Exploration Game Level Analysis- Journey

For my Game Design class, I had to think of a game that utilizes exploration as a key component of game-play. The game I chose was Journey.

 

Journey is an indie video game developed by Thatgamecompany and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released for the PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Network on March 13, 2012.

In Journey, there are multiple core mechanics, such as flying, running, singing and collecting, all of which serve the game, to provide an interesting exploration experience for the player. Some of the levels are fairly large and free to roam around, whereas others are more like a ski slope/track that that player can't backtrack on. You end a level by activating something at the end of each which opens up a door to the next one.

 

In the game, the gating mechanisms within the level are closely related to the core item: the players’ scarf. In the levels, it can be transformed from a stiff, dull gray to vibrant red by singing near floating cloths. Doing so may have effects on the world such as releasing more bits of cloth from behind gates, forming bridges, or levitating the player. This, in turn, allows the player to progress in the level by opening doors or allowing them to reach previously inaccessible areas. This leads the player to walk around in the level, and lead the player to their ultimate goal, the mountain.

The player receives positive feedback because the game is simple to play; it only requires two keys/buttons. In co-op mode, the player is paired with another random player. Also, there is no language, but the player can sing a note to interact with each other. The floating mechanics are very smooth and the camera is always going around the character in third-person. The use of lighting is also very satisfying, but sometimes it can be a little tricky to control. The soundtrack is beautiful and can lead the player through the level. Some specific places you have to sing to trigger something.

In some areas in the level, such as the sand slides that you can’t backtrack up. This can be frustrating especially if you miss one of the symbols. However, it can also be positive though to help the player to replay the game. 

The thing that Journey tells you from the beginning is to get to the mountain. This is clear because there is a big beam of light that comes from the peak. You just have to figure out how to get there. There are also points where the game tells you about the backstory by the murals when you trigger the mechanism. However, there are no words, only pictures. You have to figure out the use of the cloths by collecting them. 

In this game, it only has a simple goal: get to the mountain. The player has to figure out what’s going on during their journey to the mountain from the murals. Since there are no words, every gameplay experience is different because the player must give their own interpretation of the backstory.