While it is debated whether or not that video games could be considered art, games like ThatGameCompany’s “Journey” puts up quite a visually stunning fight. While the main campaign is considered relatively short in comparison to most games, it effortlessly delivers a more thought-provoking and emotional connection throughout.
Journey is unique in its simplicity. You play as a caped figure waking without memory in a desert, and the controls are basic; you can run, jump and “glide”. By tapping the circle button you can “chirp” and if you hold the circle button down, upon release you let out a larger, louder chirp which displays your characters unique communication symbol. These chirps allow you to communicate with what appear to be tapestry creatures which seemingly aid you in your adventure.
You can openly explore the world at your leisure, discovering archaic drawings that slowly paint a picture of your lost civilization, and collecting glowing glyphs that allow you to grow your scarf which enables you to glide higher and for a longer duration. With no memory or distinct direction within the game, you are simply shown your destination – a bright light at the top of a very distant mountain. Your destination is nearly always in view, acting as both a map and a monument of motivation.
The true beauty of this game lies not within the gorgeous landscapes or beautiful real-time lighting that turns something as simple as sand into glittering gold – but within the online experience. While on your journey you run into other anonymous online players. You can only differentiate each player by their unique symbol when they chirp.
This lack of direct communication makes for a compellingly sincere experience. Some players rather journey alone, while other experienced players will gladly show you the way, and some new players will look to you for help. The magic of playing with another adventurer, is that every single experience is different. You will come up with different systems of communicating with one another through chirps and jumps, some players will protect you and ultimately some players will tragically lose their way, leaving you with an poignant sense of loss.
You can very easily play through the game in one sitting, which some people mistake as a possible weakness in a game – but not with Journey. Every play-through is so extraordinarily different and emotionally compelling, giving this game a true sense of fortitude among other current blockbuster games.
As a whole, Journey soars and sings beautifully with a perfect combination of an emotionally thought provoking story, radiant graphics, expansive and engrossing levels and sweet and simple mechanics. You are carried through all of this by a whimsical soundtrack composed by award winning Austin Wintory, who also composed the soundtrack on ThatGameCompany’s other hit, fl0w. I believe Journey is a perfect example of “video games as art”. It softly argues so many compelling ideals: life, death, loss, loneliness, companionship, and identity. Journey truly shines light and showcases what a fantastic industry the video game market is.
This game truly is all about the journey, and not the destination.
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