Got to play it with someone for a bit, they seemed to know where all the neat things were (iirc, the murals, scarf lengthening thingies, etc). But due to the inability to communicate more than just “dings” I couldn’t convey that I needed a quick toilet break. They were gone after I came back, which was a bit sad but I probably wouldn’t have stayed waiting either, tbh.
It was quite okay, I recall playing it through twice, but the second round didn’t really offer much in terms of “value” over the first. Cool visuals and concept, though.
Other somewhat similar vibing games which I somewhat relate to Journey:
Sable - Somewhat similar character designs, quite a bit more scifi and some dialogue. Pretty cool 3d platformer puzzle.
Proteus - walking-sim, graphics are those “if atari 2600 could do 3d”. Kinda cool experience, but also kinda one-and-done.
Opening the pause menu will cause the traveler to immediately sit down, according to my sister who played the game religiously for a while, this is the equivalent to “BRB” among people who play a lot.
Each secret you find will add embroidery to the clothing of the traveller, meaning players can tell which one should likely be showing the other around, as well whether someone is a first-timer.
Sticking together is also not that important. The game will match you with a new player if you get separated.
People who play it more than once typically do it to show new players around, that’s where the value of repeat playthroughs comes from.
It was my understanding that the embroidery/pattern changes were based on how many times you had completed the game, but your point stands that it’s easy to tell a first timer
You’re right, I recalled the pattern being more complex and showing the progress towards the white robe, but I’m misremembering. The patter simply show how many times someone has completed the game, up to three times.
Journey is one of the most sublime works of art in the video games medium. I have it tattooed on half my fucking arm.
I got similar feelings of awe from Citizen Sleeper. They’re vastly different games, but they both blew me away for what the “games as an art form” could be.
Happy birthday! I actually just started playing Journey for the first time yesterday, less than an hour I’d say (on Steam). The visuals and fluidity of controls are nice, nothing spectacular by today’s standards but I’m sure they were great back in the PS3 era. The beginning felt a little slow trudging through the sand until I understood how the scarf upgrades work. But then when I encountered another player it really started to click and go more smoothly. I like how the game encourages cooperation by pinging and refilling each other’s scarf energy, though I feel like progress might go slow again if I get stuck going solo next session. The puzzles are very simple but I was feeling sick so having a ‘cozy’ game was actually pretty nice.
Still one of my favorite gaming experiences. I recommend everyone to play it at least once through, it’s not terribly long but it is an extremely worthwhile experience.
I won't add anything new here, but just chiming in that it's also my favorite game of all time. I got to play it when it was contemporary (ps3 I think?) and a couple of years ago rebought and replayed it on Steam. I lobe everything from the artwork and symphonic score, to the play style and plot as it were, to even the communal nature of the game and the fact you can only chirp as communication. Like others, it had a very profound impact on me when playing. It's definitely one of those I wish I could play for the first time all over again.
Playing Journey was one of the most moving and profound experiences I've ever had in gaming. I was lucky enough to play the entirety of the game in one sitting and with one partner. I knew going in that this was a co-op game. What I didn't realize was the effect it would have on me. Truly the closest to a spiritual experience I've had in a gaming setting. I sobbed as we walked into the light at the end.
I think I would have enjoyed this more, if I had played it earlier. But when I finally got around to playing it in 2021, the Multiplayer was dead and I had already seen too many pretty games for Journey to stand out.
I can see how someone would fall in love with at the right time though.
This game literally gave me a mind altering experience. The point at the end as you walk towards the light, I started to be unsure if I was controlling the character anymore or not, and it was actually quite dissociating like a psychedelic experience (I was sober at the time for the record). Truly incredible moment that no other game has pulled off.
As I said in the post, this is my favorite game ever. I played it when I was a teenager and it completely blew me away. The start was interesting, but quickly I noticed it becoming more and more beautiful and moving. The moment when your sliding down and the camera turns sideways with the sun making the sand look gold is honestly one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in my life. I played in 3 sittings, really savoring every moment. When you’re walking slowly in the ice cold ending stretch I became really emotional and the feeling of catharsis when you start the actual final part was insane. I was silently crying the whole time during that section.
Love the multiplayer aspect also. And the music is insane. I saw it performed live in my city last year and was able to speak to Austin Wintory and get his autograph.
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