Journey (Full Review)

It's the journey that matters, not the destination.


Release Date: March 2012

Developer: Thatgamecompany

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

Genre: Adventure


Content Verdict: Parental Guidance (PG) for Mild Violence


Quality Verdict: Amazing (A)

Intro:

KVR Gaming uses a clear, easy-to-understand format for content guides, so that the reader may take away information with accuracy. Nevertheless, for first time readers, it may take a while to understand the formula. So here's a quick explantion of our reviewing style:

The double hyphen (--) represents an individual piece of content or area of concern. These paragraphs are colour coded in order to represent the intensity of said content. 

At the end of each mentioned piece of content is a number (1-10) in parentheses. The number is a more precise way of gauging content, with 1 being the lowest level of intensity and 10 being the highest.

--Green represents a low level of intensity. (1-2)

--Blue represents a moderate level of intensity. (3-5)

--Orange represents a high level of intensity. (6-8)

--Red indicates that the content is rather graphic and may be upsetting for some. (9-10)

If a reviewer finds a specific piece of content to be troublesome and worth expanded upon, the reviewer will place an X right after the double hyphen. This is called Flagging, where a reviewer will draw attention to a specific item in order to go into more detail in the conclusion of a review.

For any questions regarding content in a video game, feel free to leave a comment at the end of the appropriate review. 

Yours sincerely,

KVR

Content Guide:

Violence/Intense Content:

Mild Moderate Heavy Very Heavy Intense Extreme

--A monster chases the player in a certain section, knocking them around and causing them harm. The attacks do more harm to the player as the game progresses, causing them to slam more violently into the environment than earlier. (3)

Sex/Nudity:

Mild Moderate Heavy Very Heavy Intense Extreme

  

Nothing.

Language:

Mild Moderate Heavy Very Heavy Intense Extreme

Nothing.

Spiritual Content:

Mild Moderate Heavy Very Heavy Intense Extreme

--Journey features some fantasy elements and vague references to magic and gods. Wizard-like figures appear in the game. (2)

Drugs/Alcohol/Smoking:

Mild Moderate Heavy Very Heavy Intense Extreme  

Nothing.

Themes: Companionship, persistence, courage, commitment.

Content Verdict: 7+

For Mild Violence

Review of Game:

Gameplay: Journey comes from the Shadow of The Colossus school of simplicity. The gameplay mechanics are abstract yet effective.

Players traverse several kinds of terrains during the game, from deserts, to underwater caverns and a snowy mountain. Players collect pieces of a scarf, which grows as you progress.

An additional player can also join in, which is done a bit more dynamically than in most games: Players connect to each other's games, helping one another by charging scarves when you get closer together, distance-wise.  

Story: Whatever story there is unfolds through the gameplay; it's more an experience than a traditional story. A sequence of events leading to a powerful conclusion.

Once again bringing in the comparison of Shadow of the Colossus, both games use their simplistic goal to great effect, with the player only learning story tidbits as they go on.

The experience is worthy from beginning to end. This is a game that needs to be experienced in one sitting. It's incredibly immersive, and surprisingly emotional. 

Audiovisual: Absolutely stunning. For something which doesn't attempt to be realistic, Journey astounds with its beautiful art style. Easily the greatest part of the game.

Quality Verdict: Amazing (A+)

Short and incredibly sweet, Journey is a must for all indie-game enthusiasts, and gamers looking for a peaceful yet deep experience.