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Journey (PS4) Review

• First Released Mar 13, 2012 released

The light by which my spirit's born.

By Kevin VanOrd on July 23, 2015 at 10:41AM PDT

This review contains spoilers. For a spoiler-free review of Journey, you can read our original review here .

It was my eighth playthrough and the tears still streamed, almost inexplicably; Journey is a song without words, reliant on its rapturous presentation and liberating movement to stir your mind and move your heart. With many games, I have wished that I could play them again for the first time--to experience that buzz that inevitably diminishes with each return visit. I will never need to waste this wish on Journey, however: each pilgrimage is as bittersweet as the last. How appropriate, given the game's theme of death and rebirth, that it feels so sorrowful, so joyous, and so true , each and every time.

"Journey would be just as effective as a movie," a friend once told me, but I must contradict her. Not that I can argue against the game's sumptuous environments and its sublime musical score, which earned masterpiece status the moment Journey was initially released on the PlayStation 3 in 2012. Certain landscapes have rightfully gained iconic stature, becoming the very definition of video game beauty. One shot depicts the cloaked figure you control standing atop a sand drift and gazing at the mountain you must reach, which rises above the desert and pierces the clouds. The view is a master class in simplicity and color story; the peach-orange tones of the sand give way to a sea-green sky--hushed hues for a hushed visual revelation. Another seminal sight: you skate across the sand from right to left, illuminated by a godly beam of sunlight while watching the remnants of a lost culture rush past. The screen is awash with shades of amber, and the warm sand glimmers as if mixed with golden crystals. Yes, even as a work of cinema, Journey would instill wonder.

But Journey is not a film, and its power is not gained by pretty pictures alone, but by your presence in its world. That side-scrolling glide would not choke me up if I couldn't feel the sand beneath my feet, and couldn't hit a ramp in just the right way to propel myself into the air. I wouldn't feel so beat down by the wind if I didn't feel it pushing against me as I trudged forward, and I wouldn't be so euphoric if I didn't personally experience the joy of skimming the ground. You see, you hear, and, vitally, you do . You surf the sand, you ride the wind, you seek shelter from danger, you make a friend. Seeing is believing, but it takes interaction to understand and know.

Describing Journey means describing these moments and these emotions. The mechanical basics are almost secondary, and quickly explainable. As a mysterious robed figure, you cross sand and other terrain en route to a far-off mountain. You make use of only two buttons. By pressing X, you leap into the air and soar, an ability that is limited by the length of the scarf that trails behind you. By pressing circle, you cry out to whatever or whomever might heed your call. Journey is desolate, but you are not alone. You call to flocks of ribbons that hover about like restless robins, and they provide energy to your scarf. You meet cloth creatures that become travel guides and provide magic-carpet rides to higher ground. And presuming you play while connected to the Internet, you may encounter another lone individual in your travels--an individual you can ignore, or one you can accompany, chirping to her when you locate secret hieroglyphs, or when a fearsome ribbon-dragon appears and you don't want to continue alone.

The mechanics are simple, but they establish a direct connection to the heart. Consider that flowing scarf, which trails behind you as you surf and soar, growing larger whenever you locate and touch a glowing flower. On a mundane level, it functions as a power bar that you fill up by making contact with cloth, and deplete by leaping. In context, the scarf is your life force, governing your ability to joyfully drift through the air. Gliding is Journey's most exuberant act, and by limiting its use, the game makes joy itself a currency.

Journey uses this ecstasy-based economy to craft an emotional arc across its entirety, as well as to emphasize individual moments. Your scarf grows longer and longer, but a frightful encounter with that terrible ribbon-monster turns your rippling shawl into a mere stub. You cannot fight--you can only hide. Being discovered is devastating because the scarf is where the cheer and comfort of flight are stored. You were offered a heartwarming gift, only to have it yanked from your hands. Journey also uses this moment to connect you with your wordless cooperative companion. By this stage, you understand the meaning the scarf carries with it. Seeing your sidekick succumb like this forges empathy: you know that the monster has abolished his joy.

This give-and-take is how the final levels gain their potency. Your ability to glide is diminished, then revoked. You no longer drift through sand, but brace yourself against an exhaustive wind. Then, the moment comes when all hope seems lost. You hold your breath and assume the worst. And then, the controller rumbles--just once, like a single heartbeat. And all that was taken away is restored, then multiplied, and multiplied again.

This is the source of those tears. It is not the sadness of the loss, but the bliss of being honored for your perseverance. These are tears of elevation, so perfectly described by Roger Ebert in 2009 . I have heard people describe this final climb in terms of an afterlife, and that's a reasonable interpretation of the scene, in which you float higher and higher towards the mountain's zenith. But even in the moment, whether or not you make this conscious religious association, you might feel weepy in spite of yourself. The gift was given, and it was taken away. And then, you were liberally showered with gifts, and so you ascended, higher and higher, towards your next journey.

It is possible that Journey will not move you. In such a case, it is simply a beautiful game with a glorious soundtrack, grounded by a wistful cello melody later threaded through a warm quilt of winds and strings. The chance you might be swept away, however, makes it worth plunging your feet into the warm sand. If you are returning to Journey, a higher resolution and a higher frame rate are your ostensible rewards for returning--a return that doesn't cost you anything if you already own the game on the PlayStation 3. But Journey's real rewards aren't so pedestrian. Journey offers you comfort. It gives you companionship in a lovely but forsaken world. It gives you reason to dream even when facing loss.

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• Sumptuous visuals
• One of the best game soundtracks written to date
• Simple mechanics that elicit powerful emotions
• Instills empathy between cooperative partners
• Iconic moments that stay with you for years

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Kevin VanOrd

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Journey PS4 Review: A Classic Reborn

Neil Bolt / April 15, 2020

Journey on PS4 is divisive. Journey is overly artsy. Journey is an emotionally-charged masterpiece. Simply put, Journey is many things to many people. To me, Journey told a wonderful tale back in 2012. In the brief, yet perfectly paced, two hour playthrough it encapsulated its name perfectly, and despite having to go up against megahits like The Walking Dead and Borderlands 2 that year, it held its own as a truly outstanding member of the PlayStation family; to this day remains among my favourite games of the PS3 era and now we finally have Journey on PlayStation 4.

Journey PS4 Review

Now, in the hazy heat of midsummer’s gaming limbo, thatgamecompany’s magnum opus joins the PlayStation 4 ranks to try and captivate a new audience who were not fortunate enough to partake in it last generation. But what about those who have already experienced it? Granted, it is free to anyone who bought it on PS3, but can the game still have an impact after the initial glorious hit?

At the start of the game, where you traverse down the sand dune to begin your quest to reach the light-emitting mountain seen in the distance still holds the same magic, as Austin Wintory’s haunting theme plays out. It’s worth pointing out early on that the soundtrack is a huge player in conveying the emotional peaks and troughs of the otherwise near-silent narrative. It says things more eloquently than mere words could convey. Respect has to be paid to a game that can tell a captivating story without anybody uttering a single syllable.

Your adventure consists of the previously mentioned “journey” to the mountain, and the path there is filled with the task of your mysterious robed figure completing small, simple puzzles along the way.There is no combat, but there are dangers to contend with at certain points. All of which are there to seemingly prevent you from making that ascent.

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The overarching theme of Journey is how you keep going in the face of adversity, pushing ever-onwards to that goal in a determined, single-minded fashion. It isn’t until you reach the game’s closing moments that you truly understand why this is. The short, non-spoilery version is to describe it as a pilgrimage, one that the game expects you to be joining in on beyond just pushing buttons on a controller. It’s hard to describe exactly why Journey’s narrative can be effective — even if you explain the themes in greater detail it remains something to be experienced hands on, not viewed from afar.

An aspect of it that can and should be discussed is Journey’s multiplayer. Another player can join your quest, and they simply appear without any notice being given during your playthrough (if you’re online of course). There is no matchmaking, no aggressiveness, no natural co-op structure and you only communicate through simple noises.

You won’t even know who you played with until you finish the game. It can often turn out the person you thought was your sole companion was in fact six or seven different people; as players fall behind or press on ahead they are subtly replaced. There are some genuine moments of bonding to be had, even with so little in the way of interaction. It’s a refreshingly different take on online multiplayer, one that fits Journey perfectly.

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Even three years on, and on a more powerful console, Journey remains a technical treat. The simple yet elegant graphical style is timeless, looking as beautiful as it did in 2012. Towering, glowing structures and billowing fabric-like movement are constants in this world, being used in interesting ways throughout, while the way the sand shifts beneath your feet and the swirling winds above your head flapping your ever-growing scarf around are wonderfully crafted details.

The visuals are even more striking with the touch ups the PS4 provides. It’s like a series of paintings come to life, and any number of scenes would be fit to capture and stick on your wall. Journey also runs more smoothly now. It was fine before, but the difference in quality is a noticeable enough upgrade when compared to the original version.

Otherwise, there’s nothing new added to the PS4 edition of Journey, not that there would be much worth adding that could actually improve the game and, as I mentioned earlier, you aren’t paying any extra if you’ve already purchased it before. So while those like myself can treat this remaster as an excuse to revisit what made the game so memorable -and for many, a chance to join in at the start when there are plenty of other players active- this is still mainly for those that missed out entirely last time round. Journey will no doubt cause fresh debate and split opinions with those people, which is just fine, because it’s a magical game that still deserves to be discussed.

Journey is out now on PS4 and PS3.

Review code kindly provided publisher.

The Final Word

Whether you played and enjoyed Journey before or are curious to see what the fuss is all about, the PS4 version provides a great excuse to experience one of PSN's greatest titles for a first or second time.

Journey - Review

There and back again.

When IGN first reviewed Journey on PlayStation 3 back in 2012 , we gave it score of 9.0, for “Amazing.” Here’s what we said then :

“Journey celebrates the poignancy of nature, it startles you with the unexpected, and empowers you in an exhilarating, unforgettable conclusion. The hours spent completing Journey will create memories that last for years.”

Over three years after its original release, Journey on PlayStation 4 proves to be every bit as remarkable as it was when IGN awarded it Game of the Year for 2012. While the increase to 1080p and 60fps is definitely appreciated, what really shines here is the same concise, emotional, and gorgeous adventure that originally wowed us.

Developer Thatgamecompany took the beauty of Flow and the meditative gameplay of Flower, and added an immense sense of scale in its third and most impressive game. In the length of a standard movie, Journey is able to consistently make me feel emotion in a way that few games ever have.

At just over two hours long, Journey delivers an adventure that runs the gamut of human emotions. The awe that comes from cresting your first hill and spotting the mountain on the horizon is paired expertly with the fear that stems from exploring the ancient caverns beneath your destination. The playful curiosity of stumbling across a fellow traveler – another player having their own experience – and wordlessly cooperating with them to explore this world is only strengthened by the isolation and desperation that awaits near the mountain's frozen summit.

Without spoiling the ending, the visual and emotional catharsis that exists at the top of that mountain makes playing Journey a powerful circle that I want to constantly revisit.

• Moving story
• Gorgeous world
• Incredible score
• Unique mulitplayer
• Powerful ending

The Verdict

Whether you’re playing it for the first time, or revisiting it after three years, Journey remains one of the most powerful games in recent memory. With strong environmental storytelling, powerful music, and an emotional ending, it is absolutely a classic of the modern adventure genre. If you missed it on PS3, do yourself a favor and experience it on PS4. If you did play on PS3, you now own it on PS4, so this minimal graphical update is an excellent excuse to revisit it.

Journey PS4 Review

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Journey (PS4 port) Review

Journey , a small indie game from thatgamecompany, was released on the PS3 in March 2012 and enchanted many gamers with its gorgeous visuals, captivating music and unique multiplayer experience.

Although the game is rather short, around two or three hours, it won multiple awards for best soundtrack, game of the year, best downloadable game and was the first video game ever nominated for a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media in 2013. So clearly this game is quite the amazing little diamond in the rough, and this week it was brought to the PS4.

The question is: does this next-gen port do this critically acclaimed video game experience justice?

As my Traveler moved along the dunes, each step caused a ripple in the endless desert.

Something that is tantamount to making Journey a successful port on the PS4 is that it has to keep the gorgeous visuals and music that made the original so memorable. In the beginning of the game, the player starts off controlling their own “Traveler,” who can only talk via chirps, in the middle of the desert. 

The visual updates definitely smoothed out and enhanced the already gorgeous environments of Journey.

Your “Traveler” chirping and making its way downtwon… to a mountain.

These breathtaking updates to Journey were not solely limited to the desert section of the game, each new environment felt as breathtaking and as vast as it did when I first played the game. The score is just as pretty and adds to the immersion of the voyage of your Traveler.

The sole goal in Journey is to reach the mysterious mountain

I had not played Journey in a very long time, but I still cracked a smile once the title screen flashed up. It was a special kind of experience as your Traveler can meet other players going through the game, however, you can’t really communicate.

During my playthrough, I met a few players and had different experiences with them. One player was clearly new and it felt nice to show him/her some hidden secrets along our journey. In the second half of the game I met another player who was definitely a veteran player. This time, they actually showed me some secrets and collectibles I had never found in my previous playthroughs of Journey .

It was good to be both the student and the teacher. The gameplay in general for Journey is rather simple, so I was not really worried about it in the first place.

Final Thoughts

Taking in the gorgeous scenery and seeing the visions of the history of the world of Journey again was enjoyable nostalgic and fun. If you are a fan of the original Journey or curious about this highly acclaimed indie game should definitely check it out.

Once again, the game is rather short but the game makes up for it with the breathtaking quality of the environments and its simplicity and interesting storytelling. This PS4 port is currently available on the PlayStation Store for $15, which to some might seem really pricey. However, if you have already bought a digital copy of Journey on PS3 this new port will be a free download, thanks to Crossbuy.

Despite a rather high price at the outset, Journey on the PS4 is as magical as ever. There were some moments where some of the visual enhancements of the environments and the “Traveler” character seemed a bit too synthetic, but those moments were rare and unobtrusive. Journey is a short, yet memorable experience.

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Get ready to experience one of the most beautiful, unique and critically acclaimed PlayStation® games ever released as Journey arrives on PlayStation®4. Explore vast deserts and primitive ruins on an emotional quest to uncover the long-lost secrets of a forgotten civilisation. Feel the strain of every step as you guide your nameless nomad through the wilderness to reach a mountaintop looming on the horizon. In the face of oppressive heat and howling winds, tap into an ancient magic to soar through the skies and discover this mysterious world alone or with a stranger you may meet along the way. Featuring stunning 1080p HD visuals and an enchanting, award-winning musical score, it’s time to revel in the wonder on PS4™. Set off on a personal journey that will challenge your mind, touch your heart and stay with you for years. Cross-Buy • Buy this game for PS4™ or PlayStation®3 to receive both versions at no extra cost.

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• Release date July 20th 2015
• Published by Sony Computer Entertainment
• Developed by Thatgamecompany
• Plays on PlayStation 4
• Action-Adventure

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Journey: why you must play ps4's free game.

Sony is offering Journey as one of the Play At Home initiative's free PS4 games. For those wondering if it's any good, here's why it's a must-play.

Sony's Play At Home promotion has made developer thatgamecompany's Journey available for free to all PlayStation 4 owners. But time spent on a game is still a form of cost, so PS4 users might be wondering if the free game is any good. Luckily, Journey is a wholly unique video game that everyone should experience, especially when all they have to do is hit "Download."

The Play At Home initiative is Sony's way of encouraging social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with Journey , the company is offering a free download of Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection , which includes remastered versions of the first three Uncharted games. Unlike Sony's usual free game offerings, these two titles don't require a PlayStation Plus membership to download, so every PS4 owner can grab them while the initiative is active.

Related: Why You Should SKIP The First Uncharted Game

The WHO has recommended playing video games to ensure people are stimulated while staying indoors, but with near-infinite game download options available, even a free game needs to be good to warrant a playthrough. Here's why Journey is absolutely worth the time.

Is The Free PS4 Game Journey Any Good?

In the old "video games as art" debate , few games make a stronger argument than Journey. Take a screenshot at nearly any moment, and it will look like it was deliberately constructed to be displayed that way. There is no dialogue in Journey , so the game's entire story is told through its visuals and music - which happens to be the first video game soundtrack ever nominated for a Grammy Award . Journey' s story isn't a grand tale by any means, but it's still best left unspoiled. The simple, titular journey can have a disproportionately complex effect on many of those who experience it, making some players cry without really knowing why.

Journey' s surprising emotional impact is its main draw. It's not a game that's worth playing because of its deep lore or complex mechanics (though its seamless, wordless multiplayer is still among gaming's most unique). What makes Journey special is how it conjures emotions in a way that would be impossible in another medium. Players feel connected to its world and its playable, scarf-like protagonists because they're playing it. It's worth experiencing because there's simply nothing else - game, movie, or otherwise - like it.

Journey doesn't demand much from players to have that experience, either. It has few fail states, no real difficulty spikes, and it's only about two hours long. That brief run time may have upset some players when it had a $15 price tag, but it works in Journey' s favor when the game is free. All PS4 owners need to play a game like no other is an internet connection and two hours, and Journey is well worth that relatively small investment.

Next: How To Make Sure You Secure A PS5 Pre-Order

Journey first released for PlayStation 3 on March 13, 2012, and has since been ported to PlayStation 4, PC, and iOS.

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Get ready to experience one of the most beautiful, unique and critically acclaimed PlayStation® games ever released as Journey arrives on PlayStation®4. Explore vast deserts and primitive ruins on an emotional quest to uncover the long-lost secrets of a forgotten civilisation. Feel the strain of every step as you guide your nameless nomad through the wilderness to reach a mountaintop looming on the horizon. In the face of oppressive heat and howling winds, tap into an ancient magic to soar through the skies and discover this mysterious world alone or with a stranger you may meet along the way. Featuring stunning 1080p HD visuals and an enchanting, award-winning musical score, it’s time to revel in the wonder on PS4™. Set off on a personal journey that will challenge your mind, touch your heart and stay with you for years. Cross-Buy • Buy this game for PS4™ or PlayStation®3 to receive both versions at no extra cost.

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Release date: Jul 21, 2015

Genre: Shooter / Adventure

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

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• Online play optional
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The critically-acclaimed title makes its debut on the PS4™ system. Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets. Play alone or in the company of a fellow traveler and explore its vast world together. Featuring stunning visuals and a Grammy-nominated musical score, Journey delivers a breathtaking experience like no other.

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