"The Journey - Episode 1: Whatever This Is" is a satirical narrative game where players navigate absurd and humorous situations. The game features a variety of bizarre characters and surreal environments, with the player's choices affecting the outcome of the story. It is a unique and entertaining experience that pokes fun at common tropes in video games while offering a fresh and engaging storyline.
The game provides a calming and introspective experience, encouraging players to reflect on their lives and consider new activities.
Players appreciate the personalized suggestions at the end, which are seen as relevant and helpful for personal growth.
The atmosphere and music are praised for enhancing the overall experience, making it enjoyable and relaxing.
The introduction is considered overly long and repetitive, which can detract from the overall experience.
Some players feel that the game lacks depth and is more of a personality test than a traditional game, leading to mixed feelings about its value.
There are technical issues reported, such as freezing and lack of a save feature, which can frustrate players.
music
90 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
84%
3%
The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and relaxing qualities, enhancing the overall vibe and atmosphere. Many players find it inspiring and uplifting, often leading them to explore new activities or genres. Overall, the soundtrack is considered above average and a central element of the gaming experience.
“I love how peaceful this game is, especially the music.”
“It is very calming and I loved the soft flowing music.”
“It's a little more calm and relaxing than some of the dev's previous titles, with nice music and atmosphere, and just a little bit of humor.”
“I refuse to listen to different types of music because it gives me a headache :(”
“How did this game know music is the most centric part of my life?”
“Music can be an escape when life gets tough, because let's face it, life is hard.”
emotional
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players describe the game as a deeply emotional experience that offers a sense of appreciation and encouragement, often resonating on a personal level. Many found it heartwarming and insightful, highlighting its ability to evoke strong feelings and provide solace during tough times. Overall, the game is praised for its thoughtful and touching narrative, making it a meaningful journey for those who engage with it.
“The emotional journey in this game is wonderful.”
“It was very emotional to read through the game while he answered his questions and I honestly think it gave us some insight on things we need to do to encourage each other to do better and feel better about ourselves and each other.”
“This game was really emotional for me and hit a little too close to home.”
story
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
72%
21%
The reviews indicate that the game's story aspect is minimal and not a central focus, with players expressing uncertainty about the narrative direction. While there is an encouragement to explore storytelling in unfamiliar genres, the overall sentiment suggests that the game does not prioritize a robust or engaging storyline.
“The first option was to write a story outside of my usual genre.”
“It's really not a story game.”
“As for the story I'm to write, I don't know yet.”
“It doesn't matter if it's the start of a novel or if it's a one paragraph story about how much you like pizza.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its relaxing and calming qualities, featuring pleasant music and a touch of humor. Reviewers appreciate the absence of horror elements, noting that it creates an engaging and immersive experience that stands out from the developer's previous titles. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both soothing and captivating.
“The atmosphere in these games is amazing.”
“It's a little more calm and relaxing than some of the dev's previous titles, with nice music and atmosphere, and just a little bit of humor.”
“Those series of games with tests can really get into your head, and they are really atmospheric.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The gameplay of both games is nearly identical, but 'the journey' episode 1 offers a more surprising content experience. However, it suffers from a lack of substantial gameplay and minor spelling errors, making it less suitable for those seeking a traditional gaming experience.
“Only downsides for me are some minor spelling errors and overall lack of actual gameplay.”
“If you're looking for 'gameplay,' this isn't for you... but it could be for you on another day, at another time, or in-between other games.”
humor
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in this game is minimal, with only one clearly funny question and few opportunities for comedic interpretation. While some elements may evoke a lighthearted response, the overall tone leans more towards introspection and enlightenment rather than humor.
“Some are scary, some are funny, but this one is more enlightening.”
“My word given was introspective and all of the things it recommended to me are things I hadn't considered doing in the past, but what's funny is my current job is something I love and am passionate about and I almost turned down the offer because I had no interest in it at all.”