Bloom 01 · Adventure · thatgamecompany, 2012
Journey
A robed traveller crosses a desert towards a distant mountain. Two hours long, almost wordless, and one of the most beautiful games ever made.
Edition reviewed: Journey (2012).
Official artwork © thatgamecompanyWhat you do
Slide down dunes, fly with a growing scarf and solve gentle puzzles, sometimes with a stranger who joins you online and cannot speak.
Who it suits
Everyone. Ideal for people who rarely play games and want something moving.
01The first hour
You wake in the sand with a mountain on the horizon. Within minutes the music, the light and the feeling of surfing down a dune tell you this is something special.
02The middle
The middle takes you through ruins, underground and into the snow. If another player appears, you can only communicate with a chime, and it is surprisingly powerful.
03Where to stop
It is best in one sitting, with the lights low. If you must stop, the shrines between areas are natural pauses.
Why it works
- Breathtaking music and art
- Finished in one evening
- A unique online companion
Watch out for
- Very little challenge
- Short for the price at full cost
The score
Overall 4.8 out of 5 · Full bloom · how we score
Our verdict
A small masterpiece. One evening, no distractions, and you will remember it for years.
Written by the Foxglove Save Point desk. Updated 23 October 2026. Facts were checked against the publisher and store pages at that date; prices and platforms can change.