic story that has you at the center.

Graphically, I think the game is stellar. There've been complaints in this department, but I think the game is pretty stunning. While there's no way it could live up to the powerhouse of, say, Oblivion, what is here is terrific. The colors are vibrant and lush, the settings are absolutely beautiful. Casablanca feels like a mix of futuristic landscapes with a traditional Spanish-style living. Add to this the vibrant color scheme and terrific art direction, and I think the game is stunning. From the beautiful music to the very competent voice staff, no one should find many faults in the audio.

What lies at the heart of this game, much like The Longest Journey, is a story. A story that is exciting, mysterious and emotional all at the same time. TLJ was, at the time, probably one of the best stories I had seen in a video game. Dreamfall has, in my opinion, blown that story out of the water. People will probably argue this with me, but I think Dreamfall's story is definitely a bit better. It seems more urgent this time around. Partly, this is because of the fact its more of an "action adventure" game as opposed to a point and click game. Whereas in TLJ had instances where you were chased, you couldn't die. Here, things seem a bit more dire and urgent. The pacing of Dreamfall is also excellent. Ragnar Tornquist has a much better control of the story and spins a yarn fitting of a novel.

To get the story across, there is a ton of dialogue. Much like the first game, Dreamfall allows its characters to talk about their lives, what's going on in the world and the plot. While playing TLJ isn't necessary per se, characters from it will show up in surprising ways, starting off from the very beginning. A small caveat about the story. Yes, the story doesn't end so much as set up events for a third game. However, if you look back at TLJ, you would also find a game that doesn't end. Here's hoping the game sells well enough to merit a third game.

So here lies the crux. Your enjoyment of the game will come to this: do you want a game that puts gameplay above story or a game that places story above gameplay. If you choose the former, you probably won't like this game as much. However, if you are like me and enjoy the latter, I can't recommend any other game higher than this one right now. I can normally overlook most flaws or gameplay issues in a game, if it keeps me enthralled with a terrific story. I enjoy story-centered games a ton. I compare both TLJ and Dreamfall to novels. Very dense and filled with backstory, characters and plot, Dreamfall isn't a typical video game. You have to really want to get to know everything and everyone in it to get the most out of the game. If you want to really sink your teeth into a story and know everything there is to know about a fantastical world, there's no better place than Dreamfall.

Great game, lived up to expectations.

[VyRuZ · 10/10 · 15 May 2006]

First of all, i, like many others, have been waiting for this game for a very long time. When i finally got my copy, i was totally absorbed by the experience. I don't have a very "fit" computer, but the game ran perfectly with the graphics at maximum, and after inverting the x and y axis of the controller in the game menu, the controls were perfect.

The graphics are both great and impressive, both in Arcadia and Stark. The characters have been nicely worked, especially Kian, Zoe and April (as one would expect). As i said, the game ran and looked perfectly on my geForce 6600GT, with the graphics maxed out and AF+AA at moderate levels. CPU = 3800+ Ahtlon64, 512MB of RAM memory, the rest does not actually matter so much.

The game is very intuitive and pleasant to play. Puzzles are not very complicated but also not simple. They just fit in and some of them you actually get to solve by reflex, as if the character is actually you. Bottom line: puzzles are not annoying and don't make you wanna bang head against keyboard. :) As for the storyline, it's great. It blends in with the original episode, TLJ and also adds a lot of spices to it. Lots of new playable characters, each one with it's own story and abilities.

I was actually impressed by the new approach on the controls part of the game. I believe that it's actually better and more enriching for the overall gaming experience to control your characters' movements by keys rather than by pointing out where they should go with a cursor. The game feels more realistic and gives you more freedom, that way.

Dialogues are great also. The voices were well chosen and are very warm, unlike some other games of the same genre have.

So, what's there left to say? 10 out of 10 for this game.

Worth the wait !

[markdigital69 · 9/10 · 3 May 2006]

Dreamfall was extremely anticipated by adventure gamers as it was the sequel to one of the best game in this genre: The Longest Journey. I was one of those who couldn't wait to get my hands on it and in the end, I was not disappointed. The game is actually a bit different from the first one because it's not a "point and click" adventure. It feels very natural because you explore the world in full 3D and still have the depth and content of old adventure games. The core gameplay consists of interacting with the wonderful characters. This can look limiting but it stays interesting through the whole game thanks to the excellent writing and voice acting. All the characters are well developed and contribute very well to the emotional roller coaster that is Dreamfall. There are some very minor stealth and combat gameplay elements but those are not the focus of the game.

While the technical aspect of the game isn't exactly top notch, the art design makes up for it very much. The sound is especially good; voice acting is probably the best ever and music is always very fitting and well composed. The story is amazing and very inspiring; this is number one reason to get into this game. My only grippe is that it's way too easy. There are few puzzles and they are very straightforward. Also, the ending raises a lot of questions which is both good and bad. It's good because it leaves you thinking about it and you feel like you have to go through the game a second time. But at the same time, you don't get the same kind of resolution you would get from your typical movie, which is a little bit less satisfying.

In the end, I would recommend this game to anyone interested in a good story and very well done dialogs coupled with good production values. 9/10 !

A Story like no other

[yikboontan · 10/10 · 6 June 2006]

Pros: Best story to come out since The Longest Journey itself: emotional, provocative, unforgettable, enlightening; extremely memorable characters; stellar voice acting; beautiful soundtrack; yes, there's going to be a sequel! Cons: Simple combat; not much challenge in puzzles; story leaves you wanting more; oh I'd be tormented having to wait for the sequel! Above all else Dreamfall delivers a story that's like no other, something that's highly uncommon to gaming these days.

Look at all the games currently out there, they're all pushing more polygons and piling up features, like adding more explosions into a movie. Granted, these games are fun to play, but when it all ends, there's this lack of meaning. Wouldn't be nice if not only if games deliver an experience that's eye-opening, virtually life-changing experience and turning the game player's world upside down? That's just what Dreamfall and its predecessor (The Longest Journey) are about. It's a thrilling journey filled with deep and profound sense of meaning.

Spectacular!

[tall_terror · 9/10 · 3 May 2006]

The story of Dreamfall is fabulous and immersive! No senseless puzzles! The challenges require high curiosity and a little common sense to solve, but they aren't too easy. There are multiple choices for every action, some which seriously alter how you progress. There are a few places where combat is required, but if you don't care for that in an adventure game, use a little logic and you'll find at least one if not more ways to succeed without fighting. There is plenty of replay, I'm still finding new ways to solve the obstacles! The only downside is the lousy PC controls (hoping for a patch soon), but the Xbox is fine so I'm given this a top rating!

Amazing Game

[dreamfallfan1 · 10/10 · 22 May 2006]

If you enjoyed The Longest Journey, you can't go wrong by buying Dreamfall. However, if you played either game, then there's no point in me trying to win you over. You would already be a fan. That's what these games do, they win you over and you become a real fan of the story and creators. You wait anxiously for the next part of the story. Give The Longest Journey and Dreamfall a try. If you love good stories and deep characters, these games are for you. This game was made by real story tellers and artists. The voice acting is professional and they give really moving performances. The artistic direction is what you would expect from such creative and imaginative minds.

Well worth playing

[Liave_Ekeli · 8/10 · 8 May 2006]

I had great expectations when I heard that there would be a sequel to The Longest Journey, which is my all-time favourite adventure game of all time. Never before have there been a game that has gotten me hooked to the extent that The Longest Journey did.

Dreamfall, though I'm not finished playing it yet, has not disappointed me so far. It is one of the few games that I've played that has a truly engaging story, and that makes up for the fact that the controls are a bit difficult to get used to, particularly those in battle-mode.

Dreamfall is a game well-worth playing, and in my opinion one of the best adventure games in a long time

A good game but the ending will hurt!

[chrichtonsworld · 7/10 · 14 September 2010]

Dreamfall is essentially an adventure game like its predecessor. Only for some reason not the usual point and click system we are used to. So it does take a while to learn the controls. For some reason the game designers found it necessary to implement combat. I have no problems with innovations in an old genre like this. But the combat was to say the least very annoying and didn't serve any purpose other than to offer some variation in game play. Compared to the original there are lesser and much easier puzzles. That doesn't mean that there weren't puzzles that were frustrating. But overall the puzzles provided the extra tension to engage you in the story. From the introduction the player is motivated to sit through this story as it offers quite an exciting (but extremely flawed and confusing) story. However Dreamfall:The Longest Journey has one of the most disappointing endings ever.And with that I mean that there is no resolve. It is one depressing sequence after another. The cliffhanger ending(s) has no rewarding element whatsoever. This would not have bothered me much if the story itself would have made more sense and offered at least something positive. Because with this particular ending you are left completely in the dark and a feeling that all you have done in the game has been for nothing. No to mention the fact that you don't find out what happened to the majority of the characters you have encountered. The promised sequel still hasn't been made and ruins the enjoyable experience I had with this game even more. If on can overlook this mess of an ending there are enough strong elements to play the game. But for a much more rewarding experience I would recommend the original Longest Journey.

Possibly the best story in a video game ever.

[beginner247 · 10/10 · 17 May 2006]

The gameplay is limited at best, the puzzles are ridiculously easy, and the graphics are only slightly above average, but Dreamfall is still one of the best games out there. The presentation is outstanding, with top-notch voice-acting and 3 unique characters with unique perspectives on their respective environments. Every interaction reveals a little more about each of the protagonists and makes the already compelling plot even more extraordinary.

Fans of the original The Longest Journey will undoubtedly enjoy the story more since they will be able to pick up on the the numerous cues from the previous game, but newcomers can still easily grow attached to the main characters Zoe, April, and Kian. Highly recommended for people who enjoy story-driven games and are tired of dime-a-dozen first person shooters like Quake, Doom, Unreal, etc.

In one word: tiresome

[artistanbul · 5/10 · 3 February 2008]

I'm a fan of the adventure game genre. Seeing this game was awarded as best of genre and best music and one of the best games of the year by game-spot, and it had so much applause, I thought I'd give it a try.

At first, I was really annoyed with the controls but still managed to make it OK for me by rearranging them.

Anyway, first impressions. Huge looking game area, very little interaction with environment. Looks like it sucks. And it is so throughout the game. You don't have to think even a little bit and this is supposed to be an adventure game? There are much better interactive movie games for god's sake! At least they are not this linear.

Oh yeah, the game is very linear. When I was presented with very contradicting decisions, I thought the game was interesting. But it's not. They are just there for show. Linear all the way. At least Vampire:Bloodlines was honest about it and had mood to show.

The much applauded storyline isn't really that good, and doesn't end properly. I don't care if there is a sequel to be made about the game. This is no way a game should be done. It's not even a cliffhanger. Its just, "what the..?" Yeah and it has some important coherence problems too. Be wary.

What I hate the most is game design though. I cussed a lot playing the game. This is a very very honest breakdown of gaming time: 70% Sneaking (very easy, just takes time) running around fetching things, climbing huge ladders, walking around in obstructed spaces, more running in huge environments where only thing to do is to walk 25% Listening to people speak 4% stupid "myst" style puzzles that are also easy and just tiresome 1% stuff I wanted to like it, I don't. Not a bit. Not even though I love the genre. Even though I want people to make games in this genre. Please stay away.

A splendid array of artwork and story telling woven into a masterpiece

[smitty_cregger52 · 8/10 · 4 December 2006]

First of all, This game is very complex and isn't fully appreciated unless it is played from start to finish. The graphics were amazing but took a backseat to what proved to be a very intricately woven masterpiece of a story.

I absolutely loved nearly everything about this game. If I have to have one complaint, it's probably that there wasn't enough action. The fight scenes were very abrupt and really left you wanting more.

All in all I would definitely recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of the Action/RPG genre.

The story is open-ended and definitely left room for a third installment, of which I am very excited.

A masterpiece of storytelling

[thalunatik · 10/10 · 7 February 2007]

I have played the original The Longest Journey, though I must admit I have not completed it, nor do I believe I got very far now that I have read reviews about it. I suppose at the time I did not realize it was such a grand game, and perhaps did not invest as much effort as I should have.

When I saw Dreamfall (only recently I must admit, can't believe it slipped past me this long) I knew I had to give it a try. While graphics aren't everything, they definitely got me intrigued from the moment I began playing.

That being said, I have just completed Dreamfall tonight, and I must say this game is simply amazing. While it does not contain the abundance of puzzles, and certainly the ones that do exist are not so complex, as in TLJ, I did not mind in the least. In fact, the game itself has much less actual game play than some might prefer. The storyline and dialog kept this game moving the entire time I played, and during the times I WAS at the wheel I couldn't wait for the next cut scene or discussion.

I felt like I was watching a movie though with the depth and longevity of reading a book, all combined into an interactive video game. By the time I completed the game I am left thinking... when will the third installment arrive? I need it - NOW! I was so engrossed that the possibility of needing to wait to continue the "book" hadn't crossed my mind. Now I pray that the third installment is underway somewhere. It has to be. I need it to be.

An Experience and a Half

[sparhawk_55 · 10/10 · 3 January 2007]

This game (and the first game) were completely new to me when I began playing this game. I honestly had no idea what to expect, but I was amazed at how fast the story drew me into a game. I can honestly say that it has been a while since a game's story has been the drawing factor in my purchase. The usual games that occupy my computer and my time are short and usually mindless Shooters. To me the story felt much more like a book that I was acting out and being sort of led through.

The visuals are pretty good although it's not the best out there. Honestly though the story overshadows the visuals so much I found myself sometimes looking elsewhere in the room while the characters were speaking because I felt I could imagine the characters slightly better then they were on screen(now how many game do that, eh?) The sound quality is amazing they even made it compatible with the latest sound-cards. Which is in fact why I checked it out in the first place. I recently picked up a new sound-card (a Creative X-FI no less) and was looking for games that supported it's fancy technology. The dialog is top notch and the music and sound effects are amazing. Surround sound is a must for this or at least a decent pair of headphones.

As for how the game plays, well... that leaves a fair bit to be desired. The game-play is... clunky. I found there were a few too many loading screens for tiny areas in the level(however the loading screens were only three or four seconds long for me), I felt a constant loading system similar to that of Elder Scrolls: Oblivion would have been better for a more flowing story. Sometimes I found it very hard to see exactly what was going on because the camera would stick or not get to that particular angle I was trying to get it too. Quite often I found myself fighting with the game to just let me continue the story rather then complete some meaningless task that just showed more control issues... like the fighting system..(shudder).

Even with all its flaws it is still one of the most amazing games to come out in years. I only can hope that future games will be able to capture this magic and keep it, while improving the visuals and control to make this amazing experience flow more seamlessly.

The longest dream

[Hellsinger · 10/10 · 22 January 2007]

Dreamfall is a game like no other out there today. Maybe that is because action and sports games overflow the market but still. I have never heard of the game until it came out, I never played the prequel (The Longest Journey) either prior to this.

I didn't know what to expect. And although the game starts as a semi-horror one, it's really emotionally packed instead. The story alone of Faith made me cry, this is just a story that touches me and that I can feel I can relate to.

The graphics are top notch and although the battles are a little bit easy and the puzzles ridiculously easy, the story itself is the heart of the game. The soundtrack is amazing and enthralling, the voices are superb and the writing of the game is magnificent, so you can't ask for more! After finishing the game, I decided to get The Longest Journey to find out more about the overall plot.

10/10, and I would put much more, I really would.

The Boring Journey

[altmagr · 1/10 · 8 April 2008]

Well what can i say, i read all the good reviews so i bought it and i have to say this was one of the worst games I have ever played. Two dimensional characters,bad controls, kindergarden level writing, no freedom, no world to explore, no action, a bland story, plot holes, the worst ending in history, and a main character with some of the worst voice acting ever, this game had all of that and more.

I cant believe that i spent the 1200 Microsoft points to get this game. I'm not going say i was trying to kill myself the whole time, only about 75% of it. Their were a couple parts that i enjoyed, like the talking bird. The story left much to be desired and so did the ending. I though maybe i missed something the first time around so i forced my self to play it again and 8 grueling hours later i still couldn't figure out what had just happened. Maybe if it had taken on more of a traditional rpg or action style it could work, there is potential. But the whole run here run back the way you came, now do it 5 more times just doesn't work. There were no goals in this game worth reaching. I'm sitting here scratching my head with a hammer debating whether or not its worth the coma ill receive when i try to beat the experience out of my head.

I can not see what all you people are talking about, it was boring, and uneventful. If a game is going to be advertised as "Action" than it should contain just that. There was no action at all in this game. And i would really like somebody to explain to me why half the characters just disappear with no explanations. Things happen and no clear explanation is given as to why, how or even if it happened at all.

Basically this game is cruel and unusual punishment. If done differently i could have enjoyed myself. DO NOT PLAY THIS GAME. The users of IMDb have lost all of my trust and or respect after reading the positive reviews you people gave it and i will probably never use this site to judge my movie or game purchases ever again.

The worst one of the longest journey

[moviewiz-4 · 4/10 · 14 May 2006]

I was very excited when the internet stated that "the longest journey" game will have its sequel and i rushed to the shop, bought it and install it on my PC and play it.

I am so disappointed. Why, the control is bad.(not point and click like what i expect). This game needs huge gaming power PC like "alienware" and a total tremendous graphic card above 256 megabytes. I have a Pentium 2.66 LGA with 1gig ram and 250 gig of hard disk and this game play like a turtle.

That because i always enjoy the story from this game so i don't mind really play it until the end.

The controller, please fix it. I need to use my both hands to play it and that means i can't eat while i play.

...is but a dream within a dream.

[jaywolfenstien · 10 December 2008]

Like those nights when you lie in bed and sleep lingers just beyond your grasp, Dreamfall's appeal remains elusive. The camera has a mind of its own and requires some adjustments in the option's menu; the battle and stealth mechanics feel awkward and terribly primitive but, strangely enough, appropriate considering this is neither a battle nor stealth based game (and it also helps that said mechanics rarely come into play.)

Then as slumber finally slithers around your consciousness and takes hold, the charms of the Longest Journey's sequel are unveiled like the unknowing surrender to a dream. After a cameo appearance of Bryan Westhouse in the prologue, we're introduced to young Zoe Castillo, college dropout extraordinaire whose sexy British accent is music to listen to (provided by Ellie Conrad-Leigh). Lost in the monotony of daily routines – same faces, same places, no direction – what's the point of it all? Zoe gives in more and more to apathy, lamenting that she's not seen some of her friends in ages because she doesn't feel like making the trip … and she hates herself for it.

After the obligatory introduction to Zoe's home, Casablanca, fate offers her a road to redemption when her good friend Reza, an investigative reporter, vanishes. She vows to find him no matter what the cost. "I may not like the Zoe I'm becoming," she tells one of Reza's contacts, "but I couldn't live with the Zoe who does nothing when her friends need her." What draws me to Zoe and makes her one of my favorite characters across any narrative medium is how she touches both a negative archetype of the spoiled rich girl who has everything, and she simultaneously embodies the spirit of the poor everyman who refuses to surrender. She has everything, yes, but if you look beyond superficial materialism, you see she has nothing.

Zoe can walk away at any time and continue her comfortable lifestyle, but instead she chooses to fight her descent into irredeemable lethargy, she chooses to take the reigns of her life back from autopilot, she chooses to make a stand. And, being a spoiled rich girl with no obligations, she has both the time and the resources to travel to hell and back. If that's what it takes to save Reza – and, in doing so, save herself – then so be it.

Reza's trail leads her to Newport Venice with familiar faces in familiar places for TLJ fans – Charlie, Emma, the Border House, and the Fringe. Then it's across the divide to the wintry landscape of the magical parallel realm, Arcadia, where I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for the heroines of Dreamfall and Longest Journey to meet face to face. I would not be disappointed. Sarah Hamilton reprises her role as April Ryan, and hearing her voice again after eight years I marveled how vividly I remembered this character. Her voice brought a stream of nostalgia that made me want to replay Ms. Ryan's original adventure.

The veteran shifter assists Zoe in returning to Stark where she can continue her search for Reza. Meanwhile, the narrative changes hands to April Ryan who goes on to investigate a brewing conspiracy in Arcadia while dealing with her own emotional turmoils (saving the twin worlds takes its toll on a girl, you know.) Their journeys bring both women to dungeons they must explore alone in their respective worlds – Zoe into a secret underground lab, April into ancient ruins of a forgotten civilization. The narrative masterfully cuts between them, revealing through juxtaposition that both dungeons are linked – that the threat in Stark has a mirror image in Arcadia – yet the game never answers how.

With the return of April also comes the return of the lovable sidekick, Crow (again voiced by Roger Raines). And, yes, he's still got the gift of the gab. "My beak is a finely tuned instrument of love." He tells Zoe, "When I speak, girls tremble … also guys. Guys tremble too, but not in the same way." And it was almost magical to see April and Crow's silhouette against a shift again as they visited familiar territory straight out of key scenes in The Longest Journey, and again I found myself longing to revisit the original game.

Like its predecessor, Dreamfall assembles a colorful cast of characters, somewhat toned down from TLJ; however, they better suit Dreamfall's darker vibe. That's not to say Dreamfall is lacking in amusing exchanges – the Chinaman, the wonderful-fantastic Spice Merchant, Theoretically Blind Bob, and a cameo from Roper F Klacks, himself. But Dreamfall has another, bleaker, agenda.

Despite a few brief detours with April, Dreamfall is Zoe's tale to the point that even the game mechanics take a backseat to her development and storyline. So it's only appropriate to return to our heroine and discuss what makes this dramatic narrative work so well: Zoe's vulnerability. She's still a lost soul, a college dropout, up against worlds-spanning corporate conspiracies. When Zoe discovers a blood-splattered room, or when armed guards chase after Zoe, the danger resonates more vividly because she's not a Lara Croft or a BloodRayne. If they catch her, she's screwed. Game over.

Make no mistake though – Zoe may be vulnerable, but she is not helpless. Throughout the game, Zoe will call upon her wits, her charms, and (every once in awhile) her fists to get herself out of a bind. Because she's not helpless, she chooses to embark on this journey despite her weaknesses, despite being way out of her league, despite the apparent hopelessness of the task.

Little rich girl Zoe Castillo chooses to fight. For Reza. For herself.