Dreamfall: The Longest Journey

Even though it's a scripted storyline, and contains no multiplayer, it still is one of the best gameplay experiences out their, with a breathtaking ending. I really wish GOG or Steam would learn to add achievements to more games, but it just doesn't seem to be in the cards. Dreamfall Chapters doesn't compare to this in the slightest, and I really hope one day Funcom will continue the story. (Not Holding My Breath)

Dreamfall could have been a great game like it's predecessors, but... Without giving much spoilers the game is unfinished story-wise and the ending might be frustrating for some people that played the first one, at least it was for me. Compared to the longest journey, the "magic and mystery" of the first one are gone, it's a bit like the setting has lost it's innocence, as the story is more mature and sad. Also the game has a hollywoodish feeling. Regarding the gameplay, the point & click is gone, and the game is more console friendly. This isn't a bad thing, but overall the gameplay is average at best, with bits of action and easy riddles, so you'll probably play this game more for the story.

While the visual update to what was to be a spiritual or direct successor to The Longest Journey, I found the inverse 3rd person controls clumsy while the graphic update was a nice touch. But while I enjoyed seeing familiar locations in hi-res, it seems that the locations existed only because they were in TLJ. The story and acting was poor, and seemingly incomplete. Yes, it does end a bit abruptly after FedEx quest after FedEx quest. It wants to be so much more, but just wasn't. I originally thought TLJ was a lesser, but well know adventure game, but in light of Dreamfall, I find myself reminiscing on how "good" TLJ was, even when I recall thinking that its own plot was ill conceived. On sale, it's worth your time if you're looking for more Tornquist, but otherwise you can gloss over this one for now.

The main PC version has Starforce, a very bad DRM, which is malware. This version don't.

Ragnar Tornquist's The Longest Journey was a triumph of a game, crafting beautiful worlds for one to explore both geographically and emotionally. April's journey is a beautiful mirror of our own journey, and given half the chance I could wax quite poetic about how it succeeded both as a game and as a work of interactive art. The sequel, however... well.... It's just not as good. There, I said it. It was very painful, much like telling a dear old friend that they've changed, and not for the better. While others will no doubt complain about such things as the combat and stealth segments (which truly were useless, frustrating and an overall detraction from the original game's feeling of realistic immersion), the truth about Dreamfall is that, although Tornquist's beautiful world remains intact, the thoughtful, original storyline that made the original such a success is gone. Following multiple characters through the story, while seeming like a wise move on paper, only ensures that you will never properly care about any of them. In one case, a soldier struggles to come to a realization which is painfully obvious from the first scene of the game, which becomes an exercise in futility; in another, a previously beloved character from the first game flails about uselessly; and in the third... well, I honestly don't even remember, it was so forgettable. Add to all of this the fact that the game has no ending (and I mean that in the worst possible way) and one feels that all of the monotony and subpar storylines have truly been for naught. The outward beauty of the game is commendable; even today, the artwork holds up well. Characters are voiced by talented artists, but no amount of conviction can bring meaning to a story which simply isn't there. I certainly wouldn't be so critical of the game were it not following up on one of the greatest games of an era. Call it "Phantom Menace" Syndrome: the game, though no great classic, seems far worse for its connection to something so magical and meaningful, and may receive just a bit more blame than it would have deserved on its own merits. For this fact, and for the fact that it does provide another (pointless and sometimes frustrating) window into Tornquist's beautiful world, I give it three stars out of five. If you are desperate to enter that world and are prepared for a frustrating ride without any good destination, then by all means, partake. However, as I would say about Phantom Menace to any true Star Wars fan, unless one simply can't live without it, it may be best to steer clear.