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Journal similar games & best alternatives

Journal

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2014

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Quick resume

Enter the pages of the hand painted world of Journal. A journey through the life of a young and troubled girl as she tries to face up to the choices and responsibilities that come with childhood. An experience that questions the reliability of how we choose to remember events and explores the truths hidden within our dreams.

Global score

78/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie

Pros

  • Emotional and personal narrative
  • Unique hand-drawn art style
  • Soothing music and atmosphere
  • Thought-provoking themes
  • Simple, accessible gameplay

Cons

  • Short playtime (~2 hours)
  • Limited gameplay depth
  • Fixed story outcome despite choices
  • Some control and interface clunkiness
  • Price considered high for content

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players make dialogue choices influencing character responses, but the overall story outcome is fixed, reflecting limited player control yet some personal decision-making."

  • Competence
    -3

    "Gameplay is simple and predictable, involving walking and dialogue choices without skill challenges or puzzles."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal narrative experience without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Short game (~2 hours) with limited replayability; some players engaged in multiple playthroughs to unlock secret endings."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on individual exploration and interaction with NPCs, no multiplayer or teamwork."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Unique hand-drawn art style and narrative structure offer creative presentation, though gameplay follows a linear path."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative-driven and balanced."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to engage with emotional and personal themes, providing a reflective escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in narrative and emotional experience, not due to obligation."

  • Experimenting
    -2

    "Limited experimentation; choices exist but do not significantly alter outcomes, encouraging established narrative progression."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Players explore a small town environment and interact with characters, but areas and story are limited and familiar."

  • Expression
    -4

    "No character customization or cosmetic modifications; presentation is fixed and stylized."

  • Fantasy
    -4

    "Realistic setting and themes focused on adolescence, grief, and personal struggles rather than imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Solo experience with minimal social connection; no multiplayer or community features."

  • Growth
    3

    "Narrative encourages personal reflection and emotional understanding, fostering learning and self-improvement."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention during playthrough; no background or idle gameplay elements."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "Emotional engagement with protagonist's personal story and relationships fosters a sense of closeness."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management; player follows narrative without directing others."

  • Progression
    1

    "Some narrative progression through story chapters and unlocking secret endings, but no item or upgrade accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Calm, reflective pacing with soothing music and art creates a relaxing atmosphere."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Art and music provide gentle sensory stimulation; no intense or thrilling sensory input."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; focus is on personal narrative experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with emotional storytelling, character development, and thematic depth."

  • Strategy
    -4

    "Minimal strategic or problem-solving elements; gameplay centers on dialogue choices and exploration."

  • Thrill
    -4

    "No suspense or risk; experience is contemplative and emotionally driven rather than thrilling."

  • Value
    1

    "Mixed value perception; praised for story and art but criticized for short length and high full price."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on narrative and emotional themes."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat mechanics; stable, low-risk environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026