Journey

"Journey is truly an experience that you've never had while playing a game. It may have limited appeal, but what it accomplishes is a feat that is rare in this medium."

The word experience is used far too often to describe certain games. Journey is a game that deserves this notion simply because it isn't necessarily a game. There is one single goal and some platforming, but it is more or less a gallery show. Explain it as a game sound boring. The majority of the game is spent pushing the analog stick forward and jumping when you have to. This isn't as bad as it sounds, but for most players, this is a truly unique way of playing a video game. In any case, Journey is still incredible as it sets out to do a specific amount of goals that it ultimately accomplishes. I applaud thatgamecompany for not trying to cater to every gamer in mind, but rather awarding open minded players. This is shown by not having a real story, but a mix of themes and ambiguity that makes it a fine way to showcase a story of some sort. This is accompanied by a beautiful game with incredible sand technology. It easily trumps most games in an artistic sense. Another reason why having a solid focus can lead to creating a magical experience. Without a doubt, every player should give Journey a chance to wow them. This is an experience that players have never played before. It may not be a great game in the regular definition, but as an artistic endeavor it accomplishes what it sets out to do. It easily stands out as one of the best games so far this year. For the asking price, I say go for it.

The Good

The art in this game is something to behold.

I'll repeat this is one of the best looking games that I've ever played. The art style and lighting of this game are fantastic. The look of this game alone is well worth playing. The sand physics are especially remarkable. Each step you take creates a movement of some sort as you move through the desert. The look of this game and the different areas that you go through are varied and have a unique look to them. Without spoiling anything, the desert isn't the only area in this game to care about about. An area later on in the game is amplified by wind and the continued depth into desperation. The art helps make Journey as appealing as it is; without it it may not be as great as it is.

Emotions run deeply in this short experience.

There is no narrative or real story to this game. It's a game that wants you to feel a wide range of emotions. From curiosity to despair, Journey accomplishes this rigorous task of making players feeling something while playing a game. This is done by music, art, and sheer emotion that runs deep into the core of what makes us feel. Certain sections in this game provide high emotion that is rare in most video games. I don't want to spoil the best moments of this game, but I'd recommend you stay close to your partner to get the best experience in Journey.

The co-op is revolutionary and sets a standard for other games to follow.

Going to say this right now so I don't regret it later. The co-op in Journey is probably the best use of co-op in any video game that I've played. It makes you care about your companion and leaves it a mystery as to who this person actually is. It's a true testament to great game design that players can make a bond with a complete stranger. Co-op is done without a lobby or any PSN ID above their head. You don't know who you're playing with until the end credits. Jenova Chen best described it as taking a hike. You'll never know who you meet, but you have the choice to say hello or simply ignore them. You can join them alone their journey and stick to the end or move away from your companion and find someone different. This is mostly done to make it seems as natural as possible and not have a lobby system that makes this co-op version so mechanical. Ultimately thatgamecompany wants players to not break the fourth wall and stay as immersed with the game as humanly possible. This means that you can't talk to them with voice chat or even see who they are on your recently played with option. This makes co-op feel more real to the game and keeps the allure of who you're exactly playing with. In short, it's innovative and hopefully a trend that more games build with their game in mind.

The Bad

Sixaxis controls are implemented poorly. It also isn't needed.

I don't understand why they implemented this in the game and had no option to take it out. It seems like a mistake designing it and mostly detracts from an otherwise solid game. You can still use the right analog stick for camera control, but Sixaxis is still in effect if you move your controller. It's a strange game design choice and one that is not needed. It breaks immersion instead of creating it.

A bit short?

Some people have complained that for 15 dollars, this game is way too expensive for the hours spent on this game. I can agree with that as I beat it in under 2 hours. Still, I thought it was worth it in the end. This game is great enough that it doesn't have to overstay it's welcome. I do agree that it may be too short, which is unfortunate. Still these are minor complaints to an otherwise flawless game.

Some minor camera issues

I had some issues with the camera besides the sixaxis camera control. Sometimes the camera would pan way to far or be stuck on a weird angle that makes it hard to see what I'm doing. This wasn't a prevalent issues through out most of the game, so once again this is a minor issue.

The Ugly

Nothing is ugly about Journey.

The Verdict

Get Journey and see why everyone is talking about it. Whatever I say here won't express why this game is so special. It isn't perfect, but it does enough things right to warrant high praise. Journey has limited appeal and has specific goals that it wishes to accomplish. I won't be surprised if most people don't understand why this game is important. I certainly didn't get the hype at first, but once I found my companion I realized why this game is so damn great. Sliding across sand, flying through the air, and simply being together make you feel several emotions that are rarely achieved with video games. Journey stands out and makes it clear that you'll be playing something different. If you're willing to accept it, warts and all, you'll find something to love on your journey.