A love letter to Journey / Level 4 / Part 2

[Jinfash]

Warning: Whole lotta feel incoming...

[First off, let's get one thing out of the way: Journey is not an under-appreciated game, especially on NeoGAF. The game gets a nod in almost every graphics discussion, games-as-art discussion, soundtrack discussion, system wars, and even non-sequitur responses. The zealotry can be nauseating, lord I know, but bear with me today please.]

While the entire game takes place in the desert, Journey is anything but monotonous; every level has a different theme (from palette to overall feel and dynamic). It is a beautiful looking game, I believe everybody is aware of that by now. But a lot of people find it hard to pick a favorite part. So today I want to zoom-in and concentrate on one part of the "Sunken City" level: [Starting at 3:10]

Simply put, that section may be one of the most (if not the most) awe-inspiring and visually stimulating portions of any video game I've played. It does a good job at illustrating the technical feats of the game: wonderful soundtrack and sound direction (congrats to Austin Wintory for his grammy nomination, btw), striking lighting, and superb physics among other things. But what do all this amount to? Well, something very special...

Throughout your journey (hurr) you visit different locales at different times of day, and this portion obviously depicts the "dusk" chapter, thus pushing the effects to the limits. The game is very short, but this section felt by far the shortest/quickest. You zip through it by continuously gliding down those splendid, shimmering, burning sands. The music kicks in and pulls back at the right time. The camera pans in and out at the right time. Blink and you'll miss the gorgeous view of the summit from the bridge. *I* personally believe it's a metaphor for that perfect, fleeting sunset (You may barf rainbows... now).

The bottom line is, the developers successfully managed to create the right conditions to affect --or manipulate-- the player. I had butterflies in my stomach throughout the entire level, and games rarely have this effect on me these days. Isn't this the most critical point of the whole "games are art" discussion? I don't personally believe it's ever been about graphics fidelity or art-styles... but about moving, affecting, and thought-provoking the audience, while saying as little as possible.

Speaking of which, let's take a short break from the Sunken City and talk about the game itself for a second. As if all of the above wasn't enough hyperbole, do you what other thing Journey fills me with? Envy. I envy everyone who was involved in creating this game, and I really wish I was part of something as special as this. Videogame or otherwise, how fulfilling would leaving something as memorable as this as part of your legacy be?

The funny thing is I've never been a big fan of ThatGameCompany. I consciously ignored flOw because "lol glorified Snake," and while I thought Flower was a technically impressive software, I rolled my eyes at the theme/story/interpretation. However, Journey is by far ThatGameCompany's most technically impressive, ambitious, and most importantly genuine effort... something that allowed me to lay my cynicism low and take the experience in (speaking as someone from the M.E. though, the desert setting may have played a part in that). In the end, they were responsible for creating one of the quietest games of this generation, yet one that made some of the loudest statements.

Very few gaming related topics compel me to create a GAF thread these days, let alone type out half of that pretentious crap you just read, but this so happens to be one of them.

So tell me friends, how did LVL4-II (or any other part) change your life?

 

[Nazgul11]

One of the most jaw dropping things I've ever seen in a video game.

 

[Carlisle]

That was the point where Journey blew me away for sure. My mouth hung open the entire time and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Got all excited and filled with wonderment, felt like a little kid playing his first video game. The graphics and art direction with the sand reflecting the sun in an almost liquid way was sheer brilliance (no pun intended).

Such a wonderful game.

 

[Twilight Princess]

While I absolutely love the game, I think it's immensely overrated.

 

[djplaeskool]

My first Journey play session, I beat the game, beat it a second time, then jumped right to the Sunken city stage and quit after it.
Few and far between are my moments of pure gaming awe.
This was one of them.

 

[Hato-kun]

I'm pretty sure I teared up because it was so beautiful.

 

[Zeliard]

Journey pulled that "awe-inspiring visual moment" trick on me twice - once being this particular section, and another with the start of level 3 and its pink dunes aesthetic, with the mountain looming in the background. Gorgeous.

 

[Scrabble]

While I absolutely love the game, I think it's immensely overrated.

huh?

 

[Jinfash]

While I absolutely love the game, I think it's immensely overrated.

That's perfectly understandable. But do you believe it's overrated on a visual and artistic level as well? Consider the "Sunken City" as your reference.

 

[Huff]

I've never bonded with an anonymous person of the digital space so much before

 

[ViewtifulJC]

huh?

I think it's a 9/10 game, but the way some of ya'll go on like it's a 11/10, greatest achievement in video game history

This(and the ending section) are probably my favorite video game moment of the year, however

 

[olimpia84]

Bought the collectors edition after all the hype. Got up to those underground ruins and haven't gone back to it. Flower had 100x more of a 'wow' factor for me but then again I haven't finished Journey so maybe my opinion will somehow change.

 

[Pai Pai Master]

I teared up at this level, and burst out laughing and crying at the end section when you're flying up to the top of the mountain.

No joke, as a visual artist Journey was a revelatory experience for me. I will never forget the feeling it gave me.

 

[Dibbz]

One of the best games this generation. I'm with the OP. I'm so jealous of everyone involved in creating this game.

 

[i-Lo]

Bro, do you even feel?

I must say that seldom do games bring me to tears due to certain overwhelming characteristics in visuals. That specific moment (posted in OP) with that music was just too awesome for me to not be brought to tears. Also, the title theme is just magnificent and hit all the emotional buttons for me.

Finally, the concept of not knowing the person you're playing with sounds hopeless in theory but the way it was implemented in practice just made it all the more appealing.

The game should be renamed- That feel: The game *sniff*

 

[Twilight Princess]

That's perfectly understandable. But do you believe it's overrated on a visual and artistic level as well? Consider the "Sunken City" as your reference.

It's overated as a game. Journey is a delightful experience and I love it very much, but I think it's not this eye opening life changing game people make it out to be.
As an experience, albeit a short one, journey is one of the best from the last few years, but as a game it is not.

 

[i-Lo]

Just wanted to add this: Journey soundtrack- I Was Born for This with official translation (and source of lines of lyrics)

It's overated as a game. Journey is a delightful experience and I love it very much, but I think it's not this eye opening life changing game people make it out to be.
As an experience, albeit a short one, journey is one of the best from the last few years, but as a game it is not.

Well it may not have worked for you unlike others. So overrated or underrated comes down personal opinion about the product.

 

[Chuck Norris]

It's level is pretty special to me. Before my dad died he wanted to play a game where you could surf in the clouds. It's not quite that, but man the feeling of it comes close to what I imagined. The sound, the gameplay. I would take a whole game of it any day

 

[Jinfash]

It's overated as a game. Journey is a delightful experience and I love it very much, but I think it's not this eye opening life changing game people make it out to be.
As an experience, albeit a short one, journey is one of the best from the last few years, but as a game it is not.

The fact that you keep referring to it as an experience while refusing to acknowledge it as a game tells me we're perhaps one the same page. I really believe there are perfectly sound arguments supporting that, and I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing that detracts from Journey. I'll also agree that it's not a "life changing" experience, but boy I will fight you on the "eye-opening" point; if this game is not eye-opening then my eyes have been wide shut this entire generation.

 

[Dibbz]

It's level is pretty special to me. Before my dad died he wanted to play a game where you could surf in the clouds. It's not quite that, but man the feeling of it comes close to what I imagined. The sound, the gameplay. I would take a whole game of it any day

Sorry to hear about your dad. thatgamecompany already made a game where you fly around in the clouds, called Cloud.

It was one of their first games iirc.

 

[Moofers]

I pretty much ignored this game all year and was turned off by the whole "THIS GAEM IZ ART! SO BEUUTIFUL! I CRIED AND AM NOW MENSTRATING!" but last week I finally got it and played through it at around 10pm one night.

It was fucking magical. I went in thinking it would underwhelm and once I was about 5 minutes in, it had me. Not like, "Holy crap this is awesome!" but more that the seed was planted and starting to grow. Another 20 minutes in and it had fully bloomed.

I met up with my first fellow traveler around that time and out of everything that happened in the game, it was my time with this traveler that struck me the most. I did in fact shed a couple of tears, but they were tears of joy. It was weird. I'm not afraid to admit that I cry at movies sometimes, but this kind of outburst was a little uncommon for me.

So what was it about that time? Their patience with me. See, there was this high place with one of the scarf generators at the top. I couldn't reach it alone, but if we both flew halfway up, we could recharge eachother and both make it up there to have our scarves extended. I had figured out by then how important the scarf was, so this was an important goal for both of us.

The other traveler made it to the halfway point with ease. It took me about 3 tries to finally get my footing and stick the landing. The spot was pretty small and we could easily fall off if we didn't land perfectly on it. Anyway, once we were both halfway up, we charged up again from each other's scarves and away we went. The other traveler made it up again on the first try, but I plummeted back down, past the halfway point, all the way to the ground level. Now I was bummed. They had been patient enough to wait for me at the halfway point, but maybe that was because they couldn't make it all the way up without me. Now they had what they needed and coule easily leave me in the lurch with no way back up and no scarf extension.

But they didn't. They came all the way back down with their newly grown scarf singing a triumphant chirp. Then as if to tell me not to worry, they floated right back up to that halfway point and waited for me.

I teared up. This act of patience and kindness caught me off guard and I was so happy. We stayed together for another 45 minutes or so after this. Not a lot of time together in the big picture of things, but one of my most memorable co-op experiences of all time.

And that's one of the reasons I love Journey. Thanks for reading if you've made it this far.

 

[HardRojo]

I played Journey for the first time this week, it might not be the greatest game gameplay wise but I'm pretty confident that the emotions you can experience in Journey are something else and they can't be replicated in any other game I've played (I've yet to play flower from the collection) and I don't know the reason, Journey definitely felt very different and truly magnificent, I agree it deserves all the praise it gets.

 

[-Winnie-]

I literally gasped when I came to that section, and it'll remain in memory as one of my most fond gaming moments.

 

[Roubjon]

I guess I could say this moment of the game evoked a moment of pure tranquility and brilliance for me. I got huge shivers down my spine and couldn't stop smiling at what was happening. I know this sounds incredibly odd, but I've never felt that way before when observing something; it was like a fucking orgasm it was so intense. I've seen my fair share of great views in real-life and love walking around in nature, but oh my god this game. All I have to do is see a gif of that part of the game and I can acutely remember the feeling of warmth that washed over me when I first saw it. My god, I sound like an insane person right now.

It definitely had to do with the fact that when I started the game for the first time, I did my absolute best to get absorbed into it. And judging by the reaction I had I'm pretty sure That Game Company did a great job. Considering Journey is a metaphor for life, I'm pretty sure that moment of the game is there to represent those moments of life where you know it's something special and you'll remember it forever.

 

[RagnarokX]

The fact that you keep referring to it as an experience while refusing to acknowledge it as a game tells me we're perhaps one the same page. I really believe there are perfectly sound arguments supporting that, and I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing that detracts from the Journey. I'll also agree that it's not a "life changing" experience, but boy I will fight you on the "eye-opening" point; if this game is not eye-opening then my eyes have been wide shut this entire generation.

He is acknowledging it as a game. Things can be more than one thing. As a game Journey is mediocre at best. As an experience it's good. Games absolutely should strive to achieve the artistic beauty and emotional impact Journey brings forth, but they shouldn't abandon what makes the medium what it is. I don't think we should settle and champion Journey as a great game just because it makes you feel good when it drops the ball in a major aspect game design. It has great art design, great atmosphere, great music, a charming online experience, but gameplay?

Why do people cry about phone apps not being games when something like Journey can get a pass? I don't think eliciting an emotional response is enough to overcome its deficiencies in terms of considering how good a "game" it is, hence the distinction of praising it as an experience.

 

[Osietra]

I think that the problem is: a lot of thick people play videogames, and don't read books, or anything else of taste worth. Journey is pretty cool, but no. I didn't cry, or experience a profound experience. Why? Because Bram Stokers Dracula is a book, and never ages. Which is something Journey shares.

 

[Chuck Norris]

Sorry to hear about your dad. thatgamecompany already made a game where you fly around in the clouds, called Cloud.

It was one of their first games iirc.

I know of it, but I wish they would combine the two

 

[Piggus]

He is acknowledging it as a game. Things can be more than one thing. As a game Journey is mediocre at best. As an experience it's good. Games absolutely should strive to achieve the artistic beauty and emotional impact Journey brings forth, but they shouldn't abandon what makes the medium what it is. I don't think we should settle and champion Journey as a great game just because it makes you feel good when it drops the ball in a major aspect game design. It has great art design, great atmosphere, great music, a charming online experience, but gameplay?

Why do people cry about phone apps not being games when something like Journey can get a pass? I don't think eliciting an emotional response is enough to overcome its deficiencies in terms of considering how good a "game" it is, hence the distinction of praising it as an experience.

Why does it matter? As long as it provides an amazing experience, who cares? There's no set template describing what a game should be. And that's why I love That Game Company... They actually try to break away from the norm.

 

[i-Lo]

I think that the problem is: a lot of thick people play videogames, and don't read books, or anything else of taste worth. Journey is pretty cool, but no. I didn't cry, or experience a profound experience. Why? Because Bram Stokers Dracula is a book, and never ages. Which is something Journey shares.

So basically because (you assume) you read more books (and have found what you consider to be "profound" in that medium) than other people, you somehow see yourself as intellectually "superior" to the people who were in some way overwhelmed by Journey (a creative work from another medium).

 

[RagnarokX]

Why does it matter? As long as it provides an amazing experience, who cares? There's no set template describing what a game should be. And that's why I love That Game Company... They actually try to break away from the norm.

There are components that are integral to what makes a game a game. Goals, rules, challenge, interaction. Journey has all of these, so it is by definition a game. But it is very very weak in these components. It's a very weak game.

 

[Onion_Relish]

I made my girlfriend play this part specifically and even she was impressed. And she hates video games pretty adamantly. Don't ask me why I'm dating someone who hates video games, we are probably breaking up soon.

 

[edgefusion]

I think that the problem is: a lot of thick people play videogames, and don't read books, or anything else of taste worth. Journey is pretty cool, but no. I didn't cry, or experience a profound experience. Why? Because Bram Stokers Dracula is a book, and never ages. Which is something Journey shares.

Ooh get you with your 'books' and your 'words', la de da. If only we could all be as superior as you then we wouldn't need to roll in the mucky dross that is Journey, oh to be enlightened!

 

[depward]

Recently replayed this very section; such a beautiful part of a gorgeous game. Definitely invokes a whole lotta feel when I play through it.

 

[mattiewheels]

There are components that are integral to what makes a game a game. Goals, rules, challenge, interaction. Journey has all of these, so it is by definition a game. But it is very very weak in these components. It's a very weak game.

It's not a game as much as it is a diorama. I just wonder if the big divide between emotionally resonant dioramas and your average game can be bridged easily without thins being lost.

 

[Jinfash]

He is acknowledging it as a game. Things can be more than one thing. As a game Journey is mediocre at best. As an experience it's good. Games absolutely should strive to achieve the artistic beauty and emotional impact Journey brings forth, but they shouldn't abandon what makes the medium what it is. I don't think we should settle and champion Journey as a great game just because it makes you feel good when it drops the ball in a major aspect game design. It has great art design, great atmosphere, great music, a charming online experience, but gameplay?

I'm not sure if you misread my post or if I'm misreading yours, but if we strictly examine Journey based on gameplay/gamey design without factoring in all the other aspects it set out to achieve, it's mediocre at best hence my agreement. However, I'll argue you don't technically "drop the ball" when you never agreed to play the "game," so to speak.

I also agree that the reaction to Journey shouldn't illicit a complete shift in priorities for every other games/developers. I personally don't want all my favorite games and series to strive for the same goals. But I'm always grateful when every now and then an oddball gets a warm reception from critics and players alike; it reminds everyone that there's an actual spectrum and range to the medium, and that there's even room to grow.

 

[thecouncil]

Warning: Whole lotta feel incoming...

it was a rad part, no doubt.

the game didnt hit me as hard as most... actually, not at all, but... y'know.


anyway, OP, on that youtube link, click the 'share' button under the video and then to the right of the video link, click "start at" and type in the time you want the link to start at when opened. a youtube trick!

here: youtube link

 

[Jinfash]

I think that the problem is: a lot of thick people play videogames, and don't read books, or anything else of taste worth. Journey is pretty cool, but no. I didn't cry, or experience a profound experience. Why? Because Bram Stokers Dracula is a book, and never ages. Which is something Journey shares.

I think you are better than everyone who was blown away by Journey.

anyway, OP, on that youtube link, click the 'share' button under the video and then to the right of the video link, click "start at" and type in the time you want the link to start at when opened. a youtube trick!

here: youtube link

Thanks!

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Simply a beautiful game. It will invoke emotions that you allow it to, depending on how open you are.

A unique experience. One of the reasons I love gaming.

 

[Mxrz]

I don't think anyone is going to claim its life changing, but it is touching in a way that media, especially digital media, rarely is. The whole debate on whether its a game is a bit belittling, and that's usually why its brought up - If you can't help but get hung up on it, just consider it a piece of interactive digital art.

Personally, I'd say its as much a game as anything that falls under that "Story!!! > Gameplay!!!!!!" stuff that people are all too quick to champion at times.

 

[RagnarokX]

I'm not sure if you misread my post or if I'm misreading yours, but if we strictly examine Journey based on gameplay/gamey design without factoring in all the other aspects set it set out to achieve, it's mediocre at best hence my agreement. However, I'll argue you don't technically "drop the ball" when you never agreed to play the "game," so to speak.

I also agree that the reaction to Journey shouldn't illicit a complete shift in priorities for other games/developers, but I'm always grateful when every now and then an oddball gets released and warmly received by critics and players alike; it reminds everyone that there's an actual spectrum and range to the medium, and that there's even room to grow.

Right, I suppose "drop the ball" isn't apt, but the game being designed the way it is on purpose isn't an excuse for the mediocrity of its gameplay. My point, as you likely ascertained, is that a major aspect of its game design was poor in consideration of what makes a game good.

It's not like I didn't enjoy Journey. I'm just wary of giving it accolades it doesn't deserve and developers going astray. If all it takes to get so many people calling a game "GotY" is the effort Journey put forth, developers might as well stop investing in gameplay and start making interactive artistic experiences; hell, a lot already have considering the popularity of scripted events these days . I think developers have a lot to learn from games like Journey, but as a whole package in terms of gaming Journey is mediocre.

 

[Canis lupus]

The game made me appreciate life more.

 

[Roxas]

Me and my co-op buddy went down there the same time. It was amazing. One of the best moments this gen for me too..

 

[Apenheul]

That part was pure enjoyment, felt like a freestyle 1080 snowboarding / SSX mode but with a much more inspiring environment.

 

[I'm an expert]

I wonder if those saying they didn't "get" the game played it online and with a fellow traveler for most of the journey? The gameplay is nothing special, I don't think anyone will argue that, but the unique interactions you can have with the anonymous partner - working together, being rogue, trying to play catchup, helping each other with secrets, totally ignoring each other, chirping to acknowledge/thank, genuinely disappointed when they get hurt/lost in certain sections - those are what made the game incredible.

I remember my first playthrough I THOUGHT I was playing with one person for most of the end part and when I lost them near the end I just stood still. Waiting. Praying they came back so we could finish it together. When they didn't return I felt awful finishing the game, then the game told me I had played with like 8 people in the run and was blown away.

That's what made the game insanely unique. And level 4-2.

 

[Salsa]

it was very pretty, and not much else

I dont think its necesarelly overrated when it gets the proper praise it deserves, but I think people take it to levels where I dont think it belongs. Calling it something like a prime example of videogame bliss or something like that sells the medium short. Its a beautiful sight with a wonderful art direction that does not highlight any of the uniqueness that makes videogames great and separates them from other art forms. It would have served almost the same purpose on an animated film.

not saying it wasnt great to control, but you have no impact on it whatsoever, that's what I mean.

 

[Jinfash]

Edit: No, but seriously, the thread is about discussing the visual/auditory impact of literally 30-40 seconds of the game, so let's not drag old fought wars into this, as I'm unfamiliar/uninterested in most of them.

 

[superbank]

it was very pretty, and not much else

I dont think its necesarelly overrated when it gets the proper praise it deserves, but I think people take it to levels where I dont think it belongs. Calling it something like a prime example of videogame bliss or something like that sells the medium short. Its a beautiful sight with a wonderful art direction that does not highlight any of the uniqueness that makes videogames great and separates them from other art forms. It would have served almost the same purpose on an animated film.

not saying it wasnt great to control, but you have no impact on it whatsoever, that's what I mean.

You're selling Journey a bit short if you think it was just nice to look at. The interaction between you and the anonymous player is an important part of the experience. It did two things right: creating an atmosphere and creating engaging interactions between random people. The actual game aspect of it is where it was lacking for me. Take the sand surfing eyegasm segment for example. Why were we forced to surf that whole time? I wanted to stop and explore but couldn't during those sections. Or during the opening with the sand dunes, why couldn't I surf on those? It would have been fun to surf and gain speed to ride down another dune but all you can do is walk. The game felt very focused on pushing you along a path, this was partly achieved by having nothing to do besides advancing on that predetermined path.

 

[Diamond]

it was very pretty, and not much else

I dont think its necesarelly overrated when it gets the proper praise it deserves, but I think people take it to levels where I dont think it belongs. Calling it something like a prime example of videogame bliss or something like that sells the medium short. Its a beautiful sight with a wonderful art direction that does not highlight any of the uniqueness that makes videogames great and separates them from other art forms. It would have served almost the same purpose on an animated film.

not saying it wasnt great to control, but you have no impact on it whatsoever, that's what I mean.

Don't think it sells the medium short. The fact that videogames can encompass minimal, poetic things like Journey and at the same time some very technical games like, I don't know, SpaceChem, is precisely one of the reasons this medium is so great. It's something we should be proud of, even if we all have our preferences.

Plus, I wouldn't say "I have no impact on it" is a good way to describe Journey. I perfectly understand some people want more control in/over their games, and that's fine. But in Journey you still push your joystick to go wherever you like in the game areas. You still interact with the second player if you're online, which is, I think a majority of people aknowledge it, the best way to experience the game. An animated Journey would've certainly been very pretty, perhaps touching, sure, but it wouldn't have been quite the same.

 

[Suairyu]

I bought Journey the day it came out.

I turned off my phone and played.

Three or four hours later (or was it days?) my journey ended.

I have never started a new journey, never replayed the game. I don't think I ever will.

It had such a profound impact on me that I don't think I ever want to experience it again in a diminished form, for the journey is one of discovery, and the discovering is done.

And I am okay with this.

 

[Dr.Hadji]

Don't think it sells the medium short. The fact that videogames can encompass minimal, poetic things like Journey and at the same time some very technical games like, I don't know, SpaceChem, is precisely one of the reasons this medium is so great. It's something we should be proud of, even if we all have our preferences.

All this is very true. Videogames and games are not synonyms. Videogames can encompass many play types that minimizes formal games and gameplay. Journey doesn't sale the medium short because videogames can really be almost anything. Personally, I feel the formal systems that games present communicate just as well (or more so) as visual, audio romps through a virtual world. So Journey lacking in the gameplay department is a big negative.