Review - Journey
The word "experience" gets thrown about far too often in video game reviews these days. Journey may be one of the first games to truly deserve such a title, because it really isn't a "game" in a traditional sense. It isn't a movie, because you're interacting with it. The best word to describe Journey is "art".
And by that, I do not mean how pretty the graphics are. It's the way you traverse through this world presented to you. It does a wonderful job of setting up the premise: you are a shrouded figure making your way to a mountain top, basking in heavenly light. It's far off in the distance, and it will be quite the trek to get there. Thus, you take the first literal steps towards your goal.
Mechanically speaking, everything is simple. You can run, jump, and use some sort of vocal "call". When using the call, a circle expands around you, the size depending on how long you hold the button, that activates certain objects in the environment. Usually, these objects are scarves and fabric coming up from the ground. When activated, these scarves summon a gust that send you into the air, giving you brief flight. Flying is joyful, letting you quickly cross the massive sand-covered dunes. If you can't fly, you're also able to surf down hills of sand in an equally enjoyable manner. The only questionable control choice is the use of Sixaxis to the control the camera. It's obtrusive, but thankfully the right analog stick functions for camera control as well.
That pretty much sums up the gameplay to Journey. You'll surf, glide, and walk to your destination. But it all becomes so much different when you discover that you are not alone.
Early on, you'll suddenly be joined by another, similarly cloaked figure. This is another player going on this journey with you. There is no form of communication between players, either. You can't even see each other's names until the very end. In spite of this, you'll quickly learn to rely on each other. The call button can be used to recharge each other's flight ability, making it handy to stay close and cooperative instead of selfish and malicious. Even though reliance on each other is not necessary to progress, there is an astonishing feeling of loneliness if you discover that they're gone.
The massive desert sands bring this feeling of loneliness home, and it's just so gorgeous to look at. The way the sand kicks up behind your feet and the way it waves from the force of your call is majestic, almost cloth-like. When the sun changes it position and the camera swings in the right way, the sand begins to look like millions of rubies, glistening before your eyes. Some of the caves give an aquatic feeling, even though you're never actually underwater. The way that water is conveyed through the things you see in the environment and how you're flying (or swimming) around is breath-taking. The fabric-creatures you meet have such a distinct personality, and the larger, looming dangers instantly strike fear.
When your eyes aren't salivating over the wonderful artistic style, your ears will bring on the rest of the emotions. The way music is used to enforce the situation you are in is nothing short of brilliant. It simulatneously instills hope, fear, wonder, and serenity. Your ability is accompanied by a song-like tone, slightly changing it's pitch with each press, and it always fits with the music you are hearing.
The only real criticism against Journey is its steep asking price. The "game" can be completed in less than two hours. You'll want to play multiple times, certainly, but $14.99 on the PlayStation Network Store is still quite a bit. There aren't a whole of secrets to be found, aside from magical symbols which increase your flight time and are lost upon each playthrough.
But you have to play it. Buy it yourself, find a friend who already has it, impatiently wait for a price drop, whatever. Anyone who has been a proponent for the "games are art" argument owe to themselves. It truly is one of the most original, unique things to be created in recent memory. I urge you, play Journey.
It's artistic bliss.
Excellent
(9s represent excellence. Any issues it may have are minor or easily forgiven for what is a fantastic experience.)
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Jared Knabenbauer is the ScrewAttack.com Reviews Editor, Hard News host, and a host of our weekly video podcast, "SideScrollers". He has also produced several notable ScrewAttack shows, including Reboot or Retro, Nametags, and Control Issues. He specializes in RPGs, and has a great fondness for Dungeons & Dragons. A comedian at heart, he is one serious gamer. |
g1 DISCUSSIONS
Crimsonfox45
I played it and I must say, I literally squealed like a High School girl. The gameplay is simple, the environment, the textures all coincide well with each along the music by Austin Wintory. Which, btw the soundtrack is already out now via iTunes, PSN, and in limited physical copies.
I hope the game would be longer but that's easily forgiven in my case. I think its worth my fifteen USD because of the emotion I felt when I tried to communicate to my partner via Morse Code (Though he or she may or may not know it.)
Olafstormbeard
The game does look interesting. I'll probably buy it.
darkhyrulelord
If YOU say that this game is that great, then I will wait for a price drop. This is probably one of those games that must be played to be understood.
Linkmaster2010
This adds to the list of games I want to play, but do't have a PS3 to play them on. The only game I'll buy a PS3 for will be FF Vs XIII assuming it doesn't go multi-platform(which I'm still skeptical about).
Roughgalaxy
I too am without a ps3, preferring my ps2 and 360. I really hope this game either comes to steam or xbla. I would buy this.
gonzoneil
I like the format, and I'm not usually one of these guys (I know how to read) but if it's such an experience, I would have liked to see more of it in motion.
ExplodingLobster
Maybe it's better that you don't see any of it in motion until you play it yourself? That's just how I see it.
gonzoneil
actually that is a good point. maybe it is the type of game that needs to be experienced without preconceptions. I didn't think of that.
I don't have a PS3 though :(. so I was selfishly hoping to catch some footage.
ExplodingLobster
If you really want to see some footage there's always youtube.
gonzoneil
I know, I know. but I stay so much cleaner when I'm just on ScrewAttack!
gonzoneil
I know, I know. but I stay so much cleaner when I'm just on ScrewAttack!
gonzoneil
actually that is a good point. maybe it is the type of game that needs to be experienced without preconceptions. I didn't think of that.
I don't have a PS3 though :(. so I was selfishly hoping to catch some footage.
Sean Hinz
Just bought it last night, can't wait to play it! Also, I liked this new review format!
JxL
The story sounds like a blatant Dark Tower rip-off...still gonna play it though.
AcermanX
The first time I played through the game, my anonymous companion and I stuck to each other like glue. It is the first time that I've actually taken comfort at having another player sharing an experience with me. However, at the end of the game, during a sequence I won't spoil, we got separated. When I reached the last area, I waited for at least ten minutes for him or her to arrive, but eventually I was forced to finish alone. I was struck by how attached to this unknown person I had become, and how sad I was that we couldn't finish together. I can't find higher praise for this game then that.
Flont
I'd love to play this now, but sadly where I live there probably isn't a PS3 for miles around. Shame because it looks like my cup of tea. And I really like the review - the tone fits very sympathetically with the game.
KH
I love how the review starts out the way Jim Sterling started out an article just last week about how he felt the word "experience" gets thrown around too often in reviews. Aside from that, awesome article Jared!
Lloyf
Art is a bang.
Kainin
Very nicely put Jared. I think I will wait a bit to play this, but it definitely looks amazing.
Jikashi
Made for a relaxing and fun evening. The definition of short and sweet
BossmanCCrowder0
Beat the game about a week ago and have already played it multiple times. thatgamecompany continues to offer amazing experiences, and the scenery and soundtrack is what makes all of their game great. I would still say I prefer Flower over Journey, but this game needs to be played.
caboose_-1
I want to play this but don't have a PS3. Guess I could see if a buddy of mine has it yet on his though...
JxL
Little confused by the additional character he's talking about...is it 2 player?
Dr. Wondertainment
Yes. You will meet a random player who is playing the same section at the same time as you. You cannot talk to or know the name of this player.
ExplodingLobster
But what if your system isnt connected to the internet when you're playing? How does that work?
JxL
cool...sounds Dark Soulish
RedAce135
Yes, it's a lot like the Dark/Demon Soul multiplayer system!
Janos
I'll be playing this game when my brother brings back the PS3 from his dorm. Really looking forward to it.
WC1610
Man, I really want get this one...
joeshadowman
That score at the top almost makes me not want to read the reviews sometimes. I hate to say that, but it's true.
SideSmash
I agree. Why can't they have a button that says "Show Score" that hides the final verdict until you decide when to see it or something like that? I think it would help these reviews greatly.
joeshadowman
Don't look outside, but where I am fire is raining from the sky. We agreed about something.
Jared
I agree too. I've been trying for months to get that changed.
Schmooblidon
Gah Im totally one of those "games are art" guys, why oh why is it a ps3 exclusive :(
Tpayne80
It so damn good. :D
PinballRJ
I bought it the day it came out, and played three times so far. I think it's the best downloadable game I have ever played, it has changed the way I look at games. If that game company makes a full retail game, I will pre-order it the day it is announced. great review Jared!
WaterShocker
I commend you on actually doing a review of this game. I find it impossible to review it, since it's quite literally an experience. Although I gave it a 10 and a "Buy it" in the recommendation tab, I still believe it's not enough for this game....
It's just so...breath taking. I played that game with headphones in the dark, and was close to tears by how incredible it was. I preordered that game as soon as it was available and it's one of the best purchases I ever made on the PSN.
Again, I really commend you for writing a review in this game. All I've been telling people so far is to just see it and experience it.
MadHero15
Why o why isn't this on the 360. I really want to get this game, but don't have a PS3. It looks gorgeous, and thatgamecompany seems like a company that I'd like to support. O well.
Great review, Jared
Zarxce
Wow...this is one of the few times I actually agree with your review (which makes me wonder why I keep reading them XD but whatever). I wrote up my own review for shits and giggles and said a lot of the same things. I guess it goes to show that pretty much anyone and everyone can enjoy this game no matter what their overall taste in gaming is.
Zarxce
You could always get a PS3 and still support thatgamecompany, along with a lot of other very talented studios that make great exclusives on the system. Nothing is stopping you from enjoying more than one gaming platform (except...you know...money.)
MadHero15
Problem is indeed the moneyz, my rabid Nintendo fanboyism which makes me feel uncomfortable buying a Sony console (do buy other Sony products), and I have a 360, so I don´t think its worth to get a PS3 for the exclusives (though they are better than Microsoft´s)
Dr. Wondertainment
Because Microsoft would never actually pay someone to make a game like this.
Ferret75
That's an inaccurate claim. Microsoft has had many artistic games on their console before. Remember when Limbo was originally only on the Xbox 360 for about a year?
Dr. Wondertainment
You misunderstand me, and you misunderstood what Sony did. Microsoft allowed Limbo to be sold on their service. Sony gave thatgamecompany every cent of the money that went into making Journey.
Cyborg_Slime
cool. ill be sure to pick this up