Journey (Review)

You have only one goal in Journey: reaching a summit of a mysterious mountain. How and when you'll get there is entirely up to you.

Journey has some of the most memorable visuals crafted in a video game. The art direction in this game creates an engaging story through the use of minimalist visuals and a memorable musical motif. Thatgamecompany has a knack for creating games that offer sublime experiences for all gamers, and Journey does not disappoint.

There's no time limit, life bars, or any HUD, only the landscape and your cloaked figure.

When beginning your trek, you'll encounter seldom structures that act as guide posts to which direction you should be traveling. As you progress, magnificent cities and strange relics start to grow within the landscape, enclosing you in Journey's picturesque and beautiful world. 

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To move quickly through Journey's vast open spaces, you're required to fuse talisman-like bits into your scarf. When you do, you can float freely for a set amount of time, but it's always dependent on how many scarf-extending power ups you've found. Exploration by floatation is encouraged, especially if you want to reach some of the out-of-the way plateaus - or if you just happen to be in an exploratory mood.

Your character has an ability to sing a libretto-like communique to summon bits onto his (hers?) scarf. This musical motive is also used to interact with the many living or dormant beings in the world, which seem to resonate and awaken to your call. You'll need to activate those living entities to make them form platforms, bridges, and sometimes use them to piggyback across vast vertical and horizontal spaces. 

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Anytime through the adventure other players may drop in via Internet and tag along the way. Crossing Journey's lands with two players presents a unique opportunity for a bonding experience. Because both characters can only communicate non-verbally, some wonderful and touching moments are bound to happen. Moments like surfing on dunes and propelling each other while soaring in enclosed canyons, or avoiding the stone dragon guardians that feast on your talisman-infused scarfs. 

For an extra challenge some players forgo extending their scarf, which makes the game more two player dependent.

Journey's fully orchestrated music centers around its titular theme. This allows the score to progress and grow, reflecting your character's inner and outer journey. The music cues to match the events happening on the screen, changing from solo instruments to encompassing synchronization, which creates a delightful, sometimes ominous, and highly emotional score. The music even changes in texture and fullness when the second player is around, revealing the entirety of Journey's award-winning score. 

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The ending to this game is truly stunning. I don't want to spoil it for you, so you'll have to partake on your own journey. I'll only say this: this is an exceptional and emotional title in which you (the payer) are witnessing something wonderful as the game progresses to its smooth conclusion. Just like Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, this game uses digital interactive media to provide the most sincere and reflective gaming experience possible. 

A must play.

If you want to get more for your buck, I recommend Journey Collector's Edition. The disk sells for about $30, has Flow, Flower, Journey, and extensive bonus features – musical scores, artwork, developer's commentary and three mini games. Not bad for the price. You can also export all the game's music and the artwork onto your PS3. 

It's a definitive buy for anyone interested in experiencing three of the most unique games ever made. Or for anyone who has been looking to answer the question: Are video games considered art?

Developer: Thatgamecompany, SCE Santa Monica Studio

Publisher: SCE

Platform: PS3

Released: 2001

Genre: Adventure/puzzle