Journey

Blog Post: Journey: Beauty, Emotion, and the Joy of Adventure

Tim Gruver — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:27:00 GMT

They say that the longest journeys begin with a single step, and the steps that you take with Thatgamecompany’s downloadable game of Journey is an experience like few others. Taking a simple adventure and imagining it with beauty, grace, and emotion, Journey does what rival games rarely do and gives its world a kind of character that stirs your sense of wonder. A piece of art as much as it is a game, it pushes the envelope for downloadable games as something will set a precedent for the adventure genre for years to come.

Premise:

As you begin your journey, players will be given control over a mysterious figured cloaked in red as they travel with their character to a lone mountaintop standing across from the desert plains. Uncovering secrets and hidden puzzles, your figure will be treated to a spectacular collection of sights and sounds along the way as you push towards your ultimate destination and the game’s finale.

Presentation:

From the moment you step foot in Journey’s world, the game overtakes you with its overwhelming sense of beauty. From the grains of sand that fly under your feet or the breathtaking views from atop the tallest mountain peaks, the game resonates with players in its surreal atmosphere of size and scope. The seemingly endless backdrop before you of desert sand impresses upon you the power of your world as the sun magically reflects off of the desert sands to reveal the haunting image of your destination that follows you across the horizon. The changing landscape of the game further offers an amount of variety to your experience. Snow valleys and dark caverns serve to break up the visual pace of the game and compliment the evolving nature of the environment. Your character moves with agility and poise, seemingly matching the unspoken poise of the world around you.

Furthermore, Journey breathes life into its surroundings with an eye to detail that further captures your curiosity. Great ruins haunt the land with their foreboding presence and carry with them an unwritten history. Where did they come from? Who made them? It is these questions that Journey doesn’t seek to answer and instead displays itself as a monument inviting you to make your own conclusions. Wandering across the land, the occasional sight of a strange creature or fellow traveler gives your surroundings a lifelike quality to it. You don’t know who they are, and they don’t know you, but as they aid you in your quest, you feel like you’re making a bond with them as parts of a bigger world. As much as I wished for a definitive story to be attached to the world, I found that crafting my own narrative to be refreshing.

The true magic of Journey’s experience is captured in the emotion that drives the game’s narrative. Struggling against the crippling winds of the snowstorms provides a feeling of vulnerability and the game’s darkly lit caverns instill a sense of dread in what creatures may lurk underneath them at any moment. All the while, players will move the sounds of Journey’s phenomenal soundtrack. Decked out with orchestral flair, its music perfectly sets the mood of its scenes and it’s little wonder why it was nominated for a Grammy. The game in painfully short, but at the same time, it’s 2-3 hr. length can in some ways be appreciated for preserving its emotional impact within a single sitting.

Gameplay:

What Journey does with gameplay is simple, but its nevertheless appealing in its sense of discovery. Your abilities are tied to the single scarf around your neck and as you find more ribbons throughout your world, you scarf will increase in length along with your abilities accordingly. With no in-game tutorials or hints, Journey leaves your experience entirely up to its players as they begin to unlock and master their powers. Looking to your left, you may see a stepping stone you can climb. To the right, you may find a connecting bridge to work your way to the next level. Jump up and you’ll find yourself flying to your goal with an exhilarating view of the land below you. Many players may find this tiresome, but for those with the patience, the system is utterly satisfying and invites you to use your head without hurting it.

The game also allows for on-line co-op and it matters for your game experience. Alone, you’re adventure will be entirely on your own steam, but with a friend, Journey is very much an engaging play on teamwork. Players will be entertained in uncovering new strategies and your teamwork will be rewarded in how greatly affects your speed of progression. I enjoyed playing alone better and would recommend it if you want to fully enjoy the world all to yourself.

Final Call:

It’s hard to describe all of what Journey does as a game, but as a statement of the power of interactive potential of gaming, it is one of a kind. Setting an artistic precedent for the industry, what Journey accomplishes in terms of beauty, charm, and emotional depth deserves nothing but high praise. Nevertheless, Journey is certainly acquired taste. For players desiring a faster-paced experience of more active gameplay and realistic storytelling, other titles that will warrant your money. However, for players like myself fascinated with the strange and philosophical, Journey is one of the best exclusives for the PS3 and a once in a generation experience worth taking.

Wiki: Journey Guides

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:30:00 GMT

Guides for Journey

Blog Post: Breathe.

Pieguy47 — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 02:40:00 GMT

I say breathe in all definitions of the word. Breathe. Take a breathe of fresh game. Absorb the relaxing new outlook on what a game can do to a person. Journey is weird. Its principles and overarching themes (I might add that these themes differ from person to person. It is alien to western society, but emulates the ideals of the eastern world. Calming, meditative appreciation. I am sure you already have heard about journey. If your here you probably already know about its graphic, its simplistic gameplay, and its shockingly great critic acclaim.

I would guess you read all the way down to here to know why I only gave it a 9.25. Only a 9.25? its not often when a 9.25 is a low score for a game. But anyways, why is it not a ten. It is only an hour and a half. This is actually a perfect amount of time for this game, because any longer and I believe i might loose focus. Thats a problem. Sure, you can replay it. I myself have replayed it 3 times. But replays run dry. Especially when all you do is walk. This is a game that is rare because the focus is not on the player, but whats around the player. it isn't about the characters level, or what gun you have, or if you have an iron pickax or not, this diminishes replay value. If you think about, 95% of all replays are going to be different from the original play through, different guns, different choices, different familiars, different game types, different play styles, different skill trees. In journey you have two ways to play. Alone or with someone else. Player interactions in journey are very unique compared to other games, however, each different player interaction begins to feel the same. Same looking guy, same nice attitude, same shockingly long scarf. It feels like each time your with another player your with almost the same person. And playing by yourself, although great the first 3 times, starts to get old after a while.

So yeah. I dont wish Journey to be longer (maybe a little bit longer). I think its the perfect length for a game like that. And i do love the game, just the nature of it stops it from being able to be a 10. which is fine with me.

Blog Post: If you don't tear up during this game, you're likely dead inside.

bossfight1 — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:22:00 GMT

A beautiful song won me over just by highlighting the game in my Playstation Library. After hearing it I spent the next 90 minutes exploring one of the most beautiful worlds I have ever seen in gaming. The soundtrack alone elevates the game head and shoulders above most titles, but the atmosphere of the desert you traverse, the snowy mountain you scale, and the slick hill you slide down in a scene that I smile through each and every time make this game a firm argument in games being a true art form.

Blog Post: A Journey Review

General Mills44 — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 23:44:00 GMT

    If someone told you that one of the best games of this young year is only an hour and thirty minutes long you’d probably laugh in their face. If that’s so then you’ve clearly haven’t heard of Journey. Thatgamecompaney, who is responsible for PSN hits Flow and Flower, are known for their subtle yet powerful games. Journey continues the trend in a magnificent way.

   Journey tells the tale of a cloaked figure and his ,what else, journey to a mountain that constantly looms in the distance. No words are said and no combat is present, just the subtle clues to the world you’re in and why your character is so dead set on reaching their destination. Each and every environment is stunning and so are your interactions with it. Whether it’s your robes simply flowing in the wind or the way the sand reacts to your movements as you climb and surf down the imposing sand dunes, it’s clear that the developers paid a lot of attention too detail.The excellent musical score done by Austin Wintory perfectly melds into the progression of each moment, culminating in one of the best video game soundtracks too date. Every time I reach the final moments I am nearly brought to tears by how well the music compliments what's going on in-game. Journey is a testament to why games should be considered a form of art, no less then paintings, sculptures, or movies.

   The gameplay is simple yet fun. You’ll be tested with puzzles while also trying to avoid the dangers of the environment and the ominous serpent like creatures sailing through the air. Although Journey boasts a very atmospheric style dependent on the feeling of loneliness in a big and mysterious world, the multiplayer feature is superb. No PSN name blares over your companion’s head and no form of communication is present, rather than a simple chirp system. With this any preconceived notions of who you might be playing with vanish. Both you and your companion will feel much more compelled to help each other find the many secrets and hidden objects in this gorgeous world. During my second play-through I came across another traveler fairly early . For the remainder of our travels we pointed out glyphs, items that enhance your ability to fly, to each other and on occasion even took the brunt of an attack so the other could dodge it. No matter if your playing alone or with some random PSN user Journey is a very rewarding experience. In fact you should try it both ways, the differences are astounding.

   Many casual gamers might write Journey off as a pretentious art game but that accusation wouldn’t be fair too what it truly is. It may not be long, challenging, or traditional in any sense of the word but that all works in its favor. The pacing would have likely been thrown off by changing any of those aspects and thus lessening the overall impact. Journey is a fantastic and beautifully crafted game that takes you on a short but unforgetable experience in a world like no other. If you find some time in between the bigger AAA titles this year, head to the PSN store and purchase this extraordinary game.

Blog Post: Alleogorical simplicity

Tulsalum98 — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:08:00 GMT

Nothing can truly prepare you for the experience that is Journey. Part meditation on the nature of solitude and part demonstration of the effects we all have on the world around us, Journey is proof positive that sometimes less is in deed more. Journey has a control scheme that is easy to follow and yet, somehow, complex in a fascinating sort of way. The puzzles are not incredibly difficult but I would argue that they remain perfect for the game as it is. The visuals are captivating, arresting and are worthy of a host of other superlatives. Finally, enough can not be said about the score. It is clear to see why it's Grammy nominated and proof that an amazing score can evoke as much emotion as anything. Do yourself a favor and pick up Journey, but be prepared for an experience that is incredibly rewarding and yet hard to describe.

Blog Post: Review - Journey (PSN)

BLiNDFATES — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 23:59:00 GMT

Journey...this is quite the beautiful game, but before i get ahead of myself, let me tell you what this game is. Basically your some type of being, and you have 1 goal: get to the light shinning out the top of this huge mountain. on this journey across this desert, you'll meet others much like yourself. In fact, they're actually other players, they just don't show their names.

PRESENTATION

This game is a gorgeous piece of video game work. the colors are incredibly smooth, and the enviornments are something to look at. there is no voice acting, but there's a very interesting soundtrack that intends to pull your emotions into the game.

the game is unfortunately quite short. it's quite possible to play through it in one sitting, but this shockingly steals nothing from the experience.

STORY

The story is told through silent cutscenes. pretty much the story is unfolded in kind of like the ancient day wall stories used by the ancient egyptians and such. The story is actually quite interesting, and is told very well for no words being said.

I'd tell you more about it, but i don't want to ruin what's there, for it's not too much, but is something you should view on your own.

GAMEPLAY

Journey's gameplay is quite interesting. As i said before, you play as these beings you see in the pictures. they can basically walk and almost "surf" down the sand dunes. It's quite cool. you may also notice the scarf-like things they wear. These things give you special abilities such as flying, but only for a limited time, as the action causes your glow on the scarf to drain. when it's out, you can only refill it by finding other Cloth creatures (if that's even what you would call them), or from another player.

Speaking of players, this is the interesting part. You'll find other players along your journey, yet there's no display of a name, or any option to chat with them. You'll can only cominicate by shouting out a musical note by holding down the O button. the longer you hold it, the bigger the note, and the longer it's range.

Range? range for what? you can not only use this note ability to communicate with your partner (which works shockingly well actually), but also to recharge their scarf and vise versa. also, using the note ability will attract the cloth creatures towards you.

It's a really simple mechanic but there's so much you can do with it. you'll have to see for yourself. though this game may sound like an easy trip, be warned, there is an enemy, that i for one, could not figure out how to escape, but my partner did. what really sucks is that if it gets you, it takes a big chunk off your scarf. it's quite depressing. one point, i literally had no scarf at all, and it sucked.

RECAP

Such a simplistic, yet beautiful game, it's the exact definition of short and sweet. i suggest you go and pick this one up from the online store, cause it's totally worth the $15, even if it'll only take you around 2 hours to play through it. check this game out.

Blog Post: A Journey every gamer should embark on.

Polygraphic — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:07:00 GMT

Regarding what many consider to be his finest work, author John Steinbeck declared, "I think everything else I have written has been, in a sense, practice for this". This statement also holds true for thatgamecompany, makers of Cloud, a little-known PC game, and two downloadable PS3 games, Flow and Flower. From the beginning, TGC's main goal has been to create emotional experiences, akin to what one might find in a film, book, or song. While their first two titles were average, it allowed the folks at TGC to experiment, and practice for upcoming titles. Flower, a substantial improvement from Flow, was an excellent game, and hinted at what was to come. Journey is to TGC what "East of Eden" is to Steinbeck: it's easily their most emotionally involved game, and a milestone in the advancement of video games.

Journey begins by placing you in control of a mysterious red figure, in a sprawling desert, with a colossal mountain looming in the background. Much like TGC's other titles, Journey forgoes commands or prompts, and instead uses the environment to them subtly push players in the right direction. For example, the game never outright tells you to head for the mountain, but with a simple camera focus it's implied. This gives the player the feeling that they are actually making the journey on their own accord, and does an admirable job of hiding the game's linear design. This feeling of psuedo-empowerment bleeds directly into the story, explained throughout your journey via hieroglyphics and a number of silent encounters with another mysterious figure, which never gives concrete answers or fully explains anything, allowing for each player to have their own unique interpretation of the game. Though, upon reflection, that never felt like the story, and it really isn't; the real story is forged by you and your companion, as you make the daunting and arduous trek to the mountain's peak, and is unique for every player.

Over the duration of Journey, the figure will be required to traverse a variety of gorgeous areas, each calling forth a distinct emotion. Color is a major factor in level design: tense moments are flooded with dark blues and black, and it's most euphoric ones are splashed with clean, smooth blues and reds, with crisp, calming whites thrown in for good measure. The game is an aesthetic masterpiece, featuring a variety of environments, ranging from massive, seemingly endless deserts, to tense, dungeon-like corridors, to warm, hazy, peaceful ruins. The emotions packed within these areas are enhanced by it's powerful, impressive score. Much like how the serene, relaxing music in Flower helped establish it's emotion, Journey's soundtrack does the same, and adapts seamlessly with each level change.

The most intriguing addition in Journey is it's online component, and is easily the most important aspect of the game. What it does is allow you to discover another anonymous traveler, and presents you with the choice to either journey together, or continue on alone. While traveling alone permeates a deep sense of loneliness, journeying with another creates the polar opposite feeling. While playing with another, you gain the ability to recharge your companion's scarf by huddling close to them or by singing near them, allowing you to rely upon their help, while when playing alone the only way to recharge your scarf is to find flying cloth pieces. This not only establishes the game's underlying message, but also contributes to the bond with your nameless ally; during the game's more tense and emotionally strenuous moments I often discovered myself clung to him for safety, or gliding and singing in the more light-hearted events to express my joy. And in the few hours I was with him, I had honestly developed a deep sense of camaraderie and affection for him.

Journey is a landmark achievement in gaming, merely because the fact that it's more than a game; as cliche as it sounds, it really is an experience. Every aspect of the game is expertly executed to complement and work seamlessly with each other, creating what might be the most emotionally impacting game to date. Whether you agree or disagree with the argument that games can be art, it's hard to imagine calling Journey anything but. It transcends what games have been, and instead focuses on what games can, and should be. An honest-to-goodness masterpiece.

If this review looks familiar, it's because I posted it on GameFAQs a few months ago. I've made a few minor changes to it and posted it here.

Blog Post: SuperKingC77 Review: Journey

SuperKingC77 — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:02:00 GMT

After playing through Journey, Its hard to really summarize my feelings on the game, but what I can say is that it was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in all my years of gaming. With no combat, only simple puzzles, no spoken dialogue, no competitive multiplayer, or really anything that lies at the heart of most modern games, it manages to separate itself from the pack through use of gorgeous visuals, terrific sound design, a great world, inspired multiplayer, and a thought-provoking story told through breathtaking cinematics and the world itself.

You begin the game by assuming control of a mysterious red-robed figure, whom you will guide on their trek using only 3 controls: the control sticks for movement and camera(camera can often be controlled using the gyroscopic abilities of the PS3 controller, though they never hinder the experience by making the camera unwieldly), the O button, which emits a sound that varies in pitch and volume depending on how long you hold the button, and the X button, which will allow you to jump and fly depending on the level of power you currently possess, which can be determined by how much of the scarf billowing behind your character is covered in lighted symbols. With these simple controls you navigate what is easily one of the most beautiful game worlds I have ever seen, filled with awe-inspiring digital wonders at every turn that bring the mysterious land you trek through to life. The musical score is equally fantastic, helping to craft the wondrous experience the game seeks to deliver. I won't go into any details about the world, as every bit of it is a breathtaking new discovery in its own right.

The story of the game is told through cinematic cut scenes and the world itself, leaving it open to interpretation by the player the way few games in the modern era of fully voiced narratives achieve. Its a thematic and mysterious piece that provokes the player to consider the world in various ways, and never really answers any questions it raises about itself, which can either be seen as a flaw, or part of the inherent beauty of the game. The final thematic payoff might end up seeming rather simplistic to some, but really its as open to interpretation as the rest of the story.

The biggest flaw the game has is its content: It is short for the $15 price tag at only approximately 3 hours of game time for a single play through. However, the game is very well paced in those 3 hours, and ultimately is able to deliver an incredibly rewarding experience in the way the similarly-short portal did, an experience that would feel stretched out and bloated if expanded over a greater period of time. With this short play time, one has no excuse not to attempt to beat the game in a single play through, and I highly suggest this is the approach players take. Playing the game from beginning to end allows the player to become completely immersed in the game, which is incredibly important for a game as focused on thematically thought-provoking as Journey.

As you forge your own path through the magnificent game world of Journey, you will often come across another red-robed figure similar to yourself. At first I assumed that these were AI companions there for narrative purposes, but I soon came to realize that these weren't computer-controlled bots, but other pilgrims, making their Journey just as I was. You will notice that as you draw near to one of these fellow journeymen that their presence causes you to regain power to use for your jumps and levitation, and will continue to do so as long as you remain in close proximity to the other player. This fascinatingly unique approach to multiplayer, in which you are encouraged to mutually aid a completely anonymous player throughout the game, having it completely optional, and completely removing the ability of another player to be antagonistic in the game world is a stroke of genius, and makes Journey one of the greatest multiplayer experiences I have ever had. Forging an unspoken bond with a complete stranger, only being able to communicate through the game's musical chiming ability, to mutually work towards a common goal, is one of the most rewarding and emotional experiences In recent memory, and simply intensifies the emotional and thoughtful qualities the rest of the game embodies.

Visually and musically beautiful, with an abstract-yet-lifelike world, brilliantly minimalistic story, and ingenious multiplayer, Journey delivers an awe-inspiring, if short, experience unlike many in modern gaming. If you're looking for an action-heavy dumb-fun type of experience, then you are highly encouraged to look elsewhere, but if you want to lose yourself in an immersive world of artistic beauty, if even for a short amount of time, then this is the perfect game for the job. This is one of those games that captures at its heart what a true game is: an interactive experience that allows the player to chose their own path, and forge their own journey. A must play for anyone with a PS3.

Score: 10/10

Blog Post: Journey Review

Adam Robert Paris — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:31:00 GMT

Surrounded by an endless expanse of sand, you wake up in a foreign world with only a shimmering mountaintop looming ominously in the distance. Devoid of options, you begin your journey towards a goal that may mark a sanctuary or a false hope. Suddenly, a bright figure appears in the distance. You approach cautiously, not knowing whether he is friend or foe. He peers inquisitively at you for a few seconds before signaling with a luminous circle, instinctively you follow. Behind a flowing waterfall of sand, he shows you a secret and continues on through the level signaling for you to follow. You sit pensively for several seconds before deciding to follow this mysterious figure; in this instant you determine the course of your voyage and in this decision lies the brilliance of "Journey".

Thatgamecompany is known for their experimental games such as "Flow" or "Flower" and "Journey" is no different, the title is as much a social experiment as it is a game. Players will encounter other online players throughout the gorgeous game world and can decide for themselves whether they want to work with them or ignore them completely while continuing on alone. There is no indication of who the player is, voice communication is disabled and so each player must rely on simple audio cues that accompany visual circles that radiate from the avatar. The complete uniqueness of each individual experience is what makes "Journey" such a captivating game. One journey I rarely interacted with the nearly seven other players I encountered, the other I shared every experience with a single random online player.

The actual gameplay is minimal, simplistic puzzles are sprinkled throughout that unlock new pathways allowing the characters to continue their trek. The few enemies that appear do not actually kill, but instead cut the scarves players build up through hidden pick-ups that allow them to fly further distances the farther it extends. Despite the simplistic gameplay, exploring the world is extremely satisfying as there are numerous secret areas to explore that may hold runes, artifacts or collectibles for the player to find.

While the actual interaction with the world is not very robust, the gorgeous environments throughout are some of the best I've seen in any video game. Golden sand twinkles in the sunlight, abandoned ruins appear dark and foreboding and the colossal creatures that inhabit the world are terrifying yet captivating in their ancient, stone golem-like depiction. The sheer wonder that accompanied every new area I found compelled me to explore every inch of this dazzling world.

Although the graphics are incredible, the most impressive part of Journey is its unique take on co-op. Random other online players populate the game world and will appear throughout each playthrough allowing players to play through co-operatively or ignore them completely and continue throughout solo. Although playing through individually is still a rewarding experience, deciding exactly how you want to play whether that entails jumping from partner to partner or finding a single companion to accompany you is what makes "Journey" stand out. Disabling all communication was a bold choice, but one that I think makes the trip that much more meaningful when it has concluded. When my single partner and I finally reached the distant mountaintop, the sadness I felt at seeing my anonymous companion disappear was something I never thought a game could elicit.

The beauty of "Journey" doesn't lie in only viewing its gorgeous landscapes or finding every hidden secret, but is instead the harmonious combination of every distinct element. Minimalistic gameplay allows the player to instead focus on experiencing its original take on co-op in whatever manner they please. While the endgame is the illustrious mountaintop, the bond formed with an anonymous avatar is ultimately the greatest triumph of "Journey". When I finally arrived at the seemingly unreachable mountaintop I felt satisfaction, but as I watched my character slowly float away and my partner disappear I was left realizing the mountaintop was worthless and the only thing that ever truly mattered was the journey.

As published by The Daily Cardinal

Blog Post: One amazing journey

HuevoMoose — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:33:00 GMT

Journey is a beautiful game that should be played by everyone. The game has a great nostalgic feel to it that makes the replay value incredibly high. The visuals are amazing. The most impressive thing being the sand. Some may complain of it being too short, however the game's replay value made me play it 4 times all adding up to at least 7 hours of gameplay. It's a beauty of game, you won't be disappointed.

Blog Post: The Journey is the Destination

Joseph Breen — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:44:00 GMT

I have never been much for downloadable games. Even after I got my new PS3 (one of the slim ones with a bigger hard drive) to replace my old, warn out unit, I wasn’t much for downloading games from the Playstation Network. The odd Final Fantasy port aside, most of the titles on the Network just didn’t appeal to me, or didn’t seem like lengthy-enough gaming experiences to warrant the 15-20 bucks they cost. That is, until thatgamecompany released their PSN-exclusive Journey. Having followed the progress of the game’s development ever since its original announcement way-back-when, I waited in eager anticipation for its release. I can safely say that I have not been disappointed.

In thatgamecompany’s Journey, players are tasked with controlling a lone wanderer on his (her? [its?]) trip across a desert as vast and empty as it is beautiful and mysterious. The destination? An enormous mountain looming in the distance, its peak crowned with and radiating light. And that is as much introduction as the game really gives you. From that point forward, the entire narrative of the story takes place largely in the head of the player. There is no in-game text, and even player names take the form of pixelated patterns, rather than PSN IDs (PSN IDs of players you encounter in your journey are displayed at the end of a successful playthrough). There are no voiceovers. From the first moment to the last, the game is entirely open to player interpretation. It’s just you and music and sand – but in this game, that’s really all you need.

The graphics in Journey are beautiful. I should make it clear that no screenshot can really do the game justice. In the game’s best moments, the animations of character model and particles of sand work together to create a world that is ridiculously fun to look at. Everything just flows together in a way that is difficult to describe in words. In one segment of the game, you find your character “surfing” down a steep, sandy slope. After a few seconds of this fast-paced frolic, your character passes into a tunnel of sorts, the camera takes a side-view perspective, and suddenly the sun is shining brightly on the sand in a way that makes it look like water. It literally looks as if your character is surfing on a river of liquid gold. I laughed out loud when I saw it, it was so spectacular.

In addition to your character, there are several “creatures” to be found in the game, most of which seem intent on helping you reach your goal. I put the word creatures in quotation marks, because it is not immediately apparent whether or not these things are alive, but they all behave as if they are possessed of some intelligence. Whether it’s a fluttering, serpentine ribbon-creature whose vocalizations resemble whale-song, or a massive magic-carpet-dragon (you’ll see what I mean) on whose back you can walk and who will fly you around places, the creatures in this desert are beautiful to behold, especially in the way they actively react to your presence.

And while it must be said that the graphics don’t look particularly “realistic,” this is in no way a detriment to the game. The presentation just seems so, for lack of a better word “artistic,” that you never feel as if you’re being slighted in the graphics department. Whatever odd graphical issues you may encounter (for instance, the characters don’t have bodies inside their robes) really just seem like part of the game, part of the style of the art.

Perhaps my favorite part of the game, though, is the music. The moment I finished the title, I hopped online to see if I could buy (or pirate [lol, jk]) the game’s soundtrack. To my great disappointment, the soundtrack is not currently available, but thatgamecompany has stated they plan to release it something soon. It’s just so brilliantly composed. The music, every bit of it, is highly evocative, and perfect for each individual scene or stage in the game. I’m by no means an expert when it comes to music (what do you want? My undergrad was in English!), but I can say that I can’t imagine how this soundtrack could be improved. This game with this soundtrack – it’s like if you took emotions and made them sing. Every moment is perfectly scored in a way that evokes just the right feelings. Feelings of loneliness, of triumph, and of empty despair – it’s all there.

The game explains rather quickly the simple control scheme, and sets you on your way. Within the first five minutes of the game, even an inexperienced player should be able to understand the controls as well as a seasoned veteran, so there’s not much of a learning curve. However, while the controls are simple, there is a level of strategy in the game that might not be immediately apparent on a first playthrough. There is a scene, for instance, where your character encounters massive mechanical dragon-like creatures who will attack and tear the character’s scarf (but it’s a magical scarf that allolws you to jump higher and to fly and stuff – just go with it). However, if the dragon can’t catch you in his magical death-ray, then he can’t attack you. So the trick is in not being seen. It sounds simple, but it’s something that may not occur to every player right away.

Journey should be prized for its brilliant art direction and gorgeous soundtrack, but make no mistake – this is not even a comparable gaming experience to other big-budget titles. It’s a simple, straight-forward (literally) title that doesn’t try to be much more than a beautiful exploration of the ideas the game presents. This is a game that explores themes of solitude vs. community; of discovery and rediscovery; of loss, of life, and of death. And it explores those themes really well. But it doesn’t try to do much more than that, and that’s one of the things I love about it. Trophies encourage multiple playthroughs, and there are several references to other thatgamecompany titles hidden throughout the game. I had a great time finding them all, though none is particularly well-hidden. If you spend even a few minutes looking, you’re sure to find each of them.

I definitely encourage you to give this game more than one go. As per the official GI review, I suggest playing it once entirely alone, and again with Internet enabled – the two experiences really are genuinely different in a way that will likely be apparent as you cross the vast expanse of the desert. The sense of loneliness is much stronger if you’re playing alone (duh), especially in areas like the frozen mountainside. Players who have completed the title know what I’m talking about. The ability to skip to later levels after the first completion is a nice addition if there’s a trophy you want that isn’t available until later.

All in all, Journey is legitimately one of the best titles this year, and I might even go so far as to say one of the best games I’ve played in general. I give it 5 Magic-Carpet-Dragons out of 5.

Blog Post: Journey: A Voyage of Emotion

Picker of nits — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:18:00 GMT

ThatGameCompany (TGC) captures videogame magic once again with their newest title Journey, an emotional voyage through shifting sands and half-buried ruins with little direction, but for one simple goal: reach the top of a far off mountain. Technical innovations in graphics and motion capture abound this late in the current console generation and TGC has chosen to innovate in other ways- namely, player engagement through emotional resonance. Make no mistake, Journey is a visual and auditory marvel, but the real value of the game comes from the level of investment the player is willing to make.

This time around, TGC experiments with a loose narrative, leaving both the story and the experience open to player interpretation. Journey has a fairly simple plot, yet poses deep philosophical questions. On the surface, your story begins and ends with a journey from the outskirts of a lonely desert to the summit of a mountain looming in the distance. Why this character is traveling to the mountain or what connection he/she has to the ruins is never fully explained, but as you progress you do get the sense you’re experiencing something personal and profound.

During your travels, each level is bookended with animated vignettes. These stories serve to provide both context for and progression of your travels. Some hints exist as to what happened to the now crumbling civilization, but you’re never spoon-fed a definitive explanation. Any deeper message these stories cumulatively create is up to you.

JOURNEY WILL MOVE YOU

Movement through the game is most delightful when skiing down sand dunes or floating through the air. Utilizing the gliding ability allows the player to reach high ledges and traverse long distances quickly. Illuminated symbols sparsely populated throughout the game reward the player with prolonged flight. The amount of time a player is able to glide is represented, ingeniously, by the length of their scarf. While airborne, glowing runes along the scarf dissipate until the scarf is goes dark and you’re deposited back on land.

While gliding through the air produces a certain amount of childish glee, it’s the exhilaration of slaloming down sand dunes and through ruins that generates the most enjoyable moments in the game. One specific level, The Sunken City, combines the joy of skiing through this dramatic environment with an emotional rolling score and brilliant skyline. TGC has done an incredible job perfecting the pacing of Journey to the point that even the ebb and flow of movement (walking, surfing, gliding and sneaking) rarely, if ever, feels monotonous or repetitive.

ZEN AND THE ART OF SAND SURFING

THERE IS LIFE IN THE DESERT

You will meet many in-game companions as you progress through this sea of sand that take on a notably aquatic nature. Each stylized cloth creature, from the schools of little fish and energetic dolphins, to the giant flowing kelp and jellyfish add life to an otherwise desolate environment. Interactions with each creature resemble an almost symbiotic relationship. As the player helps to release these creatures from confinement, they function to enable forward progression, either providing a boost, a quick charge or a friendly guide through the level. The only real antagonists players will find in the game take on the form of flying stone serpents. These menacing giants will chase players down and violently tear off a segment of their scarf should they cross their line of sight. Even players disconnected from the network will find some form of companionship along the way.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE WILDLIFE

The online “multiplayer” TGC included with Journey is a critical component of the game. Much like Dark Souls and Demon Souls, you lack the ability to directly invite a player into your session. The game will automatically pair your avatar up with a single companion. Competing for resources is blessedly absent and voice support is, wisely, replaced with nonsensical shouts. Whether you choose to work together or not is up to you. Cooperative versus solo play offers no distinct advantages other than being able to “recharge” one another with your shouts.

It’s interesting how much more enjoyable the experience is using only shouts to communicate and how impactful it can be to lose your companion along the way. Rather than avoiding contact with random players, I found myself seeking out and holding onto their companionship during my journey. For example, at the end of a rather involving level, I lost my companion and had no idea what to think. Where did he go? Why did he leave? Did he go on without me? Should I leave him behind or wait? In any other game I would not have struggled with moving on. Not this game. Had I been able to talk with XxxUrM0m96xxX, I’d probably have disconnected the game on purpose. Unintelligible shouts are a more humanizing form of communication than in-game chat. I strongly recommend both a solitary playthrough and one with companions. While there is no change to the story, the emotional journey with each new companion encountered is worth multiple trips.

A GILDED CAGE

Journey’s strangest surprise is how linear it really is. The path to the mountain and ending are the same whether you play solo or with a companion. It seems encountering companions along the way and deciding whether to stay with them or explore your own path would have carried more weight with a more open world design. Tighter pacing seems to be the tradeoff. While the game clearly doesn’t require an open world design to be successful, it seems like a significant missed opportunity given the impact TGC was looking to impart on these specific interactions.

Emotions and character interactions aside, Journey is a visually striking game with gorgeous sound design. You will, without a question, be treated to jaw dropping vistas and expansive landscapes along the way. These visually engaging moments are supported by some of the most moving and adept musical scores expressing everything from joy and amazement to dread and gloom; Journey uses its live orchestra soundtrack in this way to great effect. While the score is unique, it’s difficult not to draw comparisons with Greg Edmundson’s work on Firefly in instrumentation, musical themes and emotional impact- high praise indeed. Do not turn down the volume of your TV for this one.

Journey’s stylized artwork is both simple and rich. The simple artwork and environmental design do not overwhelm the experience and the lack of a HUD is incredibly refreshing; use of the scarf as a power meter through character and costume design is quite clever. My only visual complaint in Journey is the absurd amount of sand glare. Some level of “pop” is necessary to help the game standout with its reserved color pallet, but I could not stop comparing the glare to a sugar encrusted confection or a Barbie convention gone horribly, horribly wrong. Less is more with glitter and this game is no exception.

DESERT: TWO PARTS SAND, ONE PART GLITTER

A JOURNEY WORTH TAKING

Storytelling through emotional resonance is the true innovation of TGC’s Journey. Visual pizazz, a moving score, engaging environments and inventive multiplayer all coalesce into a phenomenal game dedicated to expanding the emotional impact of the videogame industry. Not since Final Fantasy 6 have I felt such a broad scope of emotion in one game. Through multiple playthroughs I’ve felt: wonder, joy, loss, sorrow, exultation, dread, peace, loneliness, empathy and so much more. Many games like Mistwalker’s Lost Odyssey, Team Ico’s Shadow of the Colossus and Quantic Dream’s Heavy Rain have tried to capture emotional impact, but with a narrower focus. Journey successfully guides the player through a much broader spectrum. TGC has broken new ground in interactive storytelling by combining all of its cumulative elements into one tightly paced game. I seldom replay a game right away and I could not wait to take a second and third trip. Don’t make the mistake of failing to embark on your own journey.

Nitperks:

Sixaxis camera control: Mass Effect 3 players, how amazing would it be to use your controller to shift the camera while running in single or multiplayer modes? Exactly. Let’s see more use of this feature please!

Sand skiing: Moving so fluidly through this game is a treat. The Sunken City level is easily my favorite. I want more!

Cloth Dolphins: Journey can be a pretty somber game. The pod of cloth dolphins added a sense of playfulness you seldom see in a serious game.

Nitpicks:

Sand Glare: Not even snow provides that much glare. Tone it down! Glitter is meant to sparkle, not spackle.

Companions between levels: My experience with the game was a new companion each level. Considering there’s a trophy for playing with the same companion for most of the game, shouldn’t this be easier to accomplish?

Larger world: It’s hard to fault such a well-constructed and well-paced game, but I feel TGC missed out by limiting the scale of their world. I’d have like the option to take multiple paths up the mountain and struggle with the decision whether to follow a companion or go my own way in a larger, more divergent world.

How’s my writing? Love this review or hate it? Leave your critique in the comments section below and let me know what works and what doesn’t. All your feedback is much appreciated!

Blog Post: Don't Stop Believing

Craigaleg — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 01:06:00 GMT

Score: 9 / 10

Journey

Playstation Network

Developer: That Game Company

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Release Date: March 13th, 2012

[View:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDNesdQbh8g]

Pros:

Visual masterpiece that melds flawlessly with soundtrack
Different experience and feel in co-op and single player
Every minute is as engrossing as the last

Cons:

Steep price for what is offered
Camera tied to six-axis tends to hurt more than help

It's hard to put a game like Journey into words. Journey is much more of an experience than an actual game. There are no leaderboards, no kill/death ratio, and no competitive multiplayer. Much like That Game Company's previous titles of Flower or Flow, its much more about an interactive world that evokes emotion rather than something that is meant to be challenging and adrenaline inducing. Journey continues that trend, by providing a beautiful simplicity in a market strewn with high scores and complexity.

You begin the game plopped into the middle of a desert. There is no spoken dialogue and not a word of text. All you are given is a goal, a mountain in the distance with a beacon of light adorning its peak. Each segment of the game is broken up to reveal a little about the world around you through tapestries depicting events that shaped the realm to its current state. While a basis is established for the backstory, much of Journey is left to self interpretation. Your nameless entity passes by lands filled with graves, living organisms that respond to your pulse, and intimidating robotic monstrosities that attack you on sight; it's an expansive and mysterious world that pushes you forward to discover what is next.

The overall mystery drives you forward, but the visual appeal of Journey will have you engrossed in the game from start to finish. Every segment of the game is akin to walking through a painting, ranging from vast deserts to a frozen wasteland. In addition to the gorgeous cel-shaded polish, subtle touches like the free-floating scarf and resonating trail your character leaves in the sand help make Journey one of the best looking downloadable titles to grace the PS3. Accenting the amazing look is a thoughtfully crafted soundtrack. Each melody compliments its surroundings, adding to the haunting and beautiful scenery you explore.

Gameplay is stripped down to the basics, with one button to jump and another to send out a pulse that ignites life around you, which expands depending on how long you hold the button down. Your scarf acts as your gauge for how far and long you can sustain a jump, and this gauge is recharged by the lively cloth scattered around the path. The scarf can be further extended by discovering enchanted cloth scattered around the levels. The game boils down to a platformer, with a few stealth segments and environmental hazards mixed between. Despite the limited variety, the simplicity of using cloth to boost jumps and encouragement to string glides together to gracefully soar along the path never loses appeal.

Co-operative play is automatically incorporated as soon as you drop into the world. There is no voice chat, and the most interaction you can have are small song notes that you can send out with the pulse. Staying close together will recharge your scarf, encouraging you to take on Journey with a friend at your side. With no notification of a player joining, it's as if you stumble upon a fellow traveler along the road and embark together toward your goal. There is even a list of all the players you encountered at the end credits, adding names to the faces you encountered along the way. The anonymity is a nice touch, and with those experienced players on their fifth run through, it can feel like a wary traveler is guiding you to your destination.

While Journey is a wonderfully crafted experience, the simplicity has its drawbacks. For a $15 price tag and game that has been in development since 2009, Journey is a short-lived experience; clocking in at around 2 and a half hours depending on your play style. The camera for the game is tied to the six axis controller in addition to the right thumbstick, and movement of your controller as you scratch your head can distort your camera from its original position.

Though a short-lived experience, Journey is an unforgettable one. It's one of the few games that can drop the mentality of defeating an enemy and exchange it for a straightforward adventure of pure enjoyment. It's a title that sticks with you well after the credits roll, and the enticing world will soon draw you back in for another visit. If you are looking for a break from the typical, Journey will not disappoint.

Blog Post: Amazing

DeathKittyMEOW — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:07:00 GMT

This is the best game that i have ever played. there is absolutely nothing wrong this game is absolutely perfect.

Blog Post: Journey Will Make Your Soul Feel Good

Applesteak — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:48:00 GMT

Let me tell you about my new favorite game of this year. It may have passed through your gaming radar undetected because it is a PSN exclusive downloadable title from thatgamecompany, makers of previous PSN exclusives Flower and flOw (neither of which I have played). It would have gone right past me as well if not for a combination of stellar reviews and spring break. For $14.99, I decided to give Journey a chance, and I can only hope this review can convince you to do the same.

Spoilers ahead, you have been warned

In Journey, gameplay is of little importance, instead opting to give you an experience the likes of which no other game can offer. That being said, the game's controls are actually very good, and even better, very simple. The game uses twin stick controls for movement, and a single button to jump and glide. Getting your character moving is easy, and gliding around the games beautiful environments is a lot of fun. Your only other ability is calling, which allows you to interact with the environment. It is used to activate altars and interact with the games many cloth creatures. The game also features the option to use Sixaxis to control the camera, but I only found it to be a minor annoyance when I would accidentally tip my controller.

As I mentioned, the game's environments look wonderful. During your short adventure, you will visit deserts, temples, caves, and mountains. All of these environments are awesome, and I honestly couldn't pick a favorite one. Even on my second or third play through, I found myself taking time to admire the details in the environments, something I highly recommend doing.

One of the game's beautiful deserts

But gameplay and graphics aren't what Journey is about. The game is about the adventure, and all of the things you will experience along the way. The best thing I can compare Journey to is a poem. It is short, vague, and everyone is going to take something different from it. The game has no story, and all you are offered is a hint that you should walk toward a glowing mountain top. The game's cutscenes are equally ambiguous, each one showing you part of a large mural that seems to be about your journey. This style of story telling works great for the game, allowing you to interpret the quest on your own.

Perhaps Journey's greatest feature is it's multiplayer. If you are online while playing Journey, the game will seamlessly connect you to another player who is in the same area as you. You won't know their gamertag, or be able to communicate with them, but it works perfectly. Me and my companion had only just met, but we became fast friends. We waited for each other to progress, never going too far ahead, and showed each other secrets by calling out. I was worried when I lost sight of him, and sad when I saw him get hurt by the game's monsters. We were truly inseparable, and played the entire game together. If my companion had been one of my friends, I likely would have laughed at his misfortune over a headset. But instead I developed a strong emotional bond with a random stranger through what I believe to be the best multiplayer experience in gaming.

The most common complaint I've heard about Journey is it's short length, about two hours. In truth, this is the perfect length for the game. Two hours is about the length of a movie. Just long enough to be called a game, but short enough that most gamers will be willing to play it how it was meant to be played, in one unbroken session. You wouldn't watch half a movie, stop it and come back later would you? The length also guarantees that a companion you meet up with at the beginning of the game is likely to stay for it's entirety, allowing you to forge a strong bong like me and my random friend.

Despite it's simplicity, Journey actually has a surprising amount of content. Although the game is short and you can see most of it in one play through, there are plenty of reasons to go back. Hidden rooms and secret areas litter the games environments, and there are a few different collectibles to search for, one of which provides a power up upon collecting them all. These simple secrets have a retro feel, and reminded me of The Legend of Zelda's many secrets.

I don't know what else to say about Journey, so instead I will share my favorite moment from my time with the game. In the game's finale, which is a fast paced climb up the mountain where you are given near infinite glide, me and my partner were separated. I didn't notice at first, but as I neared the summit I looked around and realized he was gone. I flew in circles a few times looking around, and called out to him. After about a minute, I assumed I had lost him. I gloomily turned toward the summit and glided up to the top, trying to figure out how I had lost my companion. As I landed on the mountain top, I was stunned by what I saw. My partner was standing there. He had waited for me. He called out to me, and I called back. We both turned toward the mountain and approached the light. Together.

Blog Post: you need to play this game

accoladeZIIS — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:20:00 GMT

There are plenty of games I love, But there have only been two games I loved enough to review just so I could talk about them. Shadow of the Colossus was the first and now there is Journey. Let me just say that there is no other game out there that will give you the sensations Journey gives you. The visuals are astounding and provide a very dream-like universe, not to mention the fact that the sand effects are the best in any game ever. Yes the game is very short by conventional means, but still it is the perfect length in exactly the same way as the original Portal is the perfect length for what it is. When the game concludes you feel like you have just circled the globe. The pace of Journey is perfect, just when your about ready for something new the game provides it and it blows your mind every time.

I started out in Journey Wanting to just play by myself and explore every corner of the game and thats exactly what I did... for a while. I would run into an occasional traveler and we would float around and sing a little bit but ultimately I would go my way and continue exploring and I had fun. About halfway through my journey I encountered another player who had the same pace as myself and I ended up ditching my lone-wolf act and we stuck together for the entire rest of the game. I never thought it was possible to bond with a completely anonymous person but let me tell you it is. My new unknown freind and I shared an amazing journey together that I personally will never forget. So really no matter how you play journey you are in for a treat, I do however suggest you be open to traveling with another player.

I guess to put it simply.. my original plan was to play Journey then look at boobs online. Instead, I played Journey and wrote a review, and thats saying something cause boobs f****** rock!

Now is the part where you stop reading and give 15 dollars to play journey.

Blog Post: A Work of Art

JealousOfCrows — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:12:00 GMT

My experience with thatgamecompany's Journey was nothing short of remarkable. It was like I entered into an imaginative work of art. Instead of playing a game in the traditional way I was captivated by its beauty and soon found myself attached to a game without a clear cut story and experiencing a profound emotional feeling between the intimacies of the cooperative gameplay. Journey can be more closely related to experiencing an exquisite painting and analyzing the intricacies that were involved in its creation. Some of the greatest works of art are created by keeping the palette simple and by experimenting with the full range of shades one or two colours can produce. Indulging in the simplicity of Journey is where the true enjoyment comes from.

The gameplay is simple enough that almost anyone could experience it; however the expressive artistic style could only truly be understood by a slightly older audience (or a child prodigy in visual arts). From gliding across strands of cloth in an empty desert to gently floating through a series of ruins and calling for your ambiguous partner the game gradually changes in atmosphere allowing the player time to digest the beauty of his/her surroundings. Nothing is sporadic or sudden (save for maybe one surprise if you're unfortunate enough to be caught standing in a certain spotlight) and the flow of colour transitions will have you wondering how it actually happened.

The boundary between creating a game and creating a work of art seem to be dissolved in Journey, encompassing both as one. It paves a new way that (in my opinion) all game developers should strive to achieve. That is, no more attempting to copy a genre or adding specific styles and features that people are familiar with and are known to be popular; it is the unique and profound experiences that appeal to gamers. A game like Journey fully embraces its creativity with confidence, and does not attempt to appeal to a specific audience of gamers but rather strives to create itself in a world of competition. In a painting, the goal is to express yourself in whatever way you feel at that time. Journey expresses itself in a way unfamiliar to most.

Everybody knows that games need to be unique and extraordinary to be accomplished in the industry, however I feel that many are going about it the wrong way. By confining the development of a game to specific genres and incorporating unoriginal ideas and trying to warp them in a unique way causes some serious problems. This oftentimes causes the game to fall short of what it intended, and I think it would be better off removing all boundaries and working from the ground up to create a work of art that can be remembered in the years to come. Journey has done just that.

Blog Post: Let's Go on a Journey

The Gigicorn — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:01:00 GMT

Journey is a game like no other. I downloaded it feeling skeptical about its length and simple gameplay. I walked away feeling emotions words cannot describe. This game is very simple. It uses only two buttons. The X button lets you jump and glide through the air. The O button makes you release a musical "chirping" sound and a strange symbol. The multiplayer is barebones; you can't see the other player's name, can't communicate, and there can only be two of you. However, it is the most effective multiplayer I have ever seen. I met many strangers on my journey, and I grew attached to all of them. This game is about going on a journey to a distant mountain. Tt's also a journey into yourself. You will be changed by this game. Please go and buy it. Journey is two of the best hours you will ever have.

Blog Post: Journey

Clinton Butler — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:17:00 GMT

Journey is a game experience unlike any other. From the gorgeous visuals and art style to the amazing music throughout, Journey is unlike anything I have ever played.

The game starts in what looks like the hottest desert known to man when suddenly a bright light lands in the sands. What emerges is a figure with a pitch black face, white eyes and is dressed in a red cloak. From here the game begins.

With very little instruction and absolutely no dialogue, the game is heavily up to the players interpretation. Throughout the game you come across these tablets that when activated, shows bits and pieces of the story. As I said earlier though, if you're looking for a concrete story with concrete answers, look elsewhere. This game isn't about the story as much as it is about the experience. By the time you reach the games end you will have formed your own story with your own interpretation as to what has happened. Nobody's story will be the same.

One of the most interesting parts of the game however, would be the inclusion of co-op gameplay. If you are connected to the internet while playing, other players can come join in on your experience. You can choose to help each other out or like in my case leave each other alone. It's an interesting concept because no matter what the journey you take is, it's a very lonely one. Even if you team up with another player the most you can do is make a beeping type sound at each other, there's no dialogue. If you play this game I highly recommend playing once online and once offline to see how different the experiences are.

The most memorable part of the game for me though, was the music. The music is what truly brings the game to life and really makes you the player feel immersed in this world. From the mighty orchestral pieces to the very slow and haunting string pieces, every piece of music makes you feel attached to this world.

Journey is a game that should not be missed. From the beautiful art design to the absolutely amazing music, every piece of this game is very well constructed. The one downside however is the game's length. I finished in about two hours but never once did I regret paying for it. Journey is an experience unlike any other and should be played by all.