RagnarTornquist.com

Half-Life 1 was notable for being one of the first popular first-person shooters to really incorporate story — not just in the opening sequence or box cover, but throughout the game — and it did it really well. Before, story was often third-rate or non-existent in action games. Now, you pretty much have to include some sort of a story and plot progression in every game, although the quality still varies greatly and generally are well below those of adventure games. So it’s kind of funny how we have a game on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, which is all about story and not much about gameplay.

Also, it’s not just about giving the player something to do. The best dialogue and humour in Grim Fandango, Monkey Island, etc, was related to the absurd-puzzles-of-the-moment. Come to think of it, Dreamfall was a pretty serious, not necessarily dark but not a particularly light-hearted game. Not that TLJ was a cartoony adventure, but there was certainly a good amount of comic relief that really felt missing in Dreamfall.

“Now Dreamfall is completely different, gameplay is non-existent, you run and run, solve some elementary puzzles and watch the story unfold. Dreamfall is ‘only’ the story and nothing else, so it is natural that people will complain about it if it is not satisfactory.”

I could not disagree with you more. To say that there is limited gameplay, sure. To say that it’s non-existant is a blatant lie. Yes the puzzles are elementary and yes you run a lot, but I can’t say that Half-Life series is too different in this department. The puzzles in Half-Life (1 and 2) have no challange (using the gravity gun to put weights on a scale is not challanging). People say that Dreamfall is linear with all the running, but MY GOD how linear Half-Life games are. At least in Dreamfall you can chose to go to various areas and talk to people in different order. Half-Life makes you take specifically ONE and only ONE direction. You can’t even explore the settings in your own order

The one thing that HalfLife beats Dreamfall is in the amount of gameplay. And yes, Dreamfall did fall short of gameplay, but it is so much more than the story.

There is the excellent music, really great dialogue (which is not the same thing as the story), superb voice acting (some of the best there is), and exporation of visually stunning, and unique (you simply can’t argue with Dreamfall’s art direction) environments.

Once again, they messed up with the gameplay bit, but I think it’s totaly being blown out of proportion. How come nobody complained that in Xenosaga, the first 5 hours of the game include 3 hours of cut-scenes (I actually timed this). And that Fareinheit, while having much more gameplay than Dreamfall, mostly consisted of simon-says button smashing (you can do that without actually playing a game) and a LOT of useless action such as picking up a wine bottle from the kitchen and giving it over to an NPC. This is what I call filler gameplay. It’s there, but it’s relatively pointless and in the matter of “simon-says” gameplay mechanics, highly repetitive button smashing.

And yet, people that gave low scores to Dreamfall due to its “non-existant” gameplay, had no problem with Indigo Prophecy’s “filler” gameplay.

I loved the game dispite all stealth and fighting sequences which I don’t like (obvious). There wheren’t many so to speak. But the ending, the ending what can I say, I want more, I crave more, all these loose threds.
I need some answers I go crazy if you (Ragnar) leave us all out in the cold and don’t make a sequel to tie things up. At least you should write it down as a novel or a shortstory so we could read the hole story at your website. It feels like The Empire Strikes Back in Star Wars everything goes up “shit creek” so to say. Please do something preferably a sequel.
Over and out from LA8PV.

About this time yesterday I bought the game and I’ve already completed it. I’d say the game has about 15 hours of gameplay. It’s a solid game all in all. If there is a sequel here’s what I’d like to see:

1. No combat – I mostly play these types of games to see the story progress, explore the environments, interact with the characters and solve the puzzles. I’m like this with most games I play – whether it’s Prince of Persia or Neverwinter Nights. The story is the game, the fighting is just something that gets in the way.

2. Controls – I would have prefered to play Dreamfall with my joypad. I have one of those Microsoft 360 controllers for PC. Sadly it’s not possible to rely on the joypad alone. I wish the game would have come preconfigured for a 360 controller for PC or at the very least I would have liked being able to map the trigger buttons and the D-pad but the in-game joypad-mapping-thingie wouldn’t let me do that.

3. No waiting. I’d hate to forget the details of this story before playing the sequel. I’d rather see you release a shorter game if that ever becomes a viable tradeoff. You’ve got until christmas.

PLEASE make a sequal…i need to know the what happened to April, Kian and of couse Zoe.

I dont want to play anything, even WoW, after completing Dreamfall a week ago. Very touching story… especially Zoe… A sequel or i dont see how i’ll be able to play computer games anymore…

I really wonder if the blog’s owner reads all these comments. Anyways, a bit of question towards the innkeeper, hehe.

Were the reasons why you decided to leave the Dreamfall’s story unfinished until the sequel comes only financial ones, i.e. Funcom spent all the money assigned to the project, or there was something deeper behind it, like a lack of knowledge how to develop the story further.
It’s just that we all had to wait for about six years (I personally was waiting for four years, since I got to know about The Longest Journey in 2002) until we saw the next part of the story – and what? It just kept us intrigued, leaving more questions than answers. Yes, some questions may be answered by combining the information from both two games, like I really hope April’s not dead, otherwise whom have we seen in the House of All Worlds. But still, waiting for another six years until the story is completely told would be unbearable. Why? Because you can’t treat the fans like that =). We age as everybody, and when people age they change their interests, start a family, get a more problems to take care of etc. So just imagine how old would people who opened the twin world universe of TLJ when they were teenagers be if your company keeps releasing games with the same speed =).

The last question. Do you plan on finishing the story in the third game? Or it’s gonna take more steps to reach? Cause I really wish it didn’t transform into the Star-Wars-like epic from the release dates point of view =).

The reason he ended the story there was because he thought it was a good breaking point (we can debate his sanity at our leisure) and he wanted a tense cliffhanger ending. And also, I suspect, he wanted people to be traumatized by it, so when the sequel comes out, it will create in them a deep, irrational need to buy it immediately, regardless of the cost.

I think it’s a safe bet that the third game will come out in less than 6 years. Hopefully before the decade is out. It’ll probably brighten my college years.

One of the reasons I love both games is because April reminds me of my mom, particularly in Dreamfall. And Zoe is kind of like me.

This is the problem with games that don’t come to some sort of conclusion.
TLJ wrapt things up pretty well, though leaving us with some questions to ponder about.
Another game that falls flat on the ground is Zelehngorm.
This is because they launched a game that wasn’t even finished, they planned to release the game in chapters so to speak.
And when they ran out of money we where left with the first chapter of the game
If Dreamfall 2 doesn’t come out in less than 2 years I think we can kiss the story goodbye to.

@@¤%&¤#

I’ll hope I’m all wrong but what the h**l.

I don’t want to be cheated once again, or I may turn into a Taliban.

First of all i have to say that this game, or rather epic novel, is nothing short of marvelous. I feel it is rather pointless to point out all the good bits, as this has already been done so many times here, but never the less i also have to join in in the chours of praise.

I still haven’t recovered fully from the emotional shock that the ending brought with it, and i have a feeling that i wont rest easy untill i get som conclusive answers. Concerning that i have to agree with what Aragorn mentioned a few posts up the ladder; If it turns out that there will be no final game to conlude the trilogy (although we are all putting our faith in you to make this happen, Ragnar) it would probably be a good idea to put the story into bookform. It is no secret that the story of this series is of such quality that it would do just as well in a book.
If it turns out that no third game will come out i’m sure us fans would be just as satisfied with ‘Dreamfall 2, The Novel’

I was passionate about this game. That is to say, when my Limited edition took forever to ship i was mad, when I found out it had starforce on it, I was angry.

Then I played it, and I I thought that I could forgive,

Then i got to the ending….. Im still in disbelief that thier is’t anything else..

Im glad you made the game and it was a positive experiance, however im not happy with the ending, since a sequel is never, ever a sure thing in the video game industry. Also, game are about interaction and give the user choice. Choice in DF is an illustion. Even in TLJ you had some control over April’s outlook and demenor, but in DF Zoe (and the other characters) choices greatly agrivate me. I want to see April get together, or at lease talk to, with Charlie again. I want to Zoe to see Reza.

I know how hard narrative is, and N^2 problem one gets when creating alternate paths, But I really Really would like to see some of this addressed in a sequel. And Please, Please announce a sequel as soon as possible, Dreamfall was not complete and it is a crime to leave it in this state.

Hey, I want to start by saying that I loved playing this game. I was an amazing experience to say the least. Amazing characters, scenery, and plot. However, I felt somewhat cheated in the ending, and if the sequel doesn’t come out within the next 2-3 years, I will be very dissapointed…. It just feels like there were way too many loose ends at the conclusion.
But once again, the actual experience of playing was top notch.

Hi mate first of all i do not regreet the 500sek i payed for this game even since i ussually dont buy games just because of the prices but sometimes they just have this magic when i look at them wich was the case in dreamfall even though i never heard about that or the first game…..The thing i noticed that i hardly ever feel anymore was that i accually lived the game it was like looking at a movie and yet be inside of it…..
The sad thing abou tme is that it ended to soon maybe it was to short maybe in not just a casual player…..i made the whole game in just 2 days wich dissapointed me alot since i still have alot of questions about the storyline i would like to answer so i really hope i will get a sequel to this one so i can finish the story cause its an amazing storyborad never seen before…..

guys, since there will be a sequel, though won’t be too soon, let’s play a role by supporting the sales! (those who are able to pump cash xD).. buy more boxes and hope that Ragnar could confirm making a sequel

I have to say leaving the fans of TLJ with a sequel with no ending and only a “maybe” on the 3rd is so wrong!!!!

I LOVED Dreamfall and felt (still feel) the story rolling around in my head due to all the unanswered questions. I hope we don’t have to wait as long for #3.

PS: I’d like to know how we can monitor the sales?

I hope to everything imaginable that you’re able to get that sequel going and finish the story…I only just finished the game today, and I am in need of more! Everyone I showed the game to loved it, wanted to play it themselves, and the story is excellent. The unanswered questions are in a turmoil in my head, and I just can’t wait to have more…I hope we all don’t have to wait too long!!

i just say what everyone says.. just hurry up please.. don’t let us wait more 6 years..

I honestly can’t believe you felt Dreamfall was complete enough to sell. I mean the story was great, the characters enjoyable, but when comparing this to The Longest Journey it’s more like I bought a half a game. The story ends just when the tale is unwinding. Nothing is solved, well nearly nothing – at least the big corporation dude gets killed, though I can only assume this since it wasn’t actually shown. What I want to know is when there will be a patch to download that completes my half game.

Irritated….
– Anthony

TLJ => BEST adventure for me
DF => BEST novel for meh
Waiting for sequel => BEST cause to live
-btw any chance i can be little crow? i’m the guybird for the job xD

I really loved DreamFall, I haven’t played TLJ yet and I do plan to buy it. However I don’t think that you should wait to long to produce a sequel. The ending left me vastly unsatisfied the game came full circle yes however no loose ends were tied up and the sceen after the credits greatly confused what my friends and I had concluded. Please give us some direction as to what it was that was suppose to be going on. How about a graphic novel or just a novel?????

I just completed “The Long Journey” and loved it. Great story. The sceneries, music, characters…beautiful. Even I got emotional at times. The combat and sneaking around was so light to a point that it just did not fit in as a whole so I agree with others about that. I would definetly love to see different story paths in the next journey because it felt very linear. To persue different roles/professions based on decisions would be quite interesting I think. Or at least allow different ways of achieving as some have noted. I would like to see far greater puzzles and mysteries to solve and they don’t have to very complex – at least most of them.

Crow is my favorite character of all. What a crazy, funny birdguy! And who can forget the FABULOUS spice merchant? LOL E-gah! I can’t wait!

I have a feeling that so-so person is dead. Remeber the large skeletal remains? Remember the creature in the water? How could they, right? Unless they “shifted” at the moment of fall. Hmm.

What I am wondering is if “White Dragon” IS the mother? Oh my…I best close my mouth.

Zenaphex Says:

What I am wondering is if “White Dragon” IS the mother? Oh my…I best close my mouth.

Ummm, NO. First of all, remember she said she was just getting used to her human body. Ten years previously, she was a dragon. Second, Dr. Chang created Faith, and probably created Zoe with Dr. Castillo years before (remember he is a bio-engineer.)

Best damn game I have eva played, but a little too short! If the sequal comes out I will be a happy camper. If not, I will flow into a never ending dream….

I just want to say that this game was the best game and series of games I have ever played. Only 2 games have ever made me feel like I was part of the game and felt like it was part of “my life” TLJ 1,2 and Indigo Profecy (Farenheit). But by far The Longest Journey blows me away. No other game compares and to me, none ever will. I plead and stress that you MUST continue the story in games, I would continue purchasing these games for the rest of my life if they never had an end. That’s how dedicated I am to TLJ. I’d also suggest a movie version with real actors potentially in the future. This game would make millions in the box office just for how amazing the story line is. You are a genius in your works Mr. Tornquist, and you’ve made a permanent fan of your works as well. I want to say lots more, but I’d much rather hear from you personaly and potentially thank you personaly as well. Whether that happens or not… Just know I think your work and vision is amazing. You have super human talents in your imagination and creation.

Thank you again for the best expirence of my life.

Sincerely,

-Aaron. (team_forum@hotmail.com)

*Ack* , *gag* , excuse me I was a little “choked” up after the last post , please spare me a moment to regain my composure , ahem …. Alright thank you, while I definitely love your flair for mysterious thought provoking science fiction as opposed to say Hollywood’s usual fantastical treatment of the genre (i.e.-star wars) I would feel obligated to point out it is truly your top notch sense of humor that sets your apart from the rest, and while that is no doubt a positive I also feel it is the most disappointing factor about Dreamfall. I wont sit here and complain , but as a young aspiring artist myself I saw the true potential of your brilliance through the Crow/Bird character(no doubt probably the truest character in terms of representing your own personal comedic mind) If you are to create a third and final game that leaves fans satisfied you must put the best of your talents to use as much as you can , that’s why we fell in love with April Ryan the first time around and we still see Dreamfall as a totally acceptable sequel despite its many flaws . If you want to make money, use the super nice graphics engine’s and the top notch voice acting but don’t sell your audience short, some of us might be obsequious fools, but not all of us.

I absolutely love Dreamfall!!! I just finished playing the game a few minutes ago….I was surprised with the ending….and I’m hoping that there will be a sequel…please please let there b a sequel!!! I’m dying to know what happened!!! I mean, I thought April and Kian would play a very big part in the story….

Yup, Dreamfall is one sweet game. Totally something unlike anything I’ve ever played. Scenes were beautiful and the story was better than watching a movie.

will, i really doesn`t know about the story actually!! im sorry Ragnar but i like to read their comment was fun….hehhe!!!

will, i really doesn`t know about the story actually!! im sorry Ragnar but i like to read their comment was fun….hehhe!!!

I just completed DF a few minutes ago and straight away set out to find if theres a sequel! Please please please please let there be one! There is so many questions unanswered and I need to know what happens!!!

Oh my gosh. this is not a bad game at all. at first i thought that it is a girl-ish game… but it’s more of like silent hill in a more mystical n much less gorey way. good graphics and engaging storyline makes this a good buy i guess. but as all the above hav stated… SEQUEL PLEASE!!! too many questions left unanswered. but oh well, tat may be just me. :p *wink to all those who haven played the game before, warning – the game is highly addictive. i spent around 3 days playing it. straight. i couldn’t even spare time for a dinner…could u believe it?? so beware guys… i’ve warned you. lastly, thanks ragnar, for creating such a good game, and writing one with such a good storyline. keep on keeping on!!!

AWW COME ON! WE NEED THAT SEQUEL! I just finished the game and i feel soo incompleeete! There must be a sequel and also april cant die so easily, come on!!! Cant wait another 6 years like in TLJ

Well if you do get around to doing a sequel please make the combat better.
Also since this might be the last one you could try adding multiple endings.
Loved Dreamfall by the way. I was so into it I tried to replay it and see if I could find a way to save April. LOL

You just HAVE to make a sequel =O

I have too many questions about “Dreamfall: The Longest Journey”

*SPOILER* (so people who haven’t played the game yet, don’t read!)

- What happened to Damien?

- Why did Zoe have to “die”?

- Will Zoe wake up from her coma?

- Zoe said while in the coma that the guy standing next to her father in the end of the game wasn’t Reza, then who is he, and where is the real Reza?

- What happened to Kian after April was killed on the pier? (It can’t just end there. And also April didn’t even get a chance)

I hope these answers are in your sequel story.

It’s like episodes you look at on the TV, every episode leaves the watcher thinking “Why did that happen, and what happens next?” which makes him wanting to see the next episode.

And since Dreamfall left behind a couple of questions, they would be perfect to be answered in the next story. The questions make me wonder what happens next. So I would definitely buy the game.

WARNING: contains spoilers
I really, REALLY enjoy a good storyline, more so than the gameplay. Character development is also very important to me, which is why I am drawn so strongly to games like DF, TLJ, and the Half-Life series.

Therefore, you could say I was very dissapointed to see what happened to Zoe, and even more so with what happened to April. There better be some coming-back-to-life stuff going on in TLJ3, or something along those lines. Seriously.
Otherwise, great game