Journey Review
For those who are new to my serie of game articles, I have previously written about my plans to create my own game. You can read more about it in previous posts:
1. Hello World
2. It’s Alive
3. Dive into the Numbers: Uncovering Game Industry Insights and Statistics
4. Discoveries and inspiration
5. Twelve Minutes Review
6. Before Your Eyes Review
My plan to dedicate time to playing and researching games for inspiration is in progress. And today, I’ll be sharing my review on “Journey”.
I have to warn that this review may contain some spoilers, although I will not reveal any major story points.
I just need to write about one of my favorite games of all time, Journey. Developed by Thatgamecompany and first published by Sony Computer Entertainment, this game has captured the hearts of many gamers around the world. I first discovered Journey on PlayStation 4 in 2014, and it has remained a staple in my game collection ever since.
One of the most impressive things about Journey is its ability to convey a story without any dialogue or text. The game immerses the player in a vast desert world and provides them with a series of symbols to interpret the story. As someone who loves games with strong storytelling, I was blown away by the game’s ability to convey emotions and themes through visuals and gameplay.
Journey’s gameplay is simple yet engaging, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the game. As a player, you control a character on a journey through a desert, where you can glide through the air, slide down sand dunes, and solve puzzles. The game’s mechanics are easy to learn, making it accessible to everyone, while also offering hidden paths and secrets that keep the game exciting even on subsequent playthroughs.
The game’s visuals are breathtaking, with a beautiful art style that focuses on the environment and lighting. The desert landscape is vibrant and colorful, with stunning vistas and detailed textures. The game’s music also deserves a special mention, as it complements the visuals and gameplay perfectly, creating a truly immersive experience for the player.
However, what impressed me the most about Journey is the emotional impact it has on the player. The game’s themes of isolation, companionship, and self-discovery are universal and relatable, allowing players to connect with the game on a deeper level. The multiplayer feature, which allows players to meet and interact with others on their journey (without any chats or voices), creates a sense of camaraderie and shared experience that heightens the game’s emotional impact.
I have played Journey multiple times, and each time, I am reminded of how much I love this game. It has become my go-to game whenever I need to unwind and relax. The game’s atmosphere and music create a sense of calmness and serenity, allowing me to immerse myself in the game’s world. The game’s simplicity and elegance make it a relaxing and enjoyable experience to come back to.
Journey’s influence on the gaming industry is also significant. The game has inspired many developers to explore new ways of storytelling and emotional expression, as seen in games such as Abzu, Gris, and Flower. Journey’s success has also shown that games can be a powerful medium for emotional expression, transcending language and cultural barriers.
In conclusion, Journey is a true masterpiece in the video game industry. Its unique gameplay, stunning visuals, emotional impact, and replayability make it a timeless masterpiece that is worth experiencing multiple times. The game’s influence on the gaming industry is significant, inspiring developers to explore new ways of storytelling and emotional expression. If you haven’t played Journey yet, I highly recommend it.
