13. Journey
PS3, 2012


It's amazing how something so simple can be so groundbreaking. No words, very little interaction, no knowing who you're playing with, just one way to communicate with them. Suddenly, all jerkdom of the modern gaming world is swept away and no person can ruin your game, it is practically impossible for them to do so even though they are right there. The worst they can do is not follow, but then there is no designated leader, so who's to say it is you that is not following in equal measure? The people you have detested in other games can be great travelling partners in this one. You are truly anonymous. So are they.

The gameplay itself is the most simple part of it all. You grow your sash/scarf/ribbon/whatever it is. You jump, you slide, you move, you touch, you soar. If it were not for the other individual or the colours and graphics - which are simple in their own right - this game would be a very, very dull affair. I've gone through long periods of having no other character on my screen and it's a bit demoralising. But in the end you learn to wait for your partner, to search out a new one should they have gone.

This game has feels written all over it. It lives on your emotion, and the emotions are varied. thatgamecompany is a group that every now and then I search out what they're doing next. I can't wait to see how it turns out. I miss them already. I hope many other game companies can learn from them, because emotions should run high when you play a lot of the games out there. It makes it that much better an experience.