Ben-DutkaWe heard it announced at E3 but it didn't come with much in the way of details. Therefore, we were all sorts of excited to see it on the PlayStation Blog this morning.
thatgamecompany's Jenova Chen crafted the idea from a belief that in a world were man has immense power, we've lost a once-inherent respect and appreciation for nature and the unknown. We always feel as if we have the edge over infinitely more powerful forces but in becoming arrogant, perhaps we've also "become isolated and insecure deep inside our mind." Then, we go hiking or expose ourselves to the risks of a world we really haven't – and in truth, couldn't – conquer, and we suddenly feel small and frightened. So when we do stumble upon someone else, that encounter seems "much more important and enjoyable," and "we greet them, giving them genuine useful help." Maybe you'll travel together and give each other unique assistance; an intrinsically human characteristic.
Now, we know that online gaming is all about dealing with other people but in this respect, we'll be dealing with strangers in a very different way; Chen thinks that if we're wandering the wilds where we feel "tiny and weak," that dynamic with other individuals will change accordingly. As he said-
"In a world where the majority of the players are distracted by technology, evoking a sense of awe and mystery could be very refreshing and powerful."
So they wanted to create a world that felt unfamiliar; the character first wakes up in a vast desert, with no idea of what happened to him, or what might happen in the near future. There is only a tall mountain in the distance; your only point of interest at the time. Then, as you set out, you eventually encounter someone who is on his or her own journey; at least, in the online portion as the single-player portion is still a bit of a mystery. All we do know is that Chen says the team is "much closer to getting the game into your hands."
…I think this guy stole my thoughts while I was asleep, or something. But anyway, unique experiences continue to mount in this industry, and it's thanks to creative visionaries like Chen.
Related Game(s): Journey
Although this is a theme that has been going on quite often since 2007…hey go for it man – I can't wait to see this project considering it's coming from the same guy who made Flower.
I dont get it…
I'm looking forward to this. The coop features that were mentioned seem to contradict the solidarity i feel their previous games had. This could be a unique experience.
I also have to give them props for the setting they chose, i know they'll put a lot of detail in the sand. Rendering realistic sand can sometimes be as difficult as water.
Anyone else think the graphics and limited color palette have an "Out of this World" feel to it? I loved that game in the 16-bit days … and this looks very interesting to me.
Absolute genius!!
Satisfaction this gen comes from a PSN game and few normal games. Sad times.
Jenova Chen is a saviour, right up there with the best.
…and Ben's wishing he can think like him already!
Am I gonna run into a scarecrow stuck on a stick?
lol, I'll be around
haha
Yeah, I REALLY like the concept they're talking about. I'll be watching for this one.
-Arvis
I am very much looking forward to this, I really like the whole concept of being alone but finding another person who is also alone and figuring out the path to enlightenment. Both trying to find a purpose in an empty desolate place in maybe the fashion we would not expect. Traveling what we do not know for what we do desperately need and eventually making a friend in the end, but no two people can have the same path to personal enlightenment, so the irony in this is that while you both are alone in the beginning you must at some point split off and be isolated once more to follow your own path, it is sad but true, we all do die alone in the end.
"It's true we all die alone, but we live amongst men".
-John Martston in Red Dead Redemption.
Shams, a great quote indeed, and who says video games don't teach us anything?
Chen's a very thoughtful person
His games have a very deep vision of life
I really hope this turns out to be a rich/engaging experience. The concept alone has that engaging/wander factor
Hope the environments are beautiful and/or unique
—
And how 'bout letting us create our character?
I don't want to see very generic people in this world, it would defeat the purpose of finding other people.
Aww, can I have a thatgamecompany compilation? Please Sony, I'll pay full price for it.
Seriously, this should be absolutely beautiful. Realistic sand and fabric modelling, the fact that there is no chat available, nor do you know who you are playing with at any given time. Environmental problems rather than enemies and the ability to draw in the sand. And beyond it all, a quest for the mountain of light.
Breathtaking…
Peace.
That actually wouldn't be a bad idea after this comes out. Sony should consider releasing flOw, Flower and Journey all on one Blu-ray disc. I'd re-buy them!
The picture definitely reminded me of SoTC, no doubt.
Which is a great thing and this will probably turn out brilliant 🙂
Especially those pillars. Reminds me of the back of the Shrine Of Worship. Nice to see SotC players here.
There's reason I always tell everyone that thatgamecompany is the Team ICO of the digital world; highly innovative experiences with gorgeous visuals and amazing designs. 🙂
sweet i love this guys games!
it would be nice to see him do a full sized retail release instead of sticking to PSN games.
anyway definetley getting this the day its released.
Interesting concept, I think if the online play is this unique it could raise a decent following. More interested in the campaign at the moment however
I LOVE thatgamecompany and highly respect Jenova Chen and Kellee Sandiago but I still don't know how I feel about the whole online aspect of this game. It sounds amazing, it really does… and I hope that it works out the way they want it, too. That being said, the online world is full of immature little twats who make online gaming experiences a lot less fun than they're meant to be. I can see myself being followed around in this by some tween who continuously insults me. I guess I'll just hope that those tweens buy the next Call of Duty DLC over Journey instead.