Journey

"Journey" was full of surprises for me. Somehow I thought the whole game would take place in the desert, and because I don't like deserts, I was somewhat hesitant at first. But I was proved wrong by "thatgamecompany" in terms of limited environment and climate.

It has beautiful graphics. Especially the lighting is outstanding. The environment responds to your movements and actions, and the interaction with the NPC is really fluid. The soundtracks are fitting, though some felt rather dull. The partner based multi-player is well implemented, and it feels really great to go through the whole journey with the same partner. At times you teach each other, show hidden paths to symbols and glyphs.

What really makes "Journey" such a jaw-dropping experience must be the pacing. In my opinion, the progression of the events makes the game truly similar to "real life". The game doesn't hold your hand, even though there's no complex puzzles whatsoever, you have to figure out what you have to do on your on if a partner does not guide you, which makes it a joy to explore and observe.

Recommended for: People looking for a relaxing, enlightening and peaceful experience.

This is not only a game. This is pure art. Simply one of the most beautiful games I've ever played.

The relaxing atmosphere, the ambient music, the beautiful graphics, the smart gameplay.. everything is put together so perfectly. Actually a game you can combine doing yoga and meditation as well.

The gameplay is easy, and you can finish the game in about one hour and a half if you just play it straightforward and know how to do the puzzles. However there are much to explore and also hidden objects to find, and the best thing about this game is the joy you'll feel when floating around the desert not worrying about anything else in life.

One of the best things about this game is also the possibility to meet up with other random players characters, and you can choose to either ignore or co-operate with them. You'll not know who they are until you've finished the game. I appreciate the developers to concentrate on the gameplay instead of scorekeeping, statistics etc.

Floating through the temple with the sunlight in the background and flying up the mountains through the rivers and then walking into the white light in the end were some of the best moments!

If you've played Flow and Flower, you know what to expect from this game. I'm really looking forward to what 'thatgamecompany' comesup with next... it seems they can't fail!

I can't recommend this game enough.

A game that I thought would be OK at best truly blew me away. This game is the personification of calmness, and I could play this game hundreds of times, and still enjoy it. It has a beautiful art-style, any screenshot of the game worthy to be placed in an art museum. The game, when you think about it, is a puzzle game, but serves so much than that. The prospect of travelling with someone that you'll most likely never meet again is a bittersweet situation, and it keeps you dedicated till the end. The soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal, and I see why it was nominated a Grammy. The music adds so much vibrance, and, sometimes, tension. It might be a dull, lifeless walking simulator to some, but to me, it's an absolutely immersive game.

Journey is well about a journey to the summit of a large mountain. If you play online you will be able to travel with companions that will help you along your way.

This is a rather short game but it is well worth it. The sounds heard are very tranquil and soothing. Even watching the sand flow beneath your feet is a pleasurable experience as you make your way up hills and through the wind. The structures and environment are impressive to say the least as I found myself pausing just to gaze at the beauty before me. Now the reason I am focusing on this aspect of the game is because the visuals are the main selling point. There is little combat or a big engrossing story the goal of this title was to be aesthetically pleasing.

If you are looking to get into gaming but are not used to handling controls, then this would be a good starter game. Only a few buttons are utilized and there is no need to learn combos or have very fast reaction time. This may not be for people who enjoy the heavy action genre as this game is set at a slower pace.

I really enjoyed this game and will be looking forward to my next journey in the future.

JOURNEY (2012) was a game that was somehow simple and yet full of emotion, beauty and secrets. Journey is a work of art, with it's meaningful visual aesthetics, gorgeous landscapes and mysterious purposes. It is a game unlike any other. You play a robbed figure in a desolate land that journeys towards a glowing mountain in the far away distance.

There is something so profound about such a simple premise. This game truly is a wonder. Beautiful minimalist styled graphics, rich eye-catching scenery, intriguing gameplay and premise. The music is simply a masterpiece. There is something so chill and relaxing about the ambience, and yet so emotionally poignant. The gameplay is very enjoyable and satisfying, you can really spend more time than you should ever spend floating around the golden sandy desert realms. The light and responsive environment is captivating, to say the least.

Overall, this game is highly recommended, especially to those looking for a beautiful, emotional, and enlightening experience, one that is as calming as it is gratifying.

STORY: 7/10 GAMEPLAY: 9/10 GRAPHICS: 9/10 ART DESIGN: 9/10 MUSIC: 10/10 OVERALL RATING: 9.5.