Old Man's Journey

The result is a game that reminds me of a picture postcard, or maybe a whimsical poem written by a friend on a long vacation. Old Man’s Journey is sweet, meandering and undemanding, a pleasant while-away that’s full of feeling, at least for as long as the wandering lasts.

And so, Old Man's Journey is a game with all of these prickles of delight but where the interstitial matter often feels humdrum. It's short enough that you can still pick those delights out even if you're not satisfied with the rest of the interactions, but you can't help but wonder, what if it had found a way to make the whole thing shine?

Simplicity is the biggest strength of Old Man’s Journey. It doesn’t require you to be a genius or a master gamer, but to have a penchant for something more oft-kilter. That it manages to be a satisfying experience all without saying a single word is remarkable and definitely worth a look.

Old Man’s Journey is about an elderly man who decides to go backpacking through the countryside – an idea that might sound uninspired and dull. However, Broken Rules breathes life into its premise with a fantastic art style, emotional storytelling, and well designed puzzles that make for a great bite-sized adventure. It’s compelling, and a treat for those who like well-told stories and intriguing puzzles.

Even with its heartfelt tale, Old Man’s Journey felt less like a game one can get invested in and more like something to be played, say, on a long bus trip. It does come with beautiful levels that feel like large paintings which, coupled with the soundtrack, have the ability to draw you in their world. While the simplistic gameplay can be excused, the pacing of the story detracts from the experience.  Old Man’s Journey is a nice little choice for when you just want to relax. When it comes to having a compelling narrative, the PC boasts other, better, alternatives.