Journey is a game that combines several genres at once. It can be described as an adventure quest, an arcade platformer, and a multiplayer game of undefined genre. This exclusive for PlayStation 3 was developed by Thatgamecompany, with Sony Computer Entertainment as the publisher. Journey was released in March 2012.
So, what does this rather strange yet alluring game offer us? There is no real storyline, but there are rare puzzles and small enigmas scattered throughout the game world. The action of Journey takes place in a vast and almost empty desert (forgive the tautology). Wherever you look, there are sands, sands, and more sands, with a solitary mountain looming on the horizon. Occasionally, you may come across the ruins of ancient structures, some of which are truly gigantic. The main characters are beings wrapped from head to toe in robes. Their hands are not visible, nor are their faces (rather, they do have faces, but it's hard to call them that), although small hoof-like feet protrude from under the robes. Long scarves that shimmer with mysterious symbols and signs flow behind the heroes. By collecting patches that players sometimes encounter in this surreal journey, they can increase the length of their scarves and earn more symbols. This is quite useful, as the heroes acquire an important ability – they can jump high and remain in the air for a long time, practically not touching the ground. With the flying skill, you can reach hard-to-access places that you couldn't get to easily. However, you should not ignore mysterious paths – there might be another riddle or an intriguing secret there.
In general, the gameplay is built on this concept. The heroes wander through the desert and among the ruins of ancient cities, admiring interesting buildings and solving various mysteries. It seems that there is no particular goal. Players are not incentivized to do anything specific. Go wherever you want and do whatever you like. On the other hand, why do you need a goal in Journey? This is a completely unique game filled with philosophical meaning. What has to be found will be found, and there is no need to rush. Journey is a game of enchantment where you simultaneously experience happiness, sadness, and a multitude of other emotions. Although, it turns out, we have answered our own question about the goal. Emotions are indeed the purpose of Journey.
During the journey, you may encounter other players who have decided to take a stroll through this beautiful world. Interestingly, in Journey, it is impossible to determine who the character in front of you is. There are no nicknames and no in-game chat. The heroes of Journey can only chirp and make sounds of certain tones. You can only know who your partner was after completing the game. As a result, gamers have even developed a special way of communicating based on sounds. For instance, two consecutive chirps mean "come with me," three chirps mean "I found something interesting," and so on. You can also draw various symbols in the sand.
Journey is a game that must be part of the collection of anyone who has a PlayStation 3 at home. It won't take up much of a gamer’s time and will leave a whole bundle of various emotions after finishing. Sadness intertwines with joy, sorrow with happiness; in short, the developers achieved their goal – they made players experience those normal human feelings that are usually present in everyday life but hardly ever in games.