Sometimes the level of signposting borders on comedic. Telltale’s influence can clearly be seen in the way that decisions are all really obviously signposted, as well as in the end screen, which features stats on the choices that other players have made. In terms of gameplay, the developers have made the infinitely wise decision to remove the mediocre stealth and combat mechanics that were in the preceding game in favor of focusing on dialogue trees and choices in the vein of Telltale’s recent output.
However, as someone who has played the other games, I really appreciated this opening episode. There are, therefore, many plot threads remaining in this game. The Dreamfall games follow the story of Zoë Castillo, a college dropout living in the 23rd century who has the ability to visit the parallel fantasy dimension of Arcadia in her dreams. For those unfamiliar with the games that came before it, I imagine that the contents of this episode (the first of five) could be quite baffling since Dreamfall: The Longest Journey didn’t have a neat resolution at the end.
Having recently moved to Perth, Australia I am still finding my feet and unfortunately have no idea how the business works over here or even have any contacts for that matter – contacts are always helpful! I will certainly be looking around and scoping it out in the near future.Dreamfall Chapters is an episodic adventure series that continues on from 2006’s Dreamfall: The Longest Journey which is, in itself, a continuation of the ’90s point-and-click adventure game The Longest Journey. Is voice acting in general something that you would like to return to in the future? Would you return as Zoë Castillo if given the opportunity? Ragnar Tornquist has recently confirmed that Dreamfall Chapters is in the works. Before each take he would intricately describe all the emotions, scenery and history surrounding the circumstances of the scene making it very easy for me to conceptualise his vision for Zoe. Ragnar was fantastic, he had a very clear idea of his vision for the game which resulted in very clear direction. What was it like working with Ragnar Tornquist? In your teens you go through so many changes and learn a lot about yourself so I really felt for Zoe and was compassionate with the journey she was going through. I think we’ve all been through those awkward teenage years where you question everything and make some key decisions in life, and yet don’t feel qualified to do so. Zoë starts off as a restless teenager who doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life – was it difficult to put yourself in her shoes?
After a call-back I was offered the role and travelled up to a London studio for the full recording. As Funcom are based in Norway, this was carried out via a studio ISDN link from Devon ( .uk studio linked up to Funcom’s) and I read parts of the script of which I’d had time to read beforehand. You voiced Zoë Castillo in Dreamfall: The Longest Journey. I was actually introduced to the guys at .uk through an old friend who I had lost touch with but who managed to track me down, which I am extremely grateful for – it just makes you realise that somewhere, at some point, someone is thinking of you! I had no experience as a voiceover artist so it was all new to me, but the guys are fantastic coaches and as well as forming a friendship, they were very supportive and put me forward for the role. How did you make the transition from television acting to voice acting? A few months after joining, I auditioned for a ‘Sunny Delight’ commercial and was lucky enough to be chosen. I took part in many drama festivals and theatre performances but my break came when I was 14 and auditioned for an agency in London. My parents joined me up to a drama school from a very young age so acting has always been a part of my life. I absolutely love Australia though and don’t think I would move back to the UK in a hurry – the climate, the beaches, the ‘outdoor’ lifestyle all seem to suit me and I wake up every morning looking forward to the day ahead. I also miss the shopping so I always arrive with an empty suitcase as my fashion needs have to be met! What I miss the most though is the people – all my family and friends that I left behind who mean so much to me and who you wish you could just meet up for a quick coffee with. I miss the ‘quaintness’ – I’m originally from Devon so whenever I go back home for a visit I have developed a huge appreciation for the beautiful green countryside and the historic buildings and houses – something I totally took for granted when I lived there. You are currently living in Australia – do you miss England?
Hello Ellie, thank you for your time and welcome to AMO!