[Intrepid Homoludens]

Preview: Journey | Joystiq

Deveoper: thatgamecompany
Release date: TBA

At its core, Journey can probably be best described as a platformer, with a clear objective: get to the end. However, thatgamecompany isn't simply focusing on a goal -- instead, the experience is geared towards its title. Players are dropped in a gorgeous psuedo cel-shaded desert world. The character designs evoke Wind Waker, but the mesmerizing cloth and sand physics make the world feel even more alive. Like Team Ico's games, there is an incredible sense of loneliness to the world: there's no life, no foliage to be seen. There are remnants of a world lost, with a beautiful tranquility.

The technological focus of flOw was water, while Flower was grass. Journey harnesses the power of PS3 to render sand and cloth, the two "elements" you play with. This isn't just a cosmetic effect, though. As the wind blows, you'll be able to catch and ride waves of sand. You'll be able to jump onto blowing flags, and weightlessly hover in the sky. The hands-off presentation we saw had creative director Jenova Chen carelessly jumping from flag, to flag. As in Flower, your character has a mysterious ability to transform the world -- each flag changed color to a crimson hue with each step. As each flag lit up, what looked like a destroyed ship opened up, with bits of cloth flying in the sky, forming a bridge that led players to the next area. It's simultaneously mysterious and clear: immediately, you'll know what the goal is, but you can't help but want to unravel the mysteries of this world.

Journey is simultaneously a single and multiplayer experience, with players encouraged to draw their own stories from the environment. Straying off the beaten path hides secrets, hidden areas that feature mysterious idols and glyphs; Chen refused to explain the meaning of these symbols, saying that doing so would ruin the entire point of the game -- exploration. Occasionally, players will be able to encounter others who are also on their own journeys. You could choose to ignore them (and they can do the same, as well). However, should you choose to continue to journey together, you'll be able to share a cooperative (or competitive) experience. The multiplayer option wasn't demonstrated, but we could immediately think of a few shared experiences: racing on sand waves, working together to solve puzzles, guiding a lost wanderer to the "right" path, etc. It's all up to what individual players want to do.

It's a PS3 exclusive. More pics here.

I initially post this in the Adventure section because it looks to feel more like an adventure game, though according to the report it will involve some platforming. If a mod deems it not worthy of being in this section please move it to General Games.

There look to be puzzles, cooperative problem solving and exploration with other online adventurers, and treasure hunting.


And I still hadn't finished playing Flower.

[Origami]

If this game fails I am leaving AG forums

[Intrepid Homoludens]

A bit more information on the game's concept...

Introducing thatgamecompany’s Journey | Playstation.blog

The inspiration for Journey came from Jenova Chen’s feeling that in the modern world where man has so much power, we have lost an integral aspect of the human experience – awe towards the unknown. And we can see this in our video games as well. But don’t take it from me! Here’s Jenova to talk about it more:

[Sughly]

Yeah I saw this pop up at e3. Sounds very promising, but I'd prefer to see some actual video myself . It's frustrating when journalists have to describe it to us, especially with something as unique as this.

[Roper Klacks]

Looks pretty. Unfortunatly its only on PS3 so...

[marshal99]

Pretty graphics , the description reminds me of the zen like Shadow of the Colossus.

The makers of SOTC has a new title that looks really fantastic with a bit of adventure elements.
The last guardian
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHzHoMT5eRg

[Sughly]

Originally Posted by marshal99

Pretty graphics , the description reminds me of the zen like Shadow of the Colossus.

The makers of SOTC has a new title that looks really fantastic with a bit of adventure elements.
The last guardian
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHzHoMT5eRg

Mmm, shame there wasn't more details on Last Guardian at this years e3

[Intrepid Homoludens]

If any of you are unfamiliar with thatgamecompany's previous releases, check out this one. I say it's a adventure game in the most pure essence of the term, even if this site disagrees with me.

Flower gameplay footage | PS3 (put on your headphones and crank it up)

While we discussed this game in another gaming forum I moderate, this guy was talking about his emotional reaction while playing the game...

" The first time I electrocuted my petals I had to put down the controller and step away for a couple of minutes.

Then I went and tried to get the flowers in the power lines and it happened again. I was sobbing, "I am so sorry, flowers! So SO SO SORRY!"

Seriously, I have never empathized more with any other character in a video game ever. I just really wanted my flowers to save the other flowers without getting hurt. It was so intense and so... real.

I'm crying right now because I feel so bad. "

I had K, one of my oldest nieces, play the game. She absolutely loved it. But after completing the first several chapters with the beautiful meadows and canyons and wind turbines, she tried to play the chapter with the lightning storm and the electrical towers and the ruined blackened landscape. She couldn't handle it so I had to take over.

I imagine Journey may offer a similar emotional experience to us.