It's been a while since I played any video-games, which is - actually - quite sad... (^^ゞ
Anyway, I even bought some PSN-Money to be able to buy this game as fast as possible (you know, I'm not that kind of person who likes to buy "money cards" and stuff like that... I'd prefer PayPal, but thanks to Sony it's not possible to use it X_X! ).
Anyway.
The game I want to write about in this entry is named "Journey".
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| ( Screenshot taken from thatgamecompany.com ) |
Even though "Journey" already had been released in early 2012, I just heared about it lately. Until now, it's only available via download or as disc within a "bundle", consisting of three games in total. I wasn't quite sure what would be awaiting me, so I decided to download the free demo (which is also available at the PlayStation-Store. The demo is also the "locked" full version which can be upgraded!).
To be honest, I don't think that the demo version is quite prestentable at all. "Why?", you might ask now - I'll come to explain that later.
Some general things regarding the game
The game starts while the player can see a shooting star touching down in the middle of the desert - that's where the player will find "himself", sitting in the sand. The only interesting place to go at this moment is a dune with some floating banners. Arriving on this dune, you'll be able to see the main goal: the big mountain's split peak in the backround.
But already now you can see (and feel) how detailed the developers worked on the atmosphere of this game (the main-atmosphere totally reminds me of "Shadow of the Colossus" by TeamICO).
Going on, you'll get introduced slowly into the gameplay, and you'll gain a small scarf with some runes on it, which will be attached to your robe. This scarf will allow you to make small jumps, collecting glowing symbols will help you enlarging your scarf, and so, also your "floating" time, which means you can basically fly for a few moments. Anyway, it cannot be used unlimited. After using your jumping/flying ability, the runes will disappear from your scarf, and you won't be able to use them until you recharged it. This can be done by touching some little floating piecec of fabric, which seem to be lively and - I'm already regretting to sound so acromatic, haha ...^^; - friendly.
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| ( Screenshot taken from thatgamecompany.com ) |
During your 'journey', you'll have to pass several landscapes, such as the - already known - desert, a sunken city, an underground passage and also a snow lanscape. In between there are also some little puzzles and lots of secrets to discover (which will offer you to earn trophies, by the way!). Sometimes you'll also be hunted by big flying lithic snake-monsters, which means that there are some stealth passages also.
Story
Actually, the story of this game is rather vague. I already have made up my own thoughts about that, but I really don't want to spoil you, since I'd recommend playing the game at least ONCE before you spoil yourself with theories or stuff like that. Let's just say it's a journey.
The control system
The control system is fairy easy and - in my opinion - very well balanced and quite precise. I didn't find any severe control bugs so far.
It's possible to control the character via the left analog stick, the camera can be adjusted by either the right stick or by bending the whole controller (given that you own a DualShock3- or a Sixasis-controller). Using your scarf's powers (such like jumping and flying) can be activated by pressing (and holding) the x-button.
Additionally, pressing and holding the ❏-button will cause to pull the - already mentioned - little floating pieces of fabric to regain energy for your scarf. By simply pressing it shortly, it will create a sound.
Soundtrack
Talking about sounds, I just want to squeeze in some words about the soundtrack, because I personally think that it is very important for the atmosphere of the scenery and the game itself. I want to keep it short: I don't think that words can describe it accurately (and so this paragraph is rather useless), so I'd suggest to check it by yourself to get an image. (There are several playlists with the full soundtrack on Youtube, so if you're interested, please check it out!).
Multiplayer
If you're logged in, which means you're playing in online-mode, it's possible that you might meet some other player within your own game. These other players will show up randomly and cannot be chosen (so it's not possible to connect to your PSN-friends or something like that). It's not compulsory to stick to your partner, but it will allow you to enjoy several pros (for example, travelers can learn from each other and while walking together, your scarf's energy can be charged by your partner, too). Per "level", you just can meet one player. But if you stick to your partner and finish each level with him/her, he/she will also be your companion in the next level.
Having talked about the ❏-button and the sounds, these "sounds" are your only possibility to communicate with your partner (!).
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| ( Screenshot taken from thatgamecompany.com ) |
And, I want to be honest, I think that's the main fact why I think that the demo isn't representative at all. Playing this game all by yourself is great for sure. Especially because of the landscapes and the very great atmosphere. But I think it's just astonishing how a game can create such a strong relationship to a stranger, particularly while you're not able to communicate properly.
I - for example - really started caring for my companion, wanted to share secrets with him etc., and he was just the same for me, obviously. Some kind of a guide, some kind of inspiration, and thoughout the game, he almost became like... a friend? A partner? Well, something like that. Maybe.
Unfortunately, the game is quite short - I think that you can manage to finish one playthrough within maybe 2 hours...? Such a shame for such a great game!! Nevertheless I don't feel bad that I spent 12,99 € on this game, because until now (I think I already played it 5 times), every single playthrough felt totally different because of the different people I met (and I'm sure that the game itself didn't change at all!). And it's just somehow touching to reach the end of your journey - especially with a companion who went through all of this with you.
As I said, I already have my ideas about what the plot is about and what it should mean - if anyone else already played it, please feel free to leave a comment, I'd love to hear your ideas, experiences etc.! :)
But of course I also appreciate comments from people who didn't play it yet ^_^
