Journey is not a game that you simply start, play through, and then forget. It is more of an experience that stays with you. Since its release, it has been considered one of those special games that show that video games can be more than action, high scores, or long dialogues. Journey does not tell a story in the classic sense – and that is exactly what makes it so special.
When you start the game, you are not taken by the hand. You get no explanations, no tutorial, no hints. You are simply there: a small, mysterious figure in a huge desert. In front of you lies a mountain with a bright light shining from its peak. Instinctively, you know: that is where you have to go. Why? The game does not tell you. And that is exactly where its appeal lies. Read my Journey Review here.
More Than Just a Desert
At first glance, the world of Journey feels very empty. Endless sand dunes, abandoned ruins, hardly any life. But the longer you are on the move, the more you realize that this emptiness is deceptive. The sand moves beneath your feet, the wind carries you over hills, and everywhere you find small hints of a past civilization.
The visuals are simple, but incredibly effective. Everything is designed in a clear, warm, and calm way. Colors and light play a major role and constantly change the mood. Sometimes everything feels peaceful and almost meditative, then again oppressive and cold. Without a single word, the game tells you how your journey is supposed to feel at that moment.
A very important part of this experience is the music. It is not just background sound, but reacts to what you are doing. It becomes louder, quieter, more intense, or calmer depending on where you are. Many players still remember certain melodies years later because they are so strongly connected to the emotions of the game.
Journey becomes especially interesting when you encounter other players. Without any warning, another figure suddenly appears that looks exactly like you. It is a real person, somewhere in the world. You cannot talk, you cannot write messages, and you cannot introduce yourselves. You only have simple sounds to make yourselves noticed. And yet, a strange closeness often develops. You help each other, wait for one another, or simply continue walking together. When your paths separate, it sometimes feels surprisingly emotional.
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How Journey Plays
From a gameplay perspective, Journey is kept very simple. You can walk, jump, and glide with your scarf. This scarf is your most important tool. The longer it becomes, the longer you can glide through the air. This often feels almost weightless and fits perfectly with the calm atmosphere of the game.
There are no fights, no complicated puzzles, and no time pressure. Instead, it is about exploring, moving forward, and experiencing the journey. The game does not demand special skills from you, but invites you to simply let yourself drift. That is exactly why Journey is also suitable for people who otherwise hardly play video games.
Despite this simplicity, the game never feels boring. Every new environment brings a different mood with it. Sometimes you glide relaxed over sand dunes, sometimes you fight against strong winds or through icy cold. The journey has clear highs and lows – emotionally as well as in terms of gameplay.
The playtime is around two hours. For some, that sounds like very little; for others, exactly right. Journey does not feel like a game that is artificially stretched, but like a deliberately short experience. It is more comparable to a short film or an album that you listen to in one go.
Different Opinions and Criticism
As much as Journey is loved, it is not made for everyone. Some players miss a clear story or more gameplay depth. Others find the pace too slow or wish for more interaction.
The multiplayer aspect is also perceived differently. While many find the silent encounters to be something very special, they feel random or insignificant to others. And anyone looking for a game that can be played again and again over weeks will probably not find what they are looking for here.
But exactly these points are what Journey is about for its fans. It does not try to please everyone. It does not want to be a classic entertainment product, but rather to convey a mood. Those who allow themselves to get involved receive something very unique – and very personal.
A Journey Worth Taking
In the end of my review, Journey is above all one thing: a journey. A journey about progress, setbacks, help, and loneliness. Every player takes something different from it. For some, the game stands for life itself; for others, for hope, farewell, or new beginnings.
The beautiful thing is that Journey does not prescribe anything to you. It explains nothing, judges nothing, and forces no interpretation on you. You are allowed to feel what you feel. That is exactly why the game often stays in your mind for a long time – sometimes even longer than big, elaborate blockbuster title.
