Journey

We played a great new game called Journey last week, and I don't think I can say enough good things about it. If you have a PS3, spend the 15 bucks and download this one. It only took us a couple of hours to play through, which is nice when you don't have a ton of time to spend on... anything. It was cheaper than going to a movie and easily more enjoyable. Did I mention it's fucking gorgeous? GORGEOUS!

images via That Game Company

The screenshots really don't do it justice. So much attention to detail was put into this game, you have to see it in person to really appreciate it.

Not only is it a visually stunning game, but the mechanics are so smooth and just feel GOOD. You are gently guided through this linear story without the journey feeling at all forced. You start out the game alone, but if you've opted into the online version you'll start to see other folks running around with you after the first level. By the third level, if someone is at the same point as you, the game kind of buddies you up and you can play through it together. There's no chat, no way to communicate, but my buddy and I soon figured out how to help each other. I found myself waiting up for him at certain points, and he for me. It was a really enjoyable experience.

I won't give too much away about the story itself, because I think you should play it, but I will say it is creative and whimsical and DIFFERENT. J and I were both totally immersed until the very end (we traded off about halfway through so we could both play).

In terms of the art style, Journey reminded me very much of a video I bookmarked several years ago by Eran Hilleli. It's probably coincidence that the styles feel so similar, but regardless, I love this talented artist's graduation film and will selfishly use this opportunity to share it:



In conclusion, get Journey. You won't be sad you did.