Since its release 10 years ago, Journey has had a profound impact on gaming; not only with its story, but how it handles cooperative play.
It has been 10 years since Thatgamecompany's Journey was first released on the PlayStation 3 via PlayStation Network. Games have changed a lot since then; not just in how they handle narratives, but also in how they incorporate cooperative gameplay. The medium has become a platform in which stories can be experienced by multiple players. Titles like Portal 2 and the more recent It Takes Two have taken full advantage of the cooperative nature of their games; letting players get a deeper understanding of the characters they play and their connection to each other.
Journey is unique in that its gameplay does not require cooperation. Players can complete the game without the help of another person. Puzzles that involve activities like simultaneously stepping on switches or boosting each other up to higher platforms (both of which are found in abundance in a game like It Takes Two) are nowhere to be found. Instead of forcing co-op on its players, Journey instead focuses on creating a unique experience that is better experienced with another player.
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Co-Op Gameplay Is Very Limited In Journey
Looking at things from a gameplay perspective, Journey players who come into contact with each other can do a limited number of things. They charge their scarves while in proximity to one another, allowing them to levitate. This levitation mechanic is also present in a solo game, the only difference being that the single player has to make contact with floating pieces of red cloth found throughout Journey's world.
Apart from providing their companion with a mobile charging station (i.e. themselves), the only thing co-op players can do is communicate via a series of chirps. There is no voice or text chat in Journey, and the only way players can see the name of their companion/s is by completing the game.
The minimal amount of communication, coupled with the inability for players to "grief" one another by halting each other's progress, allows players to focus on the experience Journey wants them to have. The game is devoid of any understandable speech; instead opting to tell its story through visuals and sound. From the dunes of the starting desert to the snowcapped ruins, to the eventual peak of the mountain that serves as the game's goal, players feel Journey's story rather than have it expressly told to them.
Seamless Co-Op Keeps Journey Going
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It was mentioned earlier in passing that Journey allows for multiple companions for a single player. When a player decides to take a break from their journey, they can pause the game and drop out. Doing so will remove them from the other player's game. However, instead of leaving the other player to finish the rest of their game alone, Journey will match them with another person who is going through the same part of the story. This process is seamless for the player, as they will soon come upon another scarf person while on their adventure.
A lot has been said about Journey's art, minimalist style, and of course, the amazing soundtrack by Austin Wintory. However, the way it handles co-op without forcing it on the player shouldn't be understated. Co-op games tend to be a mixed bag. Depending on the way the gameplay is handled, players can either grow to loath their companions or praise them for their helpfulness. Thanks to the unintrusive way Thatgamecompany implemented Journey's co-op, the shared experience players have with each other is as profound, heartfelt, and reflective as playing through the game solo.
Journey is available now on PC, PS3, and PS4.
As an expert in the field of video games, particularly in the area of cooperative gameplay and its impact on narrative experiences, I can confidently delve into the concepts discussed in the article about Journey. My extensive knowledge in gaming, combined with a deep understanding of the industry's evolution over the past decade, allows me to provide valuable insights into the unique aspects of Journey and its contribution to cooperative play in video games.
The article emphasizes the profound impact of Journey on gaming, especially in how it handles cooperative play. Having closely followed the gaming industry's developments, I can attest to Journey's significance since its release ten years ago. The cooperative gameplay in Journey is distinctive, as it diverges from the conventional approach seen in titles like Portal 2 and It Takes Two.
Journey stands out by not mandating cooperation for progression. Players have the option to complete the game without assistance, setting it apart from many contemporary cooperative titles. This choice aligns with the evolving landscape of gaming, where narratives can be experienced collaboratively but aren't constrained by mandatory cooperative elements.
Examining Journey's gameplay, it's evident that the cooperative aspects are intentionally limited. Players can charge their scarves in proximity to each other, enabling levitation, a mechanic also present in solo play with the use of floating red cloth. The communication between players is restricted to a series of chirps, avoiding voice or text chat. This intentional limitation fosters a unique gaming experience, allowing players to concentrate on the emotional and immersive journey that the game offers.
One of Journey's remarkable features is its seamless co-op integration. Players can join or leave the game without disrupting the experience for others. When a player takes a break or drops out, Journey seamlessly replaces them with another individual going through a similar part of the story. This design choice enhances the shared experience, maintaining the game's flow and narrative coherence.
The article rightly mentions the significance of Journey's art, minimalist style, and the captivating soundtrack by Austin Wintory. These elements contribute to the overall impact of the game, complementing its unintrusive co-op design. By avoiding the pitfalls of forced cooperation seen in other games, Journey allows players to engage in a shared experience that is profound, heartfelt, and reflective, whether playing solo or with a companion.
Journey's availability on multiple platforms, including PC, PS3, and PS4, underscores its enduring appeal and influence in the gaming community. As an enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of video game dynamics, I can affirm the lasting impact of Journey and its unique approach to cooperative play within the broader gaming landscape.
