I remember how stunned everyone was by thatgamecompany’s Journey back in 2012, when the game was released as a PS3 exclusive. I didn’t have that console and missed it entirely, but knowing Flower and flOw, I planned to definitely play the game some day. Well, now that the game is on PC that day has come. Except, it’s 8 years later. Does it matter?
Journey is a very simple exploration-based title with simple controls and simple mechanics. You play as a mysterious robed traveler in a desert land trying to reach the summit of a mountain. You can chime, you can fly (depending on how much “magic” you have, shown on the scarf) and you can move around. The story is told via simple cutscenes that show a wordless story. And occasionally you may find yourself not alone but joined by a fellow traveler – an actual online player that you may travel with for a bit.
It’s extremely simplistic and holds almost entirely on the game visual style and beautiful soundtrack. The colours, the shifting sands, the floating cloth creatures and great level design make this game work. With the online element being a really cute and surprisingly emotional cherry on top. And if you want something more, or dislike these kinds of ambient exploration titles, this might not be for you at all. But if you can lose yourself in these beautiful levels, this game still holds up and lasts exactly as long as it needs to, without outstaying the welcome.
But we did get some beautiful games since 2012 that scratch the similar itch, yet might work for you even better. For me, for example, Abzû was a far more emotional experience. That game, developed by some of the same team from Journey, switched to the underwater setting and added some light educational elements to its world and to me that just made for a far more exciting experience. Perhaps, for you a more abstract experience of Journey will be more enjoyable, however.
Whatever the case, though, it’s not an “either/or” question. Unlike Flower, which has aged a bit more poorly, Journey still feels amazing. And even though this new PC port isn’t as great as it could be (it can have bizarre hitching or audio glitches), it’s a wonderful way to experience this title. If you have a couple hours to lose yourself in a journey through a beautiful world, this game is definitely worth it.