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Journey similar games & best alternatives

Journey

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 • 2020

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Quick resume

Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator

Similar games

    Pros

    • Beautiful art and music
    • Unique anonymous co-op
    • Emotional and immersive experience
    • Exploration and discovery
    • Short and replayable

    Cons

    • Very short gameplay length
    • Limited communication options
    • Some technical issues in pc port
    • Lack of traditional gameplay depth
    • Low player population at times

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Intimacy, Survival, Violence, Competition. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Cooperation, Leadership, Fellowship.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to explore, choose pace, and interact with environment and companions with minimal constraints."

    • Competence
      2

      "Gameplay involves light puzzle solving and platforming with some skill elements, but overall accessible and not highly challenging."

    • Competition
      -5

      "No competitive elements; focus is on cooperative and personal experience without rankings or comparisons."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players often replay the game multiple times to experience different journeys and discover secrets."

    • Cooperation
      5

      "Core mechanic involves cooperating silently with anonymous players to progress and share the journey."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players can explore hidden areas and discover secrets; some freedom in how to approach exploration and interaction."

    • Domination
      -5

      "Interactions with other players are equal and supportive, no power or superiority expressed."

    • Escapism
      5

      "Strong emotional and immersive experience providing escape from real life through beautiful world and music."

    • Expectation
      -5

      "Players engage voluntarily driven by intrinsic interest and emotional connection."

    • Experimenting
      2

      "Players explore mechanics and secrets, experimenting with flight and interaction, though within a designed framework."

    • Exploration
      5

      "Exploration of vast, beautiful environments and hidden areas is a key motivation."

    • Expression
      3

      "Players can customize their scarf length and interact with others through nonverbal signals, allowing personal expression."

    • Fantasy
      4

      "Set in a mystical desert world with spiritual and symbolic themes, offering an imaginative fictional experience."

    • Fellowship
      5

      "Strong sense of community and connection through shared journey with anonymous players."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players learn game mechanics, flight techniques, and uncover story elements through repeated play."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during the journey."

    • Intimacy
      4

      "Emotional bonding with anonymous companions through shared silent communication and mutual support."

    • Leadership
      2

      "Players sometimes lead or guide companions, but interactions are collaborative and balanced."

    • Progression
      3

      "Collecting scarf extensions and unlocking abilities provides a sense of progression."

    • Relaxation
      4

      "Calming, meditative experience with soothing music and gentle pacing."

    • Sensation
      4

      "Beautiful visuals and evocative soundtrack provide strong sensory and emotional stimulation."

    • Status
      -4

      "No social status or recognition mechanics; focus is on anonymous shared experience."

    • Story
      4

      "Narrative is conveyed through environmental storytelling, music, and player interpretation."

    • Strategy
      1

      "Some light puzzle solving and timing challenges, but overall straightforward gameplay."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Moments of suspense and tension occur, especially in storm and guardian sections."

    • Value
      3

      "Highly praised for emotional and artistic value despite short playtime."

    • Violence
      -5

      "No violence; gameplay focuses on exploration and cooperation."

    • Survival
      1

      "Some avoidance of threats and hazards, but low risk overall."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026