We’re listing the ten Games of the Decade. These are the ten PlayStation titles released over the past ten years that we believe have left a historic mark on the industry. Whether it’s Destiny's impact on the Games as a Service space or Journey’s innovative approach to online connectivity, these are the releases that the industry will be referencing well into 2020 and beyond.
When Journey first floated onto the PlayStation 3 in 2012, few could have predicted the impact that it would have on the industry. thatgamecompany's strange little project finally got to see the light of day after what was apparently a tricky development cycle, but the wait was well worth it; almost eight years later and Journey is still a marvel.
The indie revolution that really kicked off in the latter years of the PS3 was spearheaded by Journey -- at least to some degree. At the time there was nothing quite like it -- Journey was a stark reminder of what games can offer over other types of media. You could even argue that it helped open a generation's eyes to what games can actually be.
Broken down into its most basic building blocks, Journey doesn't sound especially impressive. It's only a few hours long at most, and you don't do much aside from walk, jump, and glide. But Journey's not about in-depth mechanics or mastery of systems -- it's, perhaps unsurprisingly, about a journey, and the meaning behind it is ultimately yours to consider and decide upon.
The game never utters a word, yet it manages to say so much more than most games could ever hope to. Its ability to convey emotion and spirituality through its crisp visuals and stunning orchestral soundtrack is nothing short of incredible. If any release of the last decade could genuinely be described as beautiful, it would be Journey.
But it's Journey's approach to multiplayer that truly sets it apart. At times it can be an intensely lonely affair as you trek across deserts and struggle to climb snowy mountains, but if you happen to cross paths with another player, the title becomes a catalyst for some of the most memorable encounters in gaming. There's a distinct sense of joy that comes with rushing over to greet a fellow wanderer and watching them chirp with happiness. Fleeting friendships can be forged without a word, and it's always a special moment.
Many games have tried to emulate the magic of Journey, but none have come close to matching its elegance or its excellence.
Has Journey had an impact on you? Can you remember the first time that you played through it? Stick together in the comments section below.
Comments 36
My personal pick for game of the decade I play it annually to ring in the new year, and I can't think of a better game to ring in the new decade with.
The multiplayer in this and Demons Souls was amazing at the time. People just popping up and helping you.
Journey was definitely a special experience. If it hadn't come to Plus I never would've given it the time of day despite the glowing reception. Though I probably spent less than 10 hours total playing it, it's still something I think about from time to time.
I was never a fan. I finished it at least, I’ve got a friend that said he couldn’t make himself to finish it.
This is one of the games that just didn’t resonate with me. I didn’t hate it, but I loathed it being near the top of every Top 30 best PS4 games you can play list that Push Square put out 😂
The first game I played on PS4 since it was free on PS Plus that month. I played it all at once with my brothers sitting around me and it was an incredible experience. A fantastic game and also truly revolutionary.
An amazing experience. So happy it came to PS plus and I've played it a lot. Great write up.
Everyone i "played" with i felt so inexplicably connected too. Solo or "MP" it was and still is a next level experience. Easily top 5 gaming experience of the decade or maybe ever for me. The sand surfing is still one of the most jaw dropping scenes in any game ever made
When I played this it was really boring, I think I walked for 45 minutes, was 45 minutes enough to play through this I don't remember if I beat it.
I played this game because everyone was saying how good it was but I was disappointed, the game it's too short no gameplay whatsoever and while not a bad game not a masterpiece either really just another overrated game, In my opinion Shovel Knight it's ten times better if you are getting into indies and a real Kickstarted success
I still don't see whats so great about this game
Even remembering Journey just makes me happy. Playing it was a one of a kind experience, even on repeat playthroughs.
A very shallow game, in my opinion. All pretty music and environments with nothing underneath to really make the experience memorable. No interesting characters or storytelling. The gameplay is about as basic and rudimentary as you can get. Environments aren't very interactive. A glitzy surface only goes so far for me.
The multiplayer aspect is interesting, but, again, there's no real depth to it.
over rated game of the decade
This game clicked with be in a way few games do. My first play through was one of the most special online experiences I have ever had.
Journey is a special game. The whole game building up to the trudge up the snow capped mountain. It said more, by saying less.
I never looked at scarves the same way since playing it.
But is a game of the decade?
To be honest I had been teaming online games on the xbox since Halo so it didn't resonate quite as much. But it's still quality.
I didn't know the characters following me were real players my first play through until I saw payer names at the end. I chirped many times because of to mellow tones we both made. The game was a joy to play for many play trough's for the platinum. Many times other players took me to the secrets even without voice contact.
Still show it off to new generations.
Thought it was ok but Inside and The Unfinished Swan where far better indies.
I’m torn between this and bloodborne personally. This was the game that turned me on to the so called indie game, I remember playing it with my mouth open in astonishment at first, I immediately emailed thatgamecompany afterwards to thank them for what I felt transcended a game, it was an experience the likes of which I’d never had before, or probably since. Great choice
Honestly this might be the most boring game I've ever played. I've had more fun with buggy shovelware than this game.
I guess I don't "get it" but it feels like an emperor's clothes type situation.
Seems people like it or hate it. I must give it a try.
Yeah journey is an experience for me, the game is so beautiful and sometimes sad, I only played it once on ps3 and once on ps4 because I don't want to become bored to that experience.
Space Invaders and PAC-MAN are so much more for me. 😌
I vote for Spelunky and or Steamworld Dig 2. I didnt like Journeys combat system.
Agree with this choice wholeheartedly...
I'm a Games lecturer in both FE and HE and I agree with this decision. Journey rightly sits in the Smithsonian's archive as a truly important cultural artifact. I teach it in my class, and use it to discuss the role of the videogame auteur and narratology and its one of the very best games for getting students to engage in semiotic analysis. I have also played the game through about thirty times, and the crisis on the mountain top still gives me the shivers and makes my eyes go all glassy every time... excellent choice.
I was so happy to have my white and gold cloak. I truly loved this game.
For me the game would be Dragon Age 2 on the PS3; let me explain. Until I was lent this game I was your typical COD/FIFA player and didn't spend time on any other type of game. Dragon Age opened me up to all the other types of games including Mass Effect etc and TBH I haven't bought a COD or FIFA game in years.
Cool game on paper but severely lacking in excustion, if I’m being frank.
I remember playing this through on co-op with a friend. It was a fun couple of hours. I don't mind games that aren't action based. I absolutely fell in love with Everybody's gone to the Rapture. This didn't quite hit me in the same way but it was pleasant enough.
Massively over-rated title, in my personal opinion. A decent few hours of entertainment, but nothing particularly special.
Playing solo i found it somewhat interesting for a while. I was starting to lose interest fast and then came to a place i kept failing and could not advance. My play of Journey ended there as i realized i did not care if i advanced or not and what the ending may be.
@PressR2 completely agree. Played got half an hour and deleted it
If this is the future is gaming I might find some new hubby
would rather have seen inside than this but that's personal taste, maybe they'll both be in there
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