Thursday, August 4, 2011

Dreamfall

Based off of the very highly rated "The Longest Journey," Dreamfall picks up right where it left off. Two worlds exist in parallel one another, but unknown by the majority. Stark and Arcadia are science and magic respectively. On one side flying cars and futuristic skylines, on the other dragons and castles. Ragnar Tornquist is no pushover of a writer, either. The science fiction is grand in scope and chilling in philosophy. The magical side as an excellent lore and a delightful storybook feel. Both sides feature moral dilemmas that unfold beautifully throughout this fleshed out and fairly long adventure.
       The meat of this game is the conversations. The characters have delighfully human discussions and unlike many other games with unfolding plots I never found myself saying "Why doesn't she realize...?" Actually, to be honest I found myself exclaiming that very question when the character would actually ask the taboo questions, realize the truths I knew as a player. This game does a delightful job of delivering what you want in a story.
       The second major activity of this game is the series' signature puzzle solving. It is straight forward and rewarding. I was only stumped once, and that was quickly remedied. It is a highly polished and story driven affair and works nicely. The third and fourth attractions don't benefit from this same praise.
        In concept it is neat to be able to actually swing a sword as a warrior and adds to the overall feel of the game and characters (I dislike puzzle games where you merely have sword for show and need some grandiose excuse to actually pull it out), however, swordplay is not one of this games strengths. Combat is a chore that leaves you wondering why they bothered. Stealth missions also follow suite, being frustrating and sometimes unbelievable. It does add to the story "She snuck by him" but perhaps this is best just insinuated at times. It isn't as horrible as the fighting, but still needed more attention to work fully.
         Away from the negative stuff, this game is very enthralling. The world(s) are entirely fascinating and the exposition through character is some of the best in any game.
         There are some moral warnings I regret to say. One of the characters in particular has a terrible (terrible) mouth. Sex also used as an overtone throughout, though never actually seen or participated in in any way (not even any graphic clothing). Everything IS presented in a remarkably true to life fashion. Some people are clean and wholesome, and others are slime balls, making it a blast to converse and traverse.
         If the above (which I am attempting to clean up in my version, though no word on whether it is feasibly possible exists) bother you than stay clear and read up the storyline elsewhere, but if it doesn't bother you, affect you, or discourage you, if you can weight the fascinating art above the incorrigible, I would recommend it. It definitely isn't for everyone and I was offended at certain points, but they do a wonderful job of isolating and making those characters take sole ownership for their particular behavior. Have fun!