Jumped in to find the last scarf upgrade I was missing, fully intending to log out straight after that. Met a fellow wanderer and ended up playing though the entire game again, because I didn't want to leave them. That's Journey.
Same, I was gonna go and do one achievement, then met this guy, looked experienced had a long scarf. So I went with him to the end. No idea why, just wanted to help him get the white robe. Learned new things too Like certain paths for the underground. Taught him new places, like the cave in the ice.
The exact same thing happened to me, I just wanted to make a quick playthrough tonget the history advancement, then i met a nice player and we got tonthe top together. It was my first climb with only one compagnon!
@@quintenvanlaar28 nah, if you and someone else sit at the altar together on the beam of light then you'll move forward together. But if only one sits and you wait, they'll move on without you.
The way this games makes you care for strangers is unparalleled. I was so sad when my stranger partner was caught by a sentinel. I stood there for a few minutes, in the dark and in silence, hoping for him to come back, but of course it didn't happen... It was for me one of the most powerful moments of the game.
Max Derrat same here, just played it for the first time last night and never realized it was another player playing with me until the end. My question is how that works since you don’t meet this second character until you get to that part of the game? Does this mean if a third player was playing the game and they met me or you then we would be the second character?
@@heyitsmemg7494 You can meet a new player in every section of the game, so long as they are in the same area as you are at that time. If you keep up with one another it's possible to play with the same person the entire game, if you lose contact you can play with a different person in every single area.
I remember when I first played journey and got the point at the end of the game where you run into the light that I wasn't alone but someone else somewhere in the world was doing the same thing together with me. To experience the end or rather this transition of the journey with someone else was such unique and touching moment for me :)
I legit had this other person playing at the same time with me. And at first i didnt really want him around me cuz i wanted to go do the game by myself. When we would separate i would get sad but i was like fk it im independent. But the other person would pop up again. When we made it to the end it felt like i was in this relationship with this random person i cant even communicate. But because it felt like they werw there with my journey we were one in some sense.
My first time around, I was pretty slow in getting through all the parts, so my partners kept switching... except for the last one, that practically stuck with me til the end. Once they got to the summit of the mountain, they sat and waited for me to catch up. It was very sweet..
I remember that in a game I was the red one (I am advanced) and I had found a white robe that was cool, it took me to the symbols even though I knew them, it showed me several complex bugs that I could do (some I knew) and he even worried about the bar of my scarf, every time I ran out he made waves to regenerate it and I did too although the white scarf regenerates itself, and we made waves flying together to fly infinitely, I felt bad when I had to say goodbye of him when we got to the mountain ...
You could also see the mountain and the light as life and nature in general, and taking too much from nature (energy in some way) kills them, the war machine monsters are literally filled with the cloth kites and birds to power them and they steal our protagonist's energised scarf. And the lead character is meant to restore balance and free the other animals/energy.
Also the fact that your scarf grows longer the more times you play. Until eventually your whole robe becomes white. After this point, you become like a Bodhisattva, helping along newbies to get where they need to go
To me it was more like, journey represents our lives, hardship and good times. Help from people along the way, and in the end rewarded with eternal life, heaven. No matter how we see it, it was beautiful
I want to add something to this already several-month-old video. Into an aspect of the game that seems to reinforce the Buddhist interpretation. I want to mention the player's ability to unlock the white robe. If the player manages to collect all of the scarf upgrades in the game, they will unlock the "Transcendence" trophy. This unlocks the white robe, as opposed to the default red robe that you normally play as. After getting the trophy, you have the option to put the white robe on at the start of the game. (In the stage select area) Upon wearing it, your scarf/cape will be longer, and will automatically regenerate when on the ground. It also depletes more slowly when flying. Your interpretation that the red cloth symbolizes the Logos (Word of God) definitely seems to be reinforced by this feature in the game. Every time you collect a scarf upgrade in the game, it makes your scarf longer, meaning that you can fly for longer, and therefore, are able to fly farther and higher. Therefore, it's like you are collecting the Words of God. The collectibles even look like Logos. Not Logos in the context of Words of God, but Logos as in symbols! (Just thought that was an interesting connection) Upon collecting every single one of the Logos, you unlock the "Transcendence" trophy. I think the name simply speaks for itself here. As I said earlier, this mechanic seems to reinforce the Buddhist interpretation of the game. Collecting all of the Logos is Journey's equivalent to achieving Nirvana, or 'Spiritual enlightenment.' Nirvana is the final release from the eternal cycle of life, death, and suffering. Upon achieving Nirvana, one no longer needs to be reincarnated, for they have uncovered and understood the "noble truths" or in your interpretation: The Logos. This is why the trophy is titled "Transcendence." To quote Google's definition: "(In Buddhism) A transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth." After finishing the game, the player is "reborn" or "reincarnated" only to repeat the game again. Just like the Buddhists' beliefs on the cycle of life. You might be thinking "Well, if unlocking the "Transcendence" achievement is the game's equivalent of reaching Nirvana, then why is the player still reincarnated after beating the game, even when they've unlocked this achievement? Wouldn't the cycle end?" In the beliefs of the Buddhists, there are people who achieve Nirvana, but delay it, instead opting to continue the cycle of reincarnation. Why do they do this? Out of compassion. They choose to continue on the cycle of rebirth and suffering so that they can guide others on their journey to reach Nirvana as well. These people are called Bodhisattvas. It does make a lot of sense now, doesn't it? Upon collecting all of the Logos, the player becomes a Bodhisattva. You can replay the game, show other players where all of the Logos are hidden, and help them achieve Nirvana as well. Upon unlocking the White Robe, the player's new goal isn't to beat the game, but to guide other players through the game (or through life) and help them achieve the "White Robe" state as well.
I really love this interpretation... in my second playthrough, my partner had white robe (and I was in awe because I had no idea how to change the robe!), and showed me every little secret symbol, glyph, and trophy... it felt like that person was passing the torch. I tried to do the same, but I haven't memorised where all secrets are, so I feel I shouldn't wear the white robe.
This was an amazing video and while watching it I had thoughts and questions about the white robe and the nirvana as well. I remembered that the cycle of life and death is something we must try to break free from, thus achieving nirvana. Your comment put these ideas together in a wonderful way and I just want to say Thank You for sharing it, it's beautiful!! I didn't think I could like this game any more than I already did!
Coming from a design and art perspective, the scarf, and character, are red because it stands out and contrasts nicely with the environments. For a game that emphasises vastness, it's important to have a feature that ensures the player doesn't lose the character in that environment. The mountain is simply climatic adversity, which is why it ends emphasizing the snow. Winter is a trope metaphor for being the end of a cycle.
@@zeldaoddesy8382 White frequently symbolizes purity, and clarity. If you think of the symbols as possibly sutras, by collecting all of them you have "ascended", and reached mental clarity.
@@singleT314 i know that I was pointing out the fault in his comment by saying it's mainly to stand out in the dessert area and so I said what about the white cloaks as for there are snow levels but yes I am very aware of what the white cloaks are for
When it comes to your partner, the game is very beautiful. I played this game for the first time yesterday and I had no idea I would have a companion through out my journey. While there were several places that I had gotten lost, they were patient and waited for me to find them. I noticed that their cloth has more symbols on it which lead me to believe that they were my guide through the world to show me where I needed to go. When it comes to the red cloth creatures being the messiah, I believe that the one with more symbols on their cloth are the others guide. To help them free themselves which allows the other player to help others. This game was so beautiful and I am glad I was paired with a partner that had shown me through it.
i thought the white ones were like bots superior beings that helped me through the game, then i realize i wasnt wrong, only in the part that they were not bots but actuall players. the first time i didnt cry but now when i finish it... it gets bad for me xD
I just played Journey for the first time today, and it was a beautiful experience. I met a traveler not soon after the first altar, I just didn't know it until they pinged me to follow them. We started to communicate back and forth with each other, eventually giving each other the ability to fly in formation. They were very helpful in pinging for artifacts to extend our time in flight, but the trials that awaited us made me care even more when I screwed up by accidentally getting ourselves spotted, but only he was scooped up and his scarf was torn. I stood by him to make sure he and I would make it through, even in the bitter cold near the end, we pinged each other to keep warm and survive more of those creatures lurking around. We eventually made it to the end, and I was thankful to have such a faithful companion alongside me.
This is really similar to what I experienced about a week and a half ago. While you are probably not, it almost sounds like you could be the person I met.
Last night I was playing through the entire game for the third or so time, I met a partner at the first level, we were collecting stuff for achievements and whatnot. Stuck together the whole time but then right at the windy part before the summit he fell down and disappeared, I felt like a close friend had died. This game is amazing.
Thank you for sharing. Only an experience like this can evoke such emotions. Considering I’m Christian, the journey I made was made even more poignant and meaningful and those windy stages were truly felt as the struggles of life or even of slowing down in later life.
You actually on point with Religious syncretism theory. The concept of Journey is based on famous structure called the Monomyth (or the Hero's Journey). It was discrabed by one of the most profound Jung's followers professor Joseph Campbell in his book - "The Hero with a Thousand Faces". In the monomyth, the hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man. Campbell and other scholars, such as Erich Neumann, describe narratives of Gautama Buddha, Moses, and Christ in terms of the monomyth. He describes 17 stages of the journey. The stages may be organized in a number of ways, including division into three "acts" or sections: -Departure (also Separation), -Initiation (sometimes subdivided into IIA. Descent and IIB. Initiation) and -Return. In the departure part of the narrative, the hero or protagonist lives in the ordinary world and receives a call to go on an adventure. The hero is reluctant to follow the call, but is helped by a mentor figure. The initiation section begins with the hero then traversing the threshold to the unknown or "special world", where he faces tasks or trials, either alone or with the assistance of helpers. The hero eventually reaches "the innermost cave" or the central crisis of his adventure, where he must undergo "the ordeal" where he overcomes the main obstacle or enemy, undergoing "apotheosis" and gaining his reward (a treasure or "elixir"). The hero must then return to the ordinary world with his reward. He may be pursued by the guardians of the special world, or he may be reluctant to return, and may be rescued or forced to return by intervention from the outside. In the return section, the hero again traverses the threshold between the worlds, returning to the ordinary world with the treasure or elixir he gained, which he may now use for the benefit of his fellow man. The hero himself is transformed by the adventure and gains wisdom or spiritual power over both worlds. This repetative narrative represents Man's intuitive striving for spiritual development and progression through confronting his inner fears and patterns. P.S. Interesting fact - most of soundrtack names refers to stages of Hero's Journey: 01. Nascence 02. The Call 03. First Confluence 04. Second Confluence 05. Threshold 06. Third Confluence 07. The Road of Trials 08. Fourth Confluence 09. Temptations 10. Descent 11. Fifth Confluence 12. Atonement 13. Final Confluence 14. The Crossing 15. Reclamation 16. Nadir 17. Apotheosis 18. I was Born for This
I think the simplicity of this game helps us to see this basic pattern more clearly without distracting us with idiosyncratic manifestations. It's a very pure game, so to speak, so that everyone recognizes its universal significance while simultaneously being able to apply it to your own life. As someone who is unconventionally NOT interested in lore / world building / backstories most of the time, this game is perfect for me.
@@christophermichael5764 Dude, @erayCZE just finished your quote. You forgot the 'huh' at the end. "Kept you waiting, huh?" So don't worry, nothing nerdy about you. Every gamer knows that quote.
After years of Journey existing, I finally played it. I realize now that Journey can be anything; It can be a metaphor for life, lore to do with religion, or simply a Journey. I love the game so much! It makes me feel at home.
I interpreted a cautionary tale about preserving the environment. The culture first had a good relationship with the red cloth things, co-existing with them. Eventually they began to abuse them, and use them strictly for their own gain. Then the dragon things showed up and destroyed their society, leaving them to sand. Also, I wanted to mention something I experienced while playing through Journey. I was at the mountain and my friend who was accompanying me was attacked by the stone dragon and lost all their cloth. I didn’t want to move on without them, and I wanted to look for a scarf ball thing so they could proceed with me, but there was none to be found. It was an actually sad moment, and I did cry a bit. I just found that a very beautiful and meaningful moment.
Journey reminded me of Phoenix myth. You are trying to reach to mountain like Phoenix to find God, on the way with Signs, you learn things, and when you reach to the mountain, you realize that you have a God inside of you in the end (when you discovered all of the secrets in the Journey universe)but till then you start your journey once more, till you get the white scarf. White scarf is the golden trophy, so you discover all the secrets of the universe and you realize that Journey itself is what's important, not the ending. You reach the God inside of you.
This game change my life or is a big part of my life moving forward, it moved me so much when I was in a dark place in my life. It was so beautiful when I first watch it through pewdiepie playthrough, never seen nor experience anything like this game glad I got to experience something as great as this game, really did feel like a whole journey.
I think the idea of us meeting others and pushing forward is clearly straight forward. While you can move forward in life alone, with a friend, it is not only safer, it is not only easier, but it is simply a better experience. This game is absolutely beautiful. In every aspect.
I loved the atmosphere and the writing here. I also can't recommend Journey enough. It's a game that is genuinely felt emotionally than just played. It's a special game..
I met my partner early on and by the time we got to the snow part where we were nearly dying, I could tell we were both in it for the long haul. We needed each other and we weren't going to leave each other.
This is why I enjoy analyses from others on games such as these. I'd never considered the mountain in any god-like way, or the concept of Logos applied to the cloth. A very interesting take!
Max, thank-you for reincarnating a beautiful game as a beautiful meaning of life that I look forward to living again. This review is almost as spiritually moving as the game itself.
This was a great video. I loved the interpretation you had. I definitely had a similar notion of the climbing the mountain as an allegory for struggle and self actualization. I would add that as a Christian, we're called to mimic Christ in carrying our cross (enduring the journey), so it could still apply to the cloth character being us in the Christian context.
When I bought the game I had no idea about the companions/other players. Im happy I got to play the game with the same companion on my first play through.
the game design touch that absolutely broke me was close to the mountain summit: When you `sing` your little light song it gets weaker the higher you go.... it fades.... and fades... and... fades... until it could not reach your friend... and it faded completely and then you collapse.... :,)
I played the majority of the game with one person till we got to the end, I wondered who he was but I considered him my friend. We supported each other by lighting each other up so we could fly and we waited on the other when one of us fell behind. I saw the credits to the end and was given the name of my companion. His name was big_ounce25
I think it's just a matter of time and synchronicity, this content might actually suffer from being too well articulated, like someone speaking truths ahead of its time
Just finished my first playthrough on PC. I was with the same person a majority of the time, and I had so many gasping moments where he almost died by that stupid sky dragon. But he made it through. God this game made me feel a sense of brotherhood with a stranger.
After listening to this it made me think that maybe the other players or messiahs along the way are a way of depicting the concept of reincarnation. The cut scene at the end shows the soul of the player navigating through the game levels back to the beginning, in order for the messiah to be embodied by a new player with no knowledge of the game. Back to zero.
I completely agree with this interpretation! I had never thought of it this way, but the lyrics of the main song ends in «do not pity me, I was born for this», which at least to me proves your point
I feel Silly. But when half way, I met another player. We finished the game, together. Walking in the light, at the end. Made me very tearful. And I don't know why. Brilliant post. Thank you Sir.
I really hope people are still playing this game for decades to come and they can still journey with their buddies along the way. I basically played this because it was free during lock down. Had a few gins while exploring this foreign yet unmistakably beautiful world. Amazing soundtrack ro match the visuals. Couldn't believe it. Never experienced a game quite like it. I still think about playing it quite often. If anyone randomly reading this is also lacking the trophy where you go through it together drop a comment and let's try to get it.
Wow...just wow. You have officially blown my mind. As someone who is constantly looking for rhyme and reason, this video makes perfect sense to me. Despite the fact that some aren't "Religious" it's refreshing to see that people are not totally closed off to "religious" ideals and morals. This game is beautiful and your interpretation of the game has helped me to see it in a renewed light. Thank You! And have yourself a Jolly good day my dude!
I just saw a live play of this game with an orchestra and the original composer at the Brooklyn Academy. It was pretty magical, but if you're not a gamer or haven't played this one could be pretty lost. I was going to subscribe but this I realized I already was! Glad I found you again.
Holy shit, not only did you make an analysis on SOMA but also on Journey! I just finished playing this game for the first time lol after being out for almost 10 years but it's nice to see you made a review, I knew I heard this voice before when the video started
Am I the only one who got to the top of the mountain without any of these cut scenes??? I was so confused when I got to the top and was getting shot back down like a falling star through the other landscapes that I never played through. I went straight from the desert to inside a building to the snow to up the mountain in about an hour, maybe less.
Also, another player popped in but their scarf was wayyyyy longer than mine. I only lengthened it once or twice through out the entire game. And it got completely destroyed by one of the enemy things when I didn't stay out of their sight and I never got it back. Not until I "died" on the mountain, had a vision of a bunch of white cloaks and got up again. Pretty much nothing like what anyone seems to describe from this game.
Kind of a necro reply, but it sounds like you, instead of going into the 2nd lvl, went directly from the first to the last via the level select. No clue how the game would even allow you to do that tho.
I remember downloading this game, and not ever hearing about it. I was just interested in playing a game that was a bit different than all the FPS games at the time... I started playing with no understanding of what I was supposed to do or how to play... I just started walking... on the journey, and I am so glad I kept on walking through the journey. Very good game.
Such a beautiful game and a wonderful experience. So lonely on your own, You have this amazing journey with a complete stranger and when they're gone. You miss them.
I just finished playing this game on ps3 & ps4 as it’s a free download, due to the corna virus on the PSN store. It is a basic game, but yes I feel like it’s a life & death game you follow a journey. 👍🏻good interpretation, keep up the good work.
I always think of something my sister said after the first time I watched her play this.. her point was more or less "I can see this being a metaphor for how someone evolves in their life.. sometimes you meet someone to tag along with, and sometimes they leave. sometimes they stick with you through the entire journey and guide you, and sometimes they don't" I've always loved that little analogy, and i think it sums up the co-op aspect of this game so well.. i remember watching her scrawl down in a notepad what different people's call symbols looked like mid game, with the other people always patiently waiting despite having no context
I cried my eyes out during the last level. I had played all the game alone until the last level, and there, struggling to climb the same mountain was another lonesome Traveller. We kept sticking together, trying to keep each other alive until we couldn't climb any further. To me, that felt epic and meaningful.
I just got the game yesterday, as a friend of mine was replaying it. I didn't think much of it until a few minutes in. Its now my favorite game after completing it
i just finished this game yesterday and i met 4 people. i finished the game with someone who probably played it first time too and it was an awesome experience. Then i played it today and i met someone in white robe. Finished it from the beginning and showed me things i didn't realized you could do. Amazing game
The friends I har would chatter and mock my patterns, we danced together too. It's such an amazing experience and it's hard to describe how it feels building such a unique bond with that stranger.
I remember sliding down the sand dunes with a stranger that followed me for a long time. I was having fun and it was like a race. I just got ahead of them and suddenly fell down a huge whole. I waited for my friend to fall down with me but they never did... I was alone.
Interesting breakdown of the story. Definitely wouldn’t have thought this deeply about the outside of the obvious connection between the “journey” of life. Makes me wonder how you’d view abzu since it has some similarities to journey only it’s about swimming vs flying.
love this analysis! I had never heard of the game, until I logged into steam today and it popped up on sale. Looked cool so I got it. Just played through it twice in a row. lol The depth of your analysis does the game much justice and makes me want to play through it again. 👏
I played this game since it was out. I always played for hours and hours. Restarting and restarting again and again because of the soothing music and great graphics
My most memorable playthrough was one where me and another started the game together and refused to leave each other. It was really rewarding, watching the pair of us walk in to the light at the end.
Great video and awesome explanation. I also felt the game has mystical/religious meanings behind it and everything makes perfect sense when interpreted this way.
First time I played this game I found it to be adorable. Then I heard the call of my partner. I thought it was an npc until they started spamming and running around in a circle. I just started running around and spamming the call until we just sat down. They helped me get achievements I didnt even know about! When we were climbing the mountain, not once did we move from each other. We tried staying warm. After we had completed it, i managed to shoot them a text and thanked them for being such a great partner. I still continue to play this lovely game. I wish there was a sequel to this. I would gladly play it.
The whole process is like The seasons too. Spring, you rose from the ground, Summer, you traversed through sandy dunes. Fall, when you died on the mountain. Winter, the end of the cycle at the mountain. And it all happened again.
Jumped in to find the last scarf upgrade I was missing, fully intending to log out straight after that. Met a fellow wanderer and ended up playing though the entire game again, because I didn't want to leave them.
That's Journey.
Same, I was gonna go and do one achievement, then met this guy, looked experienced had a long scarf. So I went with him to the end. No idea why, just wanted to help him get the white robe.
Learned new things too
Like certain paths for the underground. Taught him new places, like the cave in the ice.
The exact same thing happened to me, I just wanted to make a quick playthrough tonget the history advancement, then i met a nice player and we got tonthe top together. It was my first climb with only one compagnon!
@@ODDnanref what's the cave in the ice?
It's not about the journey, it's the friends we made along the way.
I kept playing and playing because I didn’t want to leave my partner alone
Same
Every chapter you get a new partner
@@quintenvanlaar28 nah, if you and someone else sit at the altar together on the beam of light then you'll move forward together. But if only one sits and you wait, they'll move on without you.
Quinten Van Laar, not necessarily the case. I’ve played it with just one companion from start to finish. That was incredible.
I remember I was sad af when a person who was playing with me for a long ass time left😢
The way this games makes you care for strangers is unparalleled. I was so sad when my stranger partner was caught by a sentinel. I stood there for a few minutes, in the dark and in silence, hoping for him to come back, but of course it didn't happen... It was for me one of the most powerful moments of the game.
@@mobiyus3282 so simple yet we get so attached to random ppl journey is a masterpiece
is it a real person? or a npc?
@@Yiss8 Real person
Y'all should try this games mobile version: Sky: Children of light
the first time completing it i tought the other toon that sticked with me was a npc. hooked after i knew it was another person
DUDE... I was exactly the same. When I got to the end of the credits and I saw people's names popped up, my mind was BLOWN.
Max Derrat same here, just played it for the first time last night and never realized it was another player playing with me until the end. My question is how that works since you don’t meet this second character until you get to that part of the game? Does this mean if a third player was playing the game and they met me or you then we would be the second character?
@@heyitsmemg7494 You can meet a new player in every section of the game, so long as they are in the same area as you are at that time. If you keep up with one another it's possible to play with the same person the entire game, if you lose contact you can play with a different person in every single area.
@@AnnekeOosterink almost like real life!
Same
Who's here after Journey was made a free game on the PS4? Haha. great game. More of an experience really.
*I played it today. What a beautiful game!*
Yeah I just finished it right now for the first time it's an incredible game.
Yes I want a Journey 2 so badly I just finished it a couple minutes ago
Yeah true!! I played it today on the PS3 short game but seems quite a sweet indie game a journey towards life / death
I played it today for like atleast 6 times through so high change i might have been playing with some of you
I remember when I first played journey and got the point at the end of the game where you run into the light that I wasn't alone but someone else somewhere in the world was doing the same thing together with me. To experience the end or rather this transition of the journey with someone else was such unique and touching moment for me :)
I legit had this other person playing at the same time with me. And at first i didnt really want him around me cuz i wanted to go do the game by myself. When we would separate i would get sad but i was like fk it im independent. But the other person would pop up again. When we made it to the end it felt like i was in this relationship with this random person i cant even communicate. But because it felt like they werw there with my journey we were one in some sense.
My first time around, I was pretty slow in getting through all the parts, so my partners kept switching... except for the last one, that practically stuck with me til the end. Once they got to the summit of the mountain, they sat and waited for me to catch up. It was very sweet..
I remember that in a game I was the red one (I am advanced) and I had found a white robe that was cool, it took me to the symbols even though I knew them, it showed me several complex bugs that I could do (some I knew) and he even worried about the bar of my scarf, every time I ran out he made waves to regenerate it and I did too although the white scarf regenerates itself, and we made waves flying together to fly infinitely, I felt bad when I had to say goodbye of him when we got to the mountain ...
I saw it in more of a Buddhist way, in that their craving for power lead to them harming all other life, and ultimately themselves
The Mountain gave me Shangri-La vibes
Ignorance and selfish desire create suffering - the second noble truth
You could also see the mountain and the light as life and nature in general, and taking too much from nature (energy in some way) kills them, the war machine monsters are literally filled with the cloth kites and birds to power them and they steal our protagonist's energised scarf. And the lead character is meant to restore balance and free the other animals/energy.
Also the fact that your scarf grows longer the more times you play. Until eventually your whole robe becomes white. After this point, you become like a Bodhisattva, helping along newbies to get where they need to go
To me it was more like, journey represents our lives, hardship and good times. Help from people along the way, and in the end rewarded with eternal life, heaven. No matter how we see it, it was beautiful
I always felt Journey to be a sacred game. To me it captured the fundamental meaning of religion and a connection of something bigger.
Ever read the peregrine's jorney by John Bunyan?
For me the dying and reincarnation and starting the journey all over feels like a sacred ritual
I want to add something to this already several-month-old video. Into an aspect of the game that seems to reinforce the Buddhist interpretation.
I want to mention the player's ability to unlock the white robe.
If the player manages to collect all of the scarf upgrades in the game, they will unlock the "Transcendence" trophy.
This unlocks the white robe, as opposed to the default red robe that you normally play as. After getting the trophy, you have the option to put the white robe on at the start of the game. (In the stage select area) Upon wearing it, your scarf/cape will be longer, and will automatically regenerate when on the ground. It also depletes more slowly when flying.
Your interpretation that the red cloth symbolizes the Logos (Word of God) definitely seems to be reinforced by this feature in the game.
Every time you collect a scarf upgrade in the game, it makes your scarf longer, meaning that you can fly for longer, and therefore, are able to fly farther and higher.
Therefore, it's like you are collecting the Words of God.
The collectibles even look like Logos. Not Logos in the context of Words of God, but Logos as in symbols! (Just thought that was an interesting connection)
Upon collecting every single one of the Logos, you unlock the "Transcendence" trophy. I think the name simply speaks for itself here.
As I said earlier, this mechanic seems to reinforce the Buddhist interpretation of the game.
Collecting all of the Logos is Journey's equivalent to achieving Nirvana, or 'Spiritual enlightenment.'
Nirvana is the final release from the eternal cycle of life, death, and suffering. Upon achieving Nirvana, one no longer needs to be reincarnated, for they have uncovered and understood the "noble truths" or in your interpretation: The Logos.
This is why the trophy is titled "Transcendence."
To quote Google's definition:
"(In Buddhism) A transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth."
After finishing the game, the player is "reborn" or "reincarnated" only to repeat the game again. Just like the Buddhists' beliefs on the cycle of life.
You might be thinking "Well, if unlocking the "Transcendence" achievement is the game's equivalent of reaching Nirvana, then why is the player still reincarnated after beating the game, even when they've unlocked this achievement? Wouldn't the cycle end?"
In the beliefs of the Buddhists, there are people who achieve Nirvana, but delay it, instead opting to continue the cycle of reincarnation. Why do they do this? Out of compassion. They choose to continue on the cycle of rebirth and suffering so that they can guide others on their journey to reach Nirvana as well. These people are called Bodhisattvas.
It does make a lot of sense now, doesn't it? Upon collecting all of the Logos, the player becomes a Bodhisattva.
You can replay the game, show other players where all of the Logos are hidden, and help them achieve Nirvana as well.
Upon unlocking the White Robe, the player's new goal isn't to beat the game, but to guide other players through the game (or through life) and help them achieve the "White Robe" state as well.
I really love this interpretation... in my second playthrough, my partner had white robe (and I was in awe because I had no idea how to change the robe!), and showed me every little secret symbol, glyph, and trophy... it felt like that person was passing the torch. I tried to do the same, but I haven't memorised where all secrets are, so I feel I shouldn't wear the white robe.
i love this!
This is my fav interpertation so far
This was an amazing video and while watching it I had thoughts and questions about the white robe and the nirvana as well. I remembered that the cycle of life and death is something we must try to break free from, thus achieving nirvana.
Your comment put these ideas together in a wonderful way and I just want to say Thank You for sharing it, it's beautiful!! I didn't think I could like this game any more than I already did!
THIS!
Coming from a design and art perspective, the scarf, and character, are red because it stands out and contrasts nicely with the environments. For a game that emphasises vastness, it's important to have a feature that ensures the player doesn't lose the character in that environment. The mountain is simply climatic adversity, which is why it ends emphasizing the snow. Winter is a trope metaphor for being the end of a cycle.
So then what about the white robe
Journey veteran status symbol. 😎
i think for the character to stand out of the environment was made the way it is not the other way around
@@zeldaoddesy8382 White frequently symbolizes purity, and clarity. If you think of the symbols as possibly sutras, by collecting all of them you have "ascended", and reached mental clarity.
@@singleT314 i know that I was pointing out the fault in his comment by saying it's mainly to stand out in the dessert area and so I said what about the white cloaks as for there are snow levels but yes I am very aware of what the white cloaks are for
When it comes to your partner, the game is very beautiful. I played this game for the first time yesterday and I had no idea I would have a companion through out my journey. While there were several places that I had gotten lost, they were patient and waited for me to find them. I noticed that their cloth has more symbols on it which lead me to believe that they were my guide through the world to show me where I needed to go. When it comes to the red cloth creatures being the messiah, I believe that the one with more symbols on their cloth are the others guide. To help them free themselves which allows the other player to help others. This game was so beautiful and I am glad I was paired with a partner that had shown me through it.
If you find all the symbols within the game, you have the choice to make your cloak turn white ('Transcendece' trophy).
i thought the white ones were like bots superior beings that helped me through the game, then i realize i wasnt wrong, only in the part that they were not bots but actuall players. the first time i didnt cry but now when i finish it... it gets bad for me xD
I just played Journey for the first time today, and it was a beautiful experience. I met a traveler not soon after the first altar, I just didn't know it until they pinged me to follow them. We started to communicate back and forth with each other, eventually giving each other the ability to fly in formation. They were very helpful in pinging for artifacts to extend our time in flight, but the trials that awaited us made me care even more when I screwed up by accidentally getting ourselves spotted, but only he was scooped up and his scarf was torn. I stood by him to make sure he and I would make it through, even in the bitter cold near the end, we pinged each other to keep warm and survive more of those creatures lurking around. We eventually made it to the end, and I was thankful to have such a faithful companion alongside me.
This is really similar to what I experienced about a week and a half ago. While you are probably not, it almost sounds like you could be the person I met.
I did the same thing today
Last night I was playing through the entire game for the third or so time, I met a partner at the first level, we were collecting stuff for achievements and whatnot. Stuck together the whole time but then right at the windy part before the summit he fell down and disappeared, I felt like a close friend had died. This game is amazing.
Thank you for sharing. Only an experience like this can evoke such emotions. Considering I’m Christian, the journey I made was made even more poignant and meaningful and those windy stages were truly felt as the struggles of life or even of slowing down in later life.
You actually on point with Religious syncretism theory. The concept of Journey
is based on famous structure called the Monomyth (or the Hero's Journey). It was discrabed by one of the most profound Jung's followers professor Joseph Campbell in his book - "The Hero with a Thousand Faces". In the monomyth, the hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.
Campbell and other scholars, such as Erich Neumann, describe narratives of Gautama Buddha, Moses, and Christ in terms of the monomyth.
He describes 17 stages of the journey.
The stages may be organized in a number of ways, including division into three "acts" or sections:
-Departure (also Separation),
-Initiation (sometimes subdivided into IIA. Descent and IIB. Initiation) and
-Return.
In the departure part of the narrative, the hero or protagonist lives in the ordinary world and receives a call to go on an adventure. The hero is reluctant to follow the call, but is helped by a mentor figure.
The initiation section begins with the hero then traversing the threshold to the unknown or "special world", where he faces tasks or trials, either alone or with the assistance of helpers.
The hero eventually reaches "the innermost cave" or the central crisis of his adventure, where he must undergo "the ordeal" where he overcomes the main obstacle or enemy, undergoing "apotheosis" and gaining his reward (a treasure or "elixir").
The hero must then return to the ordinary world with his reward. He may be pursued by the guardians of the special world, or he may be reluctant to return, and may be rescued or forced to return by intervention from the outside.
In the return section, the hero again traverses the threshold between the worlds, returning to the ordinary world with the treasure or elixir he gained, which he may now use for the benefit of his fellow man. The hero himself is transformed by the adventure and gains wisdom or spiritual power over both worlds.
This repetative narrative represents Man's intuitive striving for spiritual development and progression through confronting his inner fears and patterns.
P.S. Interesting fact - most of soundrtack names refers to stages of Hero's Journey:
01. Nascence
02. The Call
03. First Confluence
04. Second Confluence
05. Threshold
06. Third Confluence
07. The Road of Trials
08. Fourth Confluence
09. Temptations
10. Descent
11. Fifth Confluence
12. Atonement
13. Final Confluence
14. The Crossing
15. Reclamation
16. Nadir
17. Apotheosis
18. I was Born for This
Never noticed that about the soundtrack
Cool
I think the simplicity of this game helps us to see this basic pattern more clearly without distracting us with idiosyncratic manifestations. It's a very pure game, so to speak, so that everyone recognizes its universal significance while simultaneously being able to apply it to your own life. As someone who is unconventionally NOT interested in lore / world building / backstories most of the time, this game is perfect for me.
Journey was my first ever sand-type game. Thanks Kojima.
"Kept you waiting..."
@@christophermichael5764 Huh
@@MajorTom420 @NRobbi said "Thanks Kojima". I replied with a Kojima/Metal Gear quotable. I'm a nerd. It's my cross to bear.
@@christophermichael5764 Dude, @erayCZE just finished your quote. You forgot the 'huh' at the end.
"Kept you waiting, huh?"
So don't worry, nothing nerdy about you. Every gamer knows that quote.
@@jacksonwalker8997 how the hell did i miss that?!?!?! LOL! Must be the nanomachines.
After years of Journey existing, I finally played it. I realize now that Journey can be anything; It can be a metaphor for life, lore to do with religion, or simply a Journey. I love the game so much! It makes me feel at home.
Isn't it wonderful that a hardly 2 hour of game can give you a lifetime of memory that you'd always want to cherish.
When I first saw those grave shaped stones I thought to myself "oh no" because I was hoping I was wrong. Then I finished the game and went "O H N O"
grat explanation. and for those who don't want him to ruin the game with explanations... no one is forcing you to watch these videos.
The game is only available on Playstation 3 and that ruins it already.
@@Martin.Krischik uh, nope, its also available on PS4 since 2015, PC and recently arrived on iOS.
Everson Bernardes i played it in iOS . But the FPS is less than 30 . Graphics are good . I just want journey to be on Xbox
Legit though it can be theistic without being so monotheistic
Wait, where can you get it on PC?
I interpreted a cautionary tale about preserving the environment. The culture first had a good relationship with the red cloth things, co-existing with them. Eventually they began to abuse them, and use them strictly for their own gain. Then the dragon things showed up and destroyed their society, leaving them to sand. Also, I wanted to mention something I experienced while playing through Journey. I was at the mountain and my friend who was accompanying me was attacked by the stone dragon and lost all their cloth. I didn’t want to move on without them, and I wanted to look for a scarf ball thing so they could proceed with me, but there was none to be found. It was an actually sad moment, and I did cry a bit. I just found that a very beautiful and meaningful moment.
Journey reminded me of Phoenix myth. You are trying to reach to mountain like Phoenix to find God, on the way with Signs, you learn things, and when you reach to the mountain, you realize that you have a God inside of you in the end (when you discovered all of the secrets in the Journey universe)but till then you start your journey once more, till you get the white scarf. White scarf is the golden trophy, so you discover all the secrets of the universe and you realize that Journey itself is what's important, not the ending. You reach the God inside of you.
This game change my life or is a big part of my life moving forward, it moved me so much when I was in a dark place in my life. It was so beautiful when I first watch it through pewdiepie playthrough, never seen nor experience anything like this game glad I got to experience something as great as this game, really did feel like a whole journey.
I think the idea of us meeting others and pushing forward is clearly straight forward.
While you can move forward in life alone, with a friend, it is not only safer, it is not only easier, but it is simply a better experience.
This game is absolutely beautiful. In every aspect.
I loved the atmosphere and the writing here. I also can't recommend Journey enough.
It's a game that is genuinely felt emotionally than just played.
It's a special game..
Thank you for this perceptive find and clear presentation. Made me want to play it again.
I met my partner early on and by the time we got to the snow part where we were nearly dying, I could tell we were both in it for the long haul. We needed each other and we weren't going to leave each other.
I’m so happy I found this channel
despite my previous contempt-tainted comment, your analyses are so impressive and add levels of depth to already deep narratives. thank you.
This is why I enjoy analyses from others on games such as these. I'd never considered the mountain in any god-like way, or the concept of Logos applied to the cloth. A very interesting take!
Max, thank-you for reincarnating a beautiful game as a beautiful meaning of life that I look forward to living again. This review is almost as spiritually moving as the game itself.
I love Journey. Definitely one of the best games on the PS3.
This was a great video. I loved the interpretation you had. I definitely had a similar notion of the climbing the mountain as an allegory for struggle and self actualization. I would add that as a Christian, we're called to mimic Christ in carrying our cross (enduring the journey), so it could still apply to the cloth character being us in the Christian context.
Virtually all theistic belief systems' main goal is for its adherents to emulate their god(s).
These are deep reviews. Great job on them.
Thanks, player. :D
When I bought the game I had no idea about the companions/other players. Im happy I got to play the game with the same companion on my first play through.
Wow! This is one of the best explanation videos I've ever watched. Such an incredible theory and so brilliantly explained.
the game design touch that absolutely broke me was close to the mountain summit: When you `sing` your little light song it gets weaker the higher you go.... it fades.... and fades... and... fades... until it could not reach your friend... and it faded completely and then you collapse.... :,)
the way I felt like the people playing with me were my family is just something
I played the majority of the game with one person till we got to the end, I wondered who he was but I considered him my friend. We supported each other by lighting each other up so we could fly and we waited on the other when one of us fell behind. I saw the credits to the end and was given the name of my companion.
His name was big_ounce25
Great video.
On a side note Austin’s music for this is pretty damn amazing.
U so underrated
I think it's just a matter of time and synchronicity, this content might actually suffer from being too well articulated, like someone speaking truths ahead of its time
Just finished my first playthrough on PC. I was with the same person a majority of the time, and I had so many gasping moments where he almost died by that stupid sky dragon. But he made it through. God this game made me feel a sense of brotherhood with a stranger.
Very thoughtful commentary. It says a lot about this game that it evokes this much substantial thought and expression.
Excellent video!
Your videos are absolutely miraculous
YOU'RE MIRACULOUS... Pliskin. ;)
I really like your analysis of Journey, and love how you ended the video on that haunting cadence.
This is an excellent analysis and opened my view of the game much wider than it already was.
Man I love these videos
I love YOU! :)
After listening to this it made me think that maybe the other players or messiahs along the way are a way of depicting the concept of reincarnation. The cut scene at the end shows the soul of the player navigating through the game levels back to the beginning, in order for the messiah to be embodied by a new player with no knowledge of the game. Back to zero.
Excellent analysis. Nothing ever ends, the journey always continues.
I completely agree with this interpretation! I had never thought of it this way, but the lyrics of the main song ends in «do not pity me, I was born for this», which at least to me proves your point
I love this game. I love it with every fiber of my being.
Man your video is exceptional!
Loved the video. One of my favorite games of all time has turned out to be more special than I even considered!
That was really beautiful. Thank you
Dude, love your analysis, u just got a new fan. I played JOURNEY several times and Ive never imagine such religious interpretation, is amazing
I feel Silly. But when half way, I met another player. We finished the game, together. Walking in the light, at the end. Made me very tearful. And I don't know why. Brilliant post. Thank you Sir.
Wow I felt that this video was as much of a journey as the actual game, thank you for this video
I really hope people are still playing this game for decades to come and they can still journey with their buddies along the way. I basically played this because it was free during lock down. Had a few gins while exploring this foreign yet unmistakably beautiful world. Amazing soundtrack ro match the visuals. Couldn't believe it. Never experienced a game quite like it. I still think about playing it quite often. If anyone randomly reading this is also lacking the trophy where you go through it together drop a comment and let's try to get it.
Wow...just wow. You have officially blown my mind. As someone who is constantly looking for rhyme and reason, this video makes perfect sense to me. Despite the fact that some aren't "Religious" it's refreshing to see that people are not totally closed off to "religious" ideals and morals. This game is beautiful and your interpretation of the game has helped me to see it in a renewed light. Thank You! And have yourself a Jolly good day my dude!
This feels more like a masterclass on theology... and I LOVE it!
It is a very good perspective. Loved it. When I first played it at the end I got reeally emotional, shredded a tear or two.
"Words that deliver the explanation of the game told the story that anyone couldn't have waited to know better."
I just saw a live play of this game with an orchestra and the original composer at the Brooklyn Academy. It was pretty magical, but if you're not a gamer or haven't played this one could be pretty lost. I was going to subscribe but this I realized I already was! Glad I found you again.
Nice video. Love that game!
Amazing review!
Great break down, I really enjoyed your perspective, and I said the exact same when I finished it "a metaphor of the meaning of life".
I love your interpretation of the story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Not the story I thought but it makes a whole lot of sense!
Holy shit, not only did you make an analysis on SOMA but also on Journey! I just finished playing this game for the first time lol after being out for almost 10 years but it's nice to see you made a review, I knew I heard this voice before when the video started
I LOVE your channel. Such a beautiful game and soundtrack....bravo, Max! 🌌
Am I the only one who got to the top of the mountain without any of these cut scenes??? I was so confused when I got to the top and was getting shot back down like a falling star through the other landscapes that I never played through. I went straight from the desert to inside a building to the snow to up the mountain in about an hour, maybe less.
Also, another player popped in but their scarf was wayyyyy longer than mine. I only lengthened it once or twice through out the entire game. And it got completely destroyed by one of the enemy things when I didn't stay out of their sight and I never got it back. Not until I "died" on the mountain, had a vision of a bunch of white cloaks and got up again. Pretty much nothing like what anyone seems to describe from this game.
How strange. Sounds bugged.
Kind of a necro reply, but it sounds like you, instead of going into the 2nd lvl, went directly from the first to the last via the level select.
No clue how the game would even allow you to do that tho.
I remember downloading this game, and not ever hearing about it. I was just interested in playing a game that was a bit different than all the FPS games at the time... I started playing with no understanding of what I was supposed to do or how to play... I just started walking... on the journey, and I am so glad I kept on walking through the journey. Very good game.
This game has a lot of meanings now
I knew that there was creation through the mountain, but now I understand they're freeing a bunch of the red cloth
Such a beautiful game and a wonderful experience. So lonely on your own, You have this amazing journey with a complete stranger and when they're gone. You miss them.
I just finished playing this game on ps3 & ps4 as it’s a free download, due to the corna virus on the PSN store. It is a basic game, but yes I feel like it’s a life & death game you follow a journey. 👍🏻good interpretation, keep up the good work.
I always think of something my sister said after the first time I watched her play this.. her point was more or less "I can see this being a metaphor for how someone evolves in their life.. sometimes you meet someone to tag along with, and sometimes they leave. sometimes they stick with you through the entire journey and guide you, and sometimes they don't"
I've always loved that little analogy, and i think it sums up the co-op aspect of this game so well.. i remember watching her scrawl down in a notepad what different people's call symbols looked like mid game, with the other people always patiently waiting despite having no context
VERY well done.
I’ve never viewed Journey’s story like this before, it’s an interesting perspective. Makes me want to play it again.
I cried my eyes out during the last level.
I had played all the game alone until the last level, and there, struggling to climb the same mountain was another lonesome Traveller. We kept sticking together, trying to keep each other alive until we couldn't climb any further.
To me, that felt epic and meaningful.
I just got the game yesterday, as a friend of mine was replaying it. I didn't think much of it until a few minutes in. Its now my favorite game after completing it
Good analysis. The ending of it sounded right
i just finished this game yesterday and i met 4 people. i finished the game with someone who probably played it first time too and it was an awesome experience. Then i played it today and i met someone in white robe. Finished it from the beginning and showed me things i didn't realized you could do. Amazing game
The friends I har would chatter and mock my patterns, we danced together too. It's such an amazing experience and it's hard to describe how it feels building such a unique bond with that stranger.
I remember being so high and just downloading this for free with ps plus, easily one of the best experiences I've ever had, what a game.
I remember sliding down the sand dunes with a stranger that followed me for a long time. I was having fun and it was like a race. I just got ahead of them and suddenly fell down a huge whole. I waited for my friend to fall down with me but they never did... I was alone.
"The glory of the reward I receive is only defined by the struggle I made to attain it." Such powerful words...
Interesting breakdown of the story. Definitely wouldn’t have thought this deeply about the outside of the obvious connection between the “journey” of life. Makes me wonder how you’d view abzu since it has some similarities to journey only it’s about swimming vs flying.
I actually like when stories have an objective, I enjoyed this video
love this analysis! I had never heard of the game, until I logged into steam today and it popped up on sale. Looked cool so I got it. Just played through it twice in a row. lol
The depth of your analysis does the game much justice and makes me want to play through it again. 👏
Fun fact, when you turn gold the track that plays is called Apotheosis, which means becoming Devine, this theory is helped by that fact imo
I think it’s cool how each player you come across has their own symbol when you press circle. That’s how you can identify the players you played with.
I played this game since it was out. I always played for hours and hours. Restarting and restarting again and again because of the soothing music and great graphics
My most memorable playthrough was one where me and another started the game together and refused to leave each other. It was really rewarding, watching the pair of us walk in to the light at the end.
Great video and awesome explanation. I also felt the game has mystical/religious meanings behind it and everything makes perfect sense when interpreted this way.
Beautiful interpretation.
I am so glad there are still people talking of my favorite game of all time.
I make a video today
First time I played this game I found it to be adorable.
Then I heard the call of my partner. I thought it was an npc until they started spamming and running around in a circle. I just started running around and spamming the call until we just sat down. They helped me get achievements I didnt even know about!
When we were climbing the mountain, not once did we move from each other. We tried staying warm. After we had completed it, i managed to shoot them a text and thanked them for being such a great partner. I still continue to play this lovely game. I wish there was a sequel to this. I would gladly play it.
The whole process is like The seasons too. Spring, you rose from the ground, Summer, you traversed through sandy dunes. Fall, when you died on the mountain. Winter, the end of the cycle at the mountain. And it all happened again.
This was nothing short of educating! Thank you =)
Right, the length of nothing short can go on as way are the seek more of what was told.
It felt very spiritual. It was like playing a metaphor. Such a fantastic beautiful game. The end run was such a beautiful feel good way to end it.