I'm attempting to get through an enormous backlog of Reader Mail, and this is the last one for today, promise.

Let me tell you a bit about my latest foray into The Longest Journey.

The first time I played it was shortly after it came out. I don't remember what lead me to the game, but I imported it over to the U.S. (this was quite a bit before the North American release). Boy, was I surprised to see the parental rating for the game stuck to the bottom of the box, hidden away. I'm used to the giant white box that is plastered to the front, obscuring the whole damn cover from view.

However, I digress.

I played it, loved it. Favorite adventure game, bar none.

But, I know you don't need any more blind praise than you already get, so I'll continue.

I played it again a few months later. Still loved it, found more nuances I had missed the first round. And I played it many times after that (about six or seven, all told).

Then, about three months ago, I played it again. Except, this time was different. I had just graduated, and summer was dropping in on me. This was before my shit job, and my $3500 film, so I was just relaxing. Glorious relaxation.

I locked myself in the computer room (which only I use, cause everyone else in my family is computer illiterate), with only a bag of cheese puffs (generic, but not bad) to sustain me.

Then, I made a journey--pun intended. Not the "oh, look, I'm playing a computer game and boy is it fun" kind of journey. No no no. This was me in the thick of it. By locking myself away, eating all meals in there on a side TV table, turning off the television, and leaving myself to it without interruptions, I was able to completely immerse myself in the world of April Ryan. To become enmeshed in the twin universes of Stark and Arcadia. To truly, honestly care for each and every one of the characters.

When I finished (after two days, only catching some zzzz's on the couch in between--timing that to when April slept in the game), I felt some tremendous sense of accomplishment. I felt grand. I felt a joy and also a melancholy for what had occurred. I felt what April was feeling when the journey ended. "You mean...it's over?" After all of that struggle, and suffering, and pain, there was...this? Well, damn, now what?

I recommend this method to all readers who can do it (if, of course, you post this and they see it--no pressure). It's like playing the game anew.

This all brings me to my point (yes, I have one).

I am worried. I am worried about TLJ.s, and what is going to happen to it once I play.

I know you've heard all of this before, and I know you've dispelled all the worry about the new "action-adventure" style that it's been given (what did you say it was? Point-and-Click 2.0?), and about the plot. But, see, I just worry that this--like almost all revisitations in a grand design--will seem almost to pale in comparison to the original. I'm afraid--genuinely afraid--that TLJ.s will make me regret ever playing it. Harsh though that sounds, I'm sure you know what I mean.

I'll compare it to Men in Black, if you will. The first one was great, the ending was heartfelt and a great closing. Then, the sequel came out, and ruined the happy filmscape of the previous one. Ruined the characters, ruined everything I cared about. I am almost trying to black it out of my memory because of that.

So, I thought, seeing as how you now know what this game means to me, that maybe you could give me--and all those worried--some kind words, or words of comfort. Not a lot to ask, I think.

I still eagerly await it, but my heart still makes me wonder...and fear...for the future.

Sincerely,
John Hall

I think a recent post of mine (this one) addressed this very issue, and I actually agree with you; messing with treasured memories can be a frightening and dangerous thing. So we tread cautiously, on hallowed ground.

My words of comfort are these: We love the first one too, and we don't want to do anything to ruin it.

There are no guarantees, however, and as with all "sequels" (a word I use hesitantly, as it's really the next chapter of a continuing saga) there is a chance that some people will be disappointed. But stick around and see what we have in store, and hopefully your fears will be quelled.  ¶ 19:00