Journey (PlayStation 4) Review

Journey is gorgeous. From the desert to the depths to the snowy mountains, Journey left no detail unrealised. From the first time you see the sand slip out from underneath the controllable avatar, players will be lost in the gorgeous scenery, which is just as awe inspiring as it is cryptic.

The point of the gameplay is that far off in the distance, atop a mountain, is a light. This beacon is your only discernible goal, but as the name implies, it's not about the goal, it's about the journey - and for a game that only takes an hour or two to beat first time through, what a journey it is. As a weird, shaman looking creature, players will solve simple puzzles, and grow their cape. The cape growing, of course, is very important, as it allows the character to fly, which opens the game up considerably.

Beyond venturing into the great unknown, there isn't much else to do in Journey, which many could view as a bad thing. To this end, one would be missing the point. Journey is all about overcoming trials, many of which are purely mental, which is one reason its multiplayer is so incredible.

Instead of finding someone online, perhaps waiting twenty minutes for another player to join the same server as you, the other player is just dropped into your game. You can't communicate beyond simple chirping noises and flashes of light, but it's surprising how well you can manage this. Keep a companion long enough, and the language you share will be a common tongue, one shared with another human being that you'll probably never truly know. It's a beautiful sentiment, which transcends any of the worries that come with meeting people. Instead, you will bond over a common goal, helping one another reach the finale in unison.

Journey, however, isn't perfect. Because the game is more meditative than anything else, it is impossible to die. This is bizarre, and some could say a major selling point for the game. However, there's no feeling of risk and reward because of this. Also, beyond some collectibles, there's not a lot of reason to go back through the game, unless intending on becoming a sort of tour guide for the ruins of this world. It would have been nice to have a bit more to do, but, as previously mentioned, perhaps that's missing the point.