Posted on: May 24, 2012
foxknight
Jeux: 186 Avis: 2
A (Deeply) Flawed Crystal
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.
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