Written by: Lisa Li
“Dreamfall: The Longest Journey” is an adventure video game developed by Funcom and released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox in April 2006. The game earned several awards at E3 and serves as a sequel to Funcom’s 1999 classic, The Longest Journey. Although it was released nearly two decades ago, it still holds a unique charm that makes it worth revisiting today.
The story follows three main characters, with Zoë Castillo taking the leading role. Zoë wakes up to find herself trapped within a dream. “Dreamfall” is heavily story-driven, and that’s where it truly shines. There are long stretches of dialogue, but surprisingly, every line is fully voiced. That’s why the conversations feel alive. The characters speak naturally, and their emotions come through clearly even without exaggerated gestures.
When I first got into the game, I quickly realized how crucial the storyline is in an adventure game. If you’re not invested in the plot, it’s almost impossible to keep going. This game understands that perfectly in general. It constantly draws players in, encouraging them to keep searching for the truth behind its mysterious world.
I hadn’t played The Longest Journey before trying this one, so at times the story felt a bit fragmented to me. To be honest, I couldn’t believe this game was released almost twenty years ago. The visual design still looks surprisingly good though it is not perfect, but impressive for its time. The character animations are somewhat stiff, but the environments are detailed and atmospheric. The world feels alive, from the neon lights of futuristic cities to the misty forests of Arcadia.
What I loved most is how the game uses color and lighting to reflect emotion. When Zoë feels confused, the world around her looks pale and cold. When she’s inspired or hopeful, the palette becomes warmer and richer. These subtle artistic choices make the game feel more cinematic than many adventure games of that era.
One of the most visually striking scenes for me takes place like in a vast underground library hidden inside a castle. The space feels otherworldly mysterious, and full of quiet wisdom. The walls curve like natural stone, and the dim lighting mixes deep blues and greens, creating an atmosphere that feels both eerie and sacred.
It’s a moment that made me stop and simply admire the world around me. The contrast between the cold, dark environment and the soft lights scattered across the room gives it a dreamlike beauty. I couldn’t help thinking how breathtaking this scene would be if it were ever recreated in a VR version. It would be truly exquisite to walk through that shimmering, silent space in person.
Being impressed by the game’s visuals, I realized that what truly brought Dreamfall to life wasn’t just what I saw, it was what I heard. The sound design deserves special mention. It’s one of the most surprising parts of Dreamfall. The background music is soft yet haunting, fitting perfectly with the dreamlike tone of the story. Every line is fully voiced and matches each scene beautifully, which makes the world feel truly alive. Not only does the voice actress for Zoë do a wonderful job expressing subtle emotions like doubt, fear, and courage, but even the voice of the black raven fits the atmosphere perfectly. These details make the game’s soundscape both immersive and unforgettable.
Even though Dreamfall: The Longest Journey is almost twenty years old, it still feels surprisingly meaningful today. Its technical aspects, like the graphics and controls, which might show their age, but the heart and storytelling remain timeless. The game succeeds in creating emotional connections and a sense of mystery that few modern titles can match.
Personally, I would love to see a remake or sequel that improves the cohesion of the story and expands the world even more. There are so many places and characters that deserve deeper exploration. If the developers ever bring Dreamfall into immersive technology, perhaps in VR or with new cinematic features.I believe it could captivate a whole new generation of players.