The Longest Journey

Point and click adventures are something of a dying breed when compared to other major genres. There just doesn't seem to be the same popularity behind them, or big studios willing to make them. That's a real shame, because the sub-genre can make for some of the most interesting settings around, and The Longest Journey is a good example of that. The story takes place between two worlds, one of technology, and one of magic. April Ryan spends her nights dreaming of dragons, but then they start to invade her waking life, too. Then, before she can react, she's passes into the world of arcadia, and finds her dreams aren't so crazy after all. The blend of high fantasy and sci-fi makes for an interesting exploration, filled with both cyberpunk cityscapes and underground shrines. For its time, the graphics and environments are stunning, but a story's real merit is always its protagonist. With April, Funcom didn't follow the trope of a 'Mary Sue' character. Other than her art, she's not really an expert at anything. She certainly doesn't fit in a world of strange creatures and dragons. She want's nothing more than to go back home, yet the develops into a person of loyalty and determination, backed by characters that are just as interesting and sympathetic. It all sits on top of intuitive puzzle mechanics and a stunning soundtrack to reach an ending that will leave you pining for the sequel.