The visual style of the game is unique and supports the vagueness of the narrative. The protagonist appears to be dressed in religious garb on what seemed to me like a futuristic pilgrimage to Mecca. The protagonist intermittently interacts with a group of larger entities dressed similarly, except in all-white. The visual style and use of symbols suggests a fusion of Sumerian and futuristic elements. There is no concrete plot information provided. This creates a dream-like effect that allows the players to imbue the journey with their own narratives and meanings, led by the use of music and sound.
The use of music greatly enhances the emotional impact of the journey. Every significant moment or transition is accentuated by shifts in the score. This impact is most powerfully felt during the climax of the game where this shift corresponds to a shift in the player's state of mind. The music, while beautiful, is never distracting or overwhelming. In fact, the music would be hard to describe unless paying close attention, combining classical, ambient and middle-eastern motifs. Here is the end-credit song. The sound effects are fairly minimal, with sounds of wind and various chimes. The simplicity of the music and sound effects is reflected in the game's mechanics.
The mechanics of the game are simple but effective. Much of the game is spent simply pushing forward. What interaction that is there is simple but effective, largely centred around jumping and flying. The mechanics are gradually opened up over the course of the journey. Most objects that you encounter serve to facilitate your progression and the level of challenge offered is fairly low. The only obstacle or antagonist is a mechanized dragon, which, while unnerving, doesn't significantly obstruct your progress. These mechanics are further enhanced by the multiplayer.
I am generally not a big fan of online multiplayer as I feel it can detract from the immersion that a game offers. For this game, the subtle use of multiplayer enhances the immersion. Other players slip in and out of the journey and, instead of introducing an element of competition, they allow you to share the emotions stirred by the journey. Players can only communicate with each other through blips of light and sound. The best interaction offered is that, through the blips of light, players can allow each other to briefly fly. Early on, coordinating this ability offers the only significant challenge of the game that, when mastered, offers a profound sense of satisfaction and togetherness. The climax of the game, which I won't spoil, increases its emotional impact through the presence of another person.
The emotions triggered by playing this game and sharing this experience are difficult to fully describe or comprehend. I felt a strong feeling of well-being and openness after finishing that is unlike anything I have ever felt from a video game. As a work of art, Journey is uniquely powerful and could have great therapeutic value, even for those who would generally not enjoy gaming.
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