January 31, 2007

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey (**** out of four) is a compelling fantasy adventure game built on the saga of two parallel universes: one is the real world, which is set some 200 years in the future and is full of technology and science, and the other is a dream-like mystical world based on magic and spirituality. The game is a sequel to the original The Longest Journey, which came out six years ago and relates the story of April, a woman who could move between the two universes. The sequel introduces new characters and adds the element of a dark world that threatens the existence of the parallel universes.

To play the game is like watching a movie unfold--it’s broken up into many small scenes. Between each scene you get to interact in the story by directing the actions of Zoe, the seeker, nomad and dreamer, April, the rebel, emissary and chosen one, and Kian, the soldier, and assassin. There’s a lot of dialogue developing the background, personality and character of the principals, and you find yourself caring about them, who they are and what will be their fate. Like reading a good novel, you want to keep going, even into the wee hours.

The story begins with Zoe, a young woman who has lost direction and feels that there is something out there, something she wants . . . needs to do. She starts having troubling visions on TV screens that show a winter scape, odd house, a young girl and the narration "find April, save her." Add to this the odd behavior of her ex-boyfriend, including a murdered woman in his apartment, and you have the elements of a good mystery--one which Zoe, with your help, will have to sort out.

Game play between scenes is straightforward, with simple tasks to perform such as practicing karate with your instructor (you’ll need the karate skills later in the story to fight off the bad guys) or solving matching puzzles to open doors. In some scenes you can choose which questions to ask the other characters, and you can even talk to non-main characters to learn more about the story background or the main characters. Easing the game play is the use of a "Focus Field," which you can turn on to highlight characters or objects with which you can interact. In any event, the interactions are generally easy, keeping you involved but not distracted from enjoying the movie scenes and story.

The graphics are good, with the real world displayed as subdued ultra-modern with a Spanish flair and the mystical world beautifully haunting with its fairy-tale like settings and weird creatures. The character voices are exceptionally well done, with professional voice actors displaying the wide range of emotions needed to bring the animated characters to life. The musical score is equally haunting and has been nominated for an MTV video award.

The game is especially good because of the storyline and characters. Game play is just secondary, so if you’re looking for bang-up action, you’ll be disappointed. But if you like a good fantasy adventure movie with some interactivity, you’ll like Dreamfall: The Longest Journey. It is rated M for Mature (blood, violence, language).

Take Care of the Animals (ages 8 and up)

Animal Hospital: Pet Vet 3D (****) is a fun and interesting interactive game that lets you play the part of a new veterinarian just starting her practice. You’ll have to equip your veterinarian’s office with tools such as a stethoscope, thermometer, a scale and more. In addition you’ll have to buy feed for the various animals you’ll be caring for. All of this takes money, so the game starts you off with a small amount of money to purchase your initial equipment and supplies.

By taking care of various animals you earn more money, enabling you to buy more equipment, hire help and eventually build a bigger clinic with kennels and more. If your vet skills are good and you earn a good reputation, your clinic will grow. In addition, you learn much about the animals and even have a chance to play with them and teach them tricks.

As the game progresses, you’ll have to examine animals brought to you. But be careful--if you make the owners wait too long they may get angry and leave. Once you’ve diagnosed your animal patient, you’ll have to select a treatment. You get lots of help and learn a lot about animal health and illnesses from the books you’ve purchased and have to read.

Not only will you have to take care of your animal patients, but you have to take care of yourself. You need to see to it you get proper rest, nutrition and exercise. There are "Health Meters" to help you check on your health.

Game play is straightforward; just point to a location you want your Vet to go to (such as the examining room table) and the character moves there. Several options appear, and you choose which action to take. The game has three levels of play (easy to difficult) and 32 animals, including bunnies, cats, dogs, horses and piglets. There’s a free play option or scenario based play where you are given specific problems and have to solve them.

Good fun for the whole family.

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