FlOw (2006) revolves around various creatures making their way down different layers in the ocean, eating smaller creatures and gradually growing in size and power. The focus is to reach the deepest, darkest layer of the ocean to reach an egg, which unlocks the next creature type to play as. Each playable character brings different play styles, coupled with different background colours, with the initial creature being able to boost, the jellyfish-like creature being able to spin, the dolphin creature being able to rapidly boost but for only a short period of time, and so on. The controls rely on the SIXAXIS and are quite awkward to grasp. The first message you get when starting the game is “go with the flOw”, which is what you will have to do with the controls. However, once you get the hang of the controls the game is fantastic, with visuals highlighting tiny details within the water, and making all the creatures radiate and glow. The soundtrack is subtle, adding more to the tone of the game rather than the playing experience. Overall flOw is a fantastic game, with a selection of playable creatures that adds an element of replayability, however it is the weakest title within the collection.

Flower (2009) is the story on a potted plant by a window in a city dreaming of being outside and free. You start each level as a single petal and travel through the air, gradually making other flowers bloom, adding more petals to yourself. The addition of other petals makes grow in size and beauty, with some flowers giving additional effects, such as speed boost and glowing. Flower, like its predecessor flOw, also uses the SIXAXIS as its primary control scheme, but in all the right ways. Moving the controller to reflect the petal felt natural and fluid and greatly enhanced the immersion of the game. The vivid colours of the natural landscape contrasted against the murky colours of the urban areas are stunning. The score of this game added a lot to the experience, with musical notes resonating when flowers bloomed, adding an extra layer of beauty to the game. The game is paced very well, with each level having a different objective, yet still remaining quite open; allowing you to explore and take in the landscape.

Journey (2012) tells the tale of a cloaked wanderer whose target is the summit of a distant mountain. As you work your way through a vast open desert, hidden ruins and the snow drenched mountain, you will have the opportunity to run into others on their own journey. This unique form of online multiplayer adds another layer of depth to the gameplay, with meeting others not always being a guarantee. Your only method of communication with your new potential companion is a single musical shout and a glowing symbol above your head. The two of you can decide to travel the game together for a time, or part ways then and there. It is only by completing your journey that you find out other players you encountered names, which is bizarre as you become oddly attached to them when you play along side them. As you play through the game you have the choice of SIXAXIS motion controls, or standard analogue controls, which is a welcome relief from the motion control heavy flOw and Flower. The level design throughout the game is remarkable, with a soundtrack that is as much a part of the gameplay experience and the game itself. Journey is the strongest title within the collection, and it rightly deserves its position as the namesake of the edition.

The Journey Collector’s Edition is a beautiful remastering of three already visually stunning games. Each has its own unique tone that makes them stand out in the collection, yet still ties them together nicely. Each game is quite short, leaving you wanting more, and yet never over staying its welcome. This game is a must have for anyone who missed out on playing any of these games on the last gen console, or who want to experience them all over again in HD.