An Unforgettable Trek
Abstract in nature and unique on all fronts, Journey is the prime example of why this medium can be so effective. It presents a world with significant interactions that cannot be adhered to in any other format. Your trek will be a short one, most likely two hours at most, but the experience along the way is a literal unforgettable journey.
You begin in an anonymous and vacant desert, waking with no apparent background information or particular goal other than to move onward. Its playable character is ambiguous, notably being robed and faceless. Similar to a game like Super Metroid, Journey focuses its storytelling through subtle instances within its world. There are no written words or outshining story moments, but simply cryptic and intriguing world building. Signs of ruin and abandonment are prevalent, but simultaneously elements of beauty and enrichment. Attributes of the narrative sometimes initiate a emotional response from the player, and these moments are by all means successful. No absolute literal interpretations are canon for the game, but its abstract development is commendable in terms of its effectiveness.
No gameplay mechanics that Journey exhibits can be seen anywhere else on the market. In basic terms, Journey is an adventure game, with a focus on puzzle design and occasionally platforming elements. Most instances contain slight exploration alongside each given area, usually relying upon environmental puzzles. It should be noted that Journey only utilizes three portions of the DualShock's inputs: the analog stick for movement, the X button for jumps and flying, and the O button for a chargeable call. Using the O button will typically be the solution to most puzzles you encounter, but the main draw of these come from the implementation rather than the execution. These puzzles are decent, not being being too challenging but enough to think and still engross yourself in the world. Most revolve around restoring certain portions of this world to its former glory, placing an emphasis on light. A "Game Over" screen is not possible to attain, reinforcing the relaxing nature it presents. However, perhaps the most interesting aspect of all derives from the game's unusual approach to online cooperative play. Oddly enough, this component is completely forced, unless you are offline from PSN. If you are in the same general vicinity as another player around the same time, that player will appear in your own game. Whether or not you wordlessly team up is up for you two to decide, as all communication is halted, but it's nevertheless an intriguing addition.
Visuals lend a large part to the worthwhile experience Journey permits. The game's aesthetic places an emphasis on bright color contrasts, particularly within its wide-open regions. Light also plays an important role, as it helps guide the art style's depth of view and take on perspective. Musically, the game's orchestral soundtrack is extremely impressive. Each track fits its respect place in turn with the current environmental situation, and contributes to set the game's focused mood.
While playing through the entirety of Journey, I kept thinking that it felt just like a game from Team Ico. Personally, I feel that the two games that Team Ico has crafted, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, are two of the greatest games of all-time. Each of those titles exhibit unique worlds of ruin with rich interpretative backstories and a narrative that evokes emotional responses from the player. I'm not saying that Journey is one of the greatest games of all-time, far from it, but Journey possesses many of those attributes that the Team Ico games covet. If that doesn't translate to praise, then I'm not sure what would. In a sense, there's not much more that I want to say about Journey. Just play it, as I can guarantee that you will not soon forget it.
