Journey

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 10,458 reviews
  • music
  • story
  • graphics
Journey Game Cover
An already beautiful experience is made even more gorgeous on the PlayStation 4 -- Journey is a trip worth taking. It’s a bite sized adventure that you won’t soon forget.
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"Journey Collector's Edition" is a compilation of three games: Journey, flOw, and Flower. Journey is a single-player or 2-player cooperative platformer where players traverse a beautiful, mysterious landscape. The edition includes bonus content such as a behind-the-scenes documentary, creator commentary, mini-games, concept art, soundtracks, and more. It offers a unique and immersive experience, perfect for players of all ages.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 10,458 reviews
music1,043 positive mentions
optimization18 negative mentions
  • music1,787 mentions

    The music in *Journey* is widely praised for its emotional depth and seamless integration with the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience. Composed by Austin Wintory, the soundtrack is described as breathtaking, often evoking strong feelings and complementing the stunning visuals throughout the game. Many players highlight the music's ability to convey narrative and emotion without dialogue, making it a central element of the game's artistic expression. However, some users have reported issues with the music in the PC version, noting glitches that detract from its intended impact. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in gaming, contributing significantly to the game's status as a masterpiece.

    • “The stunning visuals and mesmerizing landscapes feel alive, while the ethereal soundtrack perfectly complements the emotional depth of the experience.”
    • “Austin Wintory did a phenomenal job creating this soundtrack; from the beautiful opening with 'Nascence' to the transcending 'Apotheosis', every track here is amazing.”
    • “The music is a big part of it, but also the simple game mechanics that really make this an enjoyable play for all kinds of players!”
    • “The graphics aren't as great anymore, the music isn't memorable and the journey is short, took me an hour and a half, which is closer to a stroll after dinner.”
    • “The music is competent, but not good enough to make up for any of that.”
    • “The music, as expected for such an experience, would be held to a very high standard, and it holds up, it really does, this is an ost deserving of being called art.”
  • story1,560 mentions

    The story of *Journey* is conveyed entirely through visual and auditory elements, with no dialogue or written text, allowing players to interpret the narrative in their own way. Many reviewers praise its emotional depth and the ability to evoke feelings through its stunning art and soundtrack, despite the simplicity of the plot. The game explores themes of companionship, life, and the cyclical nature of existence, creating a unique and personal storytelling experience that resonates differently with each player.

    • “The game tells a simple story with powerful emotion without a single word at all.”
    • “Journey is a unique and poetic game that tells a beautiful story without words at all.”
    • “It's amazing to me how a game with no text towards a story and almost no communication other than different sound tones or body movement can make an old man's eyes swell up.”
    • “The story is very cryptic; I was very dissociated from it.”
    • “I kept waiting for it to pick up and offer something in the way of a story or gameplay and got neither.”
    • “The story is kept to a minimum, but you still enjoy your journey to an exotic world.”
  • graphics1,314 mentions

    The graphics of "Journey" are widely praised for their stunning beauty and timeless art style, which continue to impress even over a decade after its release. Players highlight the game's ability to create breathtaking visuals that evoke strong emotions, complemented by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. While some note that the graphics may feel dated in certain aspects, the overall aesthetic remains a significant draw, making it a memorable experience for many.

    • “The graphics are stunning, so beautiful how the sunlight gets reflected from the sand while you surf the desert dunes.”
    • “It's literally art in game form, the visuals are so lovely even 12 years later, and the soundtrack has always been gorgeous.”
    • “The stunning visuals and mesmerizing landscapes feel alive, while the ethereal soundtrack perfectly complements the emotional depth of the experience.”
    • “It's a bit dated in the movement, graphics, and camera style.”
    • “The graphics aren't as great anymore, the music isn't memorable, and the journey is short, took me an hour and a half, which is closer to a stroll after dinner.”
    • “However, players will encounter a few moments of graphical lag.”
  • gameplay1,014 mentions

    The gameplay of "Journey" is characterized by its simplicity and minimalism, primarily involving walking, gliding, and interacting with the environment and other players through a unique co-op mechanic. While many players appreciate the game's emotional depth and stunning visuals, some criticize the lack of challenging gameplay and depth, noting that it often feels more like an artistic experience than a traditional game. Overall, the gameplay is designed to evoke feelings and connections rather than provide complex mechanics or extensive challenges, making it a polarizing experience for players.

    • “The score is amazing in-game (hearing apotheosis as you hit the summit gave me chills), the graphics are absolutely beautiful, and the gameplay is engaging and memorable without being too hard or repetitive.”
    • “From the beautiful art, to the incredibly smooth and intuitive (yet amazingly deep) flight physics and mechanics, Journey is a perfect game.”
    • “The gameplay, visuals, music, and the multiplayer came together to form a masterful crescendo that made me burst with emotions.”
    • “At the end of the day, $14.99 for 90 minutes of gameplay with limited replay value is not something I can recommend, even if you have a more positive experience with the co-op than I did.”
    • “The gameplay is very simplistic, as you're more or less supposed to experience this game.”
    • “The gameplay is about as shallow as gameplay can be, and the game is incredibly short, but that is because there is not a single moment in this game where your jaw will not be dropped.”
  • emotional857 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Journey" is widely praised, with players describing it as a profound and moving experience that evokes a range of feelings, from joy to sadness. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to create deep emotional connections with companions encountered during gameplay, despite the absence of dialogue, relying instead on stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack. The game's short duration enhances its impact, leaving players with lasting memories and emotional reflections long after the experience concludes.

    • “Journey is more than just a game; it's an emotional voyage that has left an indelible impression on me.”
    • “The stunning visuals and mesmerizing landscapes feel alive, while the ethereal soundtrack perfectly complements the emotional depth of the experience.”
    • “This game made me cry without a single line of dialogue.”
    • “I can see why people would love it, but it made me feel so incredibly lonely and sad.”
    • “The emotional weight of the story was overwhelming, leaving me feeling drained and despondent.”
    • “While the game aimed for deep emotional connections, I found it to be more frustrating than moving.”
  • atmosphere415 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Journey" is widely praised for its breathtaking visuals, haunting soundtrack, and immersive world, creating a serene and emotional experience that resonates deeply with players. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to convey a rich narrative without dialogue, relying instead on environmental storytelling and the companionship of other players to enhance the journey. While some critiques mention a lack of gameplay depth, the overall consensus is that the game's atmosphere is its strongest asset, making it a must-play for fans of atmospheric and artistic gaming experiences.

    • “The stunning visuals, accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful score, create an immersive atmosphere that evokes a sense of wonder and solitude.”
    • “Journey is a truly beautiful game, and deceptively simple for how atmospheric it is.”
    • “The atmosphere it creates, the story you have to piece together from the murals and the world around you, and the absolutely stellar music.”
    • “The atmosphere is unlike any other, and the companions you meet along the way is what truly makes this special.”
    • “The atmosphere of this game relies too much on its (amazing) soundtrack and as it is, I cannot recommend the game on PC.”
  • replayability175 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting its short playtime of around 1-2 hours, which limits traditional replay value. However, several reviews highlight the potential for replayability through achievements, hidden secrets, and the unique experiences offered by playing with different companions. Overall, while some find it lacking in depth for multiple playthroughs, others appreciate the emotional and atmospheric elements that encourage revisiting the game.

    • “Despite the short gameplay, the replayability is amazing.”
    • “A beautiful and soothing experience with a high replayability value.”
    • “The gameplay is adventure, with simple mechanics, not that it is a bad thing, the visual story is what enables replayability, which is timeless.”
    • “At the end of the day, $14.99 for 90 minutes of gameplay with limited replay value is not something I can recommend, even if you have a more positive experience with the co-op than I did.”
    • “The game is also incredibly short and has little replay value.”
    • “I'm kinda glad I got it on sale for $7 since I would have been mad if I paid full price since it has low replay value.”
  • optimization57 mentions

    The game's optimization has received largely negative feedback, with many users reporting significant bugs, crashes, and poor performance on PC compared to its console version. While some players experienced smooth gameplay on high-end rigs, others faced stuttering, high CPU usage, and unresponsive controls, indicating a lack of proper optimization for the platform. Overall, the consensus suggests that the PC port is mediocre and requires substantial improvements to meet player expectations.

    • “It's incredibly well optimized and is truly beautiful.”
    • “To start, this game is breathtaking; it runs smoothly and the controls are reactive.”
    • “The art style is simple, which makes it look way better and runs smoothly even if you don't have the best PC.”
    • “Technically, the game is also not very good: it is buggy, unoptimized, sometimes crashes, and the control settings contain only a choice from a pair of predefined control layouts and do not allow you to create a new one yourself.”
    • “This game is a work of art, but the PC version is very poorly optimized.”
    • “It's a real shame, considering Journey is a must-play, probably on other systems, and is deserving of its Game of the Year accolades, but all of that is marred by terrible optimization, at least on Steam.”
  • grinding56 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and often boring, with many expressing frustration over slow movement and repetitive tasks that detract from the experience. While some appreciate the game's artistic elements, they feel that the gameplay lacks engagement and can feel like a slog, especially for those who do not enjoy exploration or farming mechanics. The game is described as short, but the grind for achievements and collectibles can make it feel longer and less rewarding.

    • “Achievements are not very grindy; I got 100% by playing with other people (who also showed me some achievement spots).”
    • “They aren't tedious and go by fairly fast, and everything about the game is so beautiful that you almost don't even mind, but it's something I wish I'd known going in.”
    • “Yeah, that's not tedious at all.”
    • “Sky: CotL was a beautiful experience, but once it had been completely experienced, gameplay descends into constant MMO grinding for cool cosmetics, and I've since forgotten what made that game special in the first place.”
    • “The game spends a lot of time presenting fun mechanics (flying and surfing) before yanking them away from the player, back to much more boring and tedious sections of gameplay.”
    • “Journey is great from an artistic point of view, it has a beautiful use of aesthetics, lighting, and sound, but if you're looking at it from a gameplay point of view, it's pretty boring, tedious, short, and definitely not worth the price.”
  • humor40 mentions

    The humor in the game is often described as light-hearted and whimsical, with players finding joy in the interactions with other characters and the game's mechanics, such as face-planting and communicating through sounds. Many reviews highlight the amusing moments that arise from the game's unique design, including the endearing "funny red triangle guy" and the absurdity of certain achievements. Overall, the humor adds a delightful layer to the emotional experience, making the journey both entertaining and memorable.

    • “There is a silly feature that allows you to face plant into the ground and remain on the ground, which is absolutely hilarious.”
    • “The fact that you can communicate only through sounds made the experience pleasant and funny.”
    • “I love being taken into this art piece of a game and just goofing around with these funny blanket people.”
  • stability36 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs, crashes, and graphical glitches, particularly on high-end systems. While some users experienced a smooth gameplay experience, others noted issues such as audio problems, control limitations, and performance dips. Overall, the game appears to be a technically flawed port that requires further optimization to enhance stability.

    • “Beautiful graphics, no glitches on my run, beautiful atmosphere, excellent port over to PC and a joy to play.”
    • “Runs great on Linux.”
    • “Runs great for me.”
    • “Technically, the game is also not very good: it is buggy, unoptimized, sometimes crashes, and the control settings contain only a choice from a pair of predefined control layouts and do not allow you to create a new one yourself.”
    • “This is a bad broken buggy mess.”
    • “There's no reason for the constant sub-60 dips, the stutters, and the weird audio glitches where sound sometimes cuts off at random.”
  • character development18 mentions

    Overall, the character development in the game is characterized by its minimalist and charming design, which emphasizes the player's journey rather than individual character backstories. Players appreciate the beautiful visuals and worldbuilding, noting that character growth is largely interpreted through the experience and exploration of the game's environments. The use of glyphs for character development adds a layer of depth, allowing players to uncover the narrative and background of the characters through their own interpretations.

    • “It is an amazing game with incredible visuals, a story left to your interpretation, amazing worldbuilding and character designs, and a journey with a fellow traveler you'll never forget.”
    • “The mysterious character design, the reason for going on the journey, the background story, and the reason behind the fallen civilization; you somehow get the answers to these questions through your own interpretation.”
    • “The character development system uses glyphs scattered around levels.”
    • “The character design is very minimalist, which I find appropriate since the game was less about who I was as the character, and more about the experience of the journey I was going on.”
    • “This, in a way, is character development for Scarfchild, which is done entirely through the player's own journey to the top.”
  • monetization10 mentions

    The monetization of the game has drawn mixed reviews, with some players viewing it as a cash grab, particularly criticizing the mobile version for its reliance on in-app purchases and a season pass model. While the original game is praised for its atmosphere and visuals, there is a sentiment that the developers could have pursued a more sustainable and rewarding business model without resorting to microtransactions. Overall, the monetization strategy has left some fans disappointed, feeling it detracts from the experience.

    • “I think they make this better in Sky, their Android game, but it's riddled with a season pass and needless grind traversing through the same maps over and over again for seasoned players while helping out other children in the game. It's still wholesome and probably the only sustainable business model anymore in terms of a game that was the divine feel like Journey or Sky for a company like Thatgamecompany.”
    • “Basically the mobile version of Journey with in-app purchases.”
    • “Although I recommend it, this game is much less than you expect from that 'awards' advertising.”
    • “Cash grab garbage.”
    • “This game has been half-heartedly ported for PC as a cash grab.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

92% average critic score

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Play time

2hMedian play time
4hAverage play time
2-5hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 66 analyzed playthroughs

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