10 PERFECT Sound Design Moments That Improved Video Games

3. Journey – Chirping Away

It’s hard to pick one moment from Journey that isn’t masterfully steeped in sound design. The sinister sweepings of enemy Guardians, sand-surfing desert dunes, and blizzard-swept mountains all blend into one colossal, captivating chorus of sound.

To those playing at the height of Journey’s success, those peaceful soundscapes would most likely give way to a tiny chirping in the far-off distance: another player. Fellow players cannot communicate through voice chat. Instead, they are given one command to chirp at varying durations.

Despite these limited options, many gamers have amazing stories of adventuring with anonymous travellers, with some even communicating through morse code. The chirp can also help boost a companion’s flight ability, and vice versa, leading to some delightful moments of gliding along some sandy dunes together.

It’s harder to come across companions as the player base declines, yet the game is still worth a play for its jaw-dropping soundscapes and scenery. Who knows? Maybe that little red figure on the horizon is a new friend searching for a travel buddy.