Blurring the lines between videogames and art, Journey snuck onto the scene in 2012 to critical acclaim. The concept is simple. You play a shadowy figure, wearing a red cloak, with the ultimate goal of reaching a mountain in the distance.
This unnamed character progresses through the wilderness – sandy deserts, cavernous depths, windswept valleys – encountering obstacles along the way.
Gameplay is reduced to jumps and airborne moments, when you collect pieces of cloth that allow you to briefly fly through the beautiful environments. The character can emit birdsong pings – your only form of communication with players you encounter along the way.
These anonymous interactions mark Journey’s most magical moments, as players bond in silence over the game’s minimalist, abstract and heartfelt approach.
This PS4 re-release has improved graphics and comes free for owners of the PS3 version.