When it comes to video games, certain titles transcend the traditional boundaries of entertainment, taking players on an immersive and emotional ride.
Journey , an indie masterpiece, stands as a prime example of a game that goes beyond the conventional experiences. Its unique blend of artistic beauty, minimalist storytelling, and emotional impact has left a permanent mark on players.
If you’ve been captivated by the mesmerizing world of Journey and are eager for more, this guide is here to introduce you to a curated list of games that perfectly capture the spirit of Journey.
The Essence of Journey
Journey, developed by Thatgamecompany, is a testament to the idea that video games can be a form of art. Released in 2012, the game takes players on a visually stunning odyssey through vast, sand-covered landscapes. Its unique multiplayer component, where anonymous players can join your journey without saying a word, adds a layer of emotional depth to the experience.
Journey’s poignant storytelling, orchestrated by its visuals and music, evokes a range of emotions, making it a transcendent gaming experience.
Games that Capture the Spirit of Journey
Each title, carefully selected for its artistic expression, emotional resonance, and immersive gameplay, offers players an opportunity to embark on a transformative gaming odyssey. Let’s delve into these extraordinary games which echo the spirit of Journey.
| Game | Release | Developer | Trailer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | The Witness | 2016-01-26 | Thekla, Inc | |
 | Abzu | 2016-08-02 | Giant Squid | |
 | Flower | 2019-02-14 | thatgamecompany | |
 | She and the Light Bearer | 2019-01-17 | Mojiken Studio | |
 | Shelter 2 | 2015-03-09 | Might and Delight | |
 | Papetura | 2021-05-07 | Petums | |
 | Gris | 2018-12-13 | Nomada Studio |
Flower
| Release date: | 2019-02-14 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | thatgamecompany |
Flower, another creation from Thatgamecompany, invites players into a mesmerizing world where petals are carried by the wind. Like Journey, it relies on visual storytelling and emotional resonance.
Altogether, it makes for an immersive experience without traditional dialogue or text.
The game’s environments change dynamically in response to the player’s actions, creating a living, breathing world that mirrors the evolving emotional journey. Flower can also be a therapeutic experience for some, as it lets you unwind and connect with nature through its serene and visually stunning landscapes.
The game features an exquisite soundtrack that complements the visual experience, creating a poetic and immersive audio-visual synergy.
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She and The Light Bearer
| Release date: | 2019-01-17 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Mojiken |
This point-and-click adventure weaves a beautiful narrative through hand-drawn visuals and enchanting music.
Here, players embark on a journey alongside a firefly and get to explore a magical forest filled with puzzles and mysteries reminiscent of Journey’s exploration elements.
She and The Light Bearer challenges players with imaginative puzzles, which encourage creativity and problem-solving skills as they progress through the enchanting story.
The game offers multiple narrative paths and choices – which certainly adds to the replay value and allows players to shape the story however they please. The enchanting art style and atmospheric music create a mystical ambiance, drawing players into a world filled with wonder and magic.
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Papetura
| Release date: | 2021-05-07 |
| Genre: | Point & Click |
| Developer: | Petums |
An indie gem with a captivating unique visual style.
Crafted entirely from paper, this point-and-click adventure offers a mesmerizing journey filled with puzzles and breathtaking scenes, much like the visual spectacle found in Journey.
The game utilizes its paper-based aspect for puzzle-solving and encourages players to interact with the world in creative and unexpected ways. The handcrafted paper environments, complemented by a vibrant color palette, create an immersive and visually striking world that instantly captures the player’s imagination.
Papetura relies on environmental storytelling, allowing players to interpret the narrative through visual cues and interactions with the paper-based world.
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Shelter 2
| Release date: | 2015-03-09 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Might and Delight |
This game invites players into the world of a mother lynx caring for the survival of her cubs, which is bound to foster anyone’s connection with nature.
The game’s emotional depth and the bond between the player and the virtual world echo the sentiments present in Journey.
Shelter 2 introduces survival mechanics, which require the players to protect and guide their cubs through various challenges, which results in the gradual deepening of the emotional investment in the game.
The game features a dynamic weather and seasons system – see for yourself how it affects the gameplay and visuals, creating a living, breathing environment.
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Gris
| Release date: | 2018-12-13 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Nomada Studio |
The title is an evocative platformer that uses its stunning visuals and emotional score to communicate a story of loss and recovery.
The game’s emotional weight, combined with its artistic excellence, draws parallels to the emotional resonance achieved by Journey.
Gris takes players through the stages of grief using its visuals and sounds to convey a powerful emotional narrative without the need for explicit dialogue. The game features fluid and expressive animation, which enhance the emotional impact and creates a visually captivating experience.
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Abzu
| Release date: | 2016-08-02 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Giant Squid |
An underwater journey filled with mystery and discovery.
The game, similarly to Journey, relies on a wordless narrative and awe-inspiring visuals to convey a sense of wonder and exploration.
The game allows players to explore vibrant underwater ecosystems, interact with marine life, and uncover the secrets of the deep water, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
The fluid and graceful swimming mechanics contribute to the sense of freedom and tranquility, which significantly enhances the overall underwater experience.
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The Last Guardian
| Release date: | 2016-12-06 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Japan Studio |
Developed by the creators of Journey, The Last Guardian explores a bond between a young boy and a mythical creature.
The game’s emotional storytelling and the symbiotic relationship between characters mirror the emotional depth found in Journey.
The Last Guardian features a dynamic AI companion – its presence fosters a sense of connection and cooperation as players navigate puzzles and challenges together. The game’s grand scale and majestic architecture create a sense of awe, further immersing players in a fantastical world filled with mystery and wonder.
The Last Guardian excels in eliciting emotions through the interactions between the player and their mythical companion, Trico.
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The Witness
| Release date: | 2016-01-26 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Thekla, Inc |
While The Witness is a departure in terms of style, it captures the spirit of Journey through its emphasis on exploration and intellectual engagement.
The game’s open-world puzzles and intricate design invite players to unravel the mysteries of an enigmatic island.
The Last Guardian features a dynamic AI companion – its presence fosters a sense of connection and cooperation as players navigate puzzles and challenges together. The game’s grand scale and majestic architecture create a sense of awe, further immersing players in a fantastical world filled with mystery and wonder.
The Last Guardian excels in eliciting emotions through the interactions between the player and their mythical companion, Trico.
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From the emotional resonance of Gris to the artistic expression found in Papetura, each of these games offers a distinctive adventure for players seeking the essence of Journey. As you delve into these titles, keep in mind that the beauty of gaming lies in the diversity of experiences it provides.