REVIEW: Journey 
There are a few games that captivate you to the point of not letting you put the controller down, literally forcing you to finish it in one sitting. Journey is such a game. I cannot express the sense of immersion that I felt while experiencing this masterpiece from start to finish. This is one Journey that every single Playstation 3 owner should take.
Game Details
· Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
· Developer: Thatgamecompany
· ESRB Rating: “E” For Everyone
· Genre: Adventure
· Pros: Immersive and emotionally compelling
· Cons: short playthough, linear levels
Upon starting Journey, the player is given absolutely no idea about what to do or how to do it. ahead of them, there is a massive mountain peak that beckons the player forward, thus starting the journey.
The beauty of the aptly named Journey is in its simplicity. Although the developers could have easily tried to use every button on the controller to give you more actions to perform, this was not the route that they took. Like thatgamecompany's last game, Flower, the player uses only one button along with the sixaxis tilt controls to navigate the world. This time they have added one more button that you can press to chat, or chirp, with another player that you may or may not meet on your quest.
sony computer entertainmentThere is never any instruction given to the player about how to play the game, never even any dialogue in a known language (reminiscent of Ico). This lack of hand holding adds to the feeling that this is an experience that YOU as the player are having. It works beautifully in creating an instance sense of immersion that never lets you go.
Along the way, you may encounter other players that are working on their own journey. You can choose to stay with them to solve puzzles more quickly, or go it alone and find your own way. It is interesting how simply seeing another active player in the desolate landscape is instantly creates a sense of teamwork and excitement.
A Graphical Voyage
The design of the world of Journey as well as the characters within it is excellent. I love the contrasting color pallettes of the red cloaked figures against the harsh desert yellows and the icy blues that come later. There are definitely those "Wow" moments while playing that you just want the action to stop so you can look at the artistry of what the studio has created. For a downloadable game... it is the most beautiful game that I have seen since Trine.
sony computer entertainmentAn Emotional Trip
Throughout the course of my Journey I experienced emotion around every corner, whether surprise when seeing another player, fright at encountering an enemy, or success at reaching the end.
The sound like Flower is very subtle and beautiful. It enhances the experience and never gets in the way, only adding to the emotion that culminates as you reach the mountain's summit. The cello's theme throughout the game create a sense of both sadness and hope that is difficult to express otherwise.
An Epic Yet Brief Excursion
Although I did love every second of my play-through of Journey, I know that many players will rant about how short it is. From start to finish the game takes only 2 hours tops, which is very short by today's standards in games. However, when you consider that we pay 15 dollars to go see a movie in the theater that lasts only 90 minutes, it really isn't so bad. I would much rather have an incredible experience over two hours than a mediocre one that injects "filler" just to make the playtime longer. By making the game shorter thatgamecompany created an experience that can be experienced in one sitting, never taking you out of the world. In fact, although you unlock levels that you can go back to, there is no actual save option in the game. you start from the area that you left off in, but you will do so without the player that you met previously.
Although there is definitely the sense of discovery on your way up the mountain, gameplay in Journey is very linear. This serves to focus the player on the forward path, but players that want to take time to explore may be disapointed.
After you finish Journey, there really isn't much replay value. Although you will meet new players along the way, there are not new areas to explore or items unlocked. Unless you want to get trophies or compete in a Speedrun, there really isn't much to do.
There and Back Again
Despite the game's short length and the linear gameplay, I have to say that I loved every second of my time with Journey. Thatgamecompany again shows that by keeping the gameplay simple and visuals beautiful you can create an amazing experience for the player that is both relaxing and emotional.
Although my Journey is over is it a trip that I will take again in the future? Definitely.
sony computer entertainment