The Journey Down: Chapter One

 PC
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Ragequit.gr
    Aug 20, 2014
    87
    This first chapter serves as a truly special start for an episodic adventure game. It has many positive aspects packed together -unique looks, lovable main characters, awesome voice overs, a price that makes it a must buy- and contains a respectful number of puzzles. If some of them were a bit more challenging, its length would easily be extended. In any case, it's an ideal and very promising debut.
  2. PC Master (Greece)
    May 28, 2012
    84
    Unique presentation, flawless voice acting, interesting plot, many promises for a sequel, plentiful puzzles, smooth design and memorable characters: in a nutshell, that's the first episode of Journey Down. [June 2012]
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  3. 4P.de
    Jul 26, 2012
    83
    If you got a weak spot for goofy slapstick comedy, you are in for a treat! A smooth interface complements the old-school approach, although puzzles should have been more of a challenge.
  5. Destructoid
    Jul 5, 2012
    80
    The 3D models are simple, but effective, and the cut scenes add a lot of extra life to the proceedings.
  6. Adventure Gamers
    May 22, 2012
    80
    Though only teasing the series' larger story arc for now, The Journey Down's HD remake is a short but vibrant indie adventure that far exceeds the quality of many full-blown retail games.
  7. Gamereactor Sweden
    May 18, 2012
    80
    Have you ever played a point & click adventure before? Cool, then you'll know exactly what The Journey Down has to offer. It does it great though, with just the right mix of puzzle and humour.
  8. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 13, 2012
    79
    Though it's essentially an extended prologue with very little story, the first chapter of The Journey Down shows promise. There's plenty of humor and old-fashioned adventure charm here, even though some of the puzzles are a bit too goofy. Now hurry up and make more chapters! [Aug 2012]
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  9. Multiplayer.it
    Jun 12, 2012
    79
    Super cool characters, vibrant setting and originale take on classic puzzles. Unfortunately you could beat it in a couple of hours and we still don't know when the second episode would be released.
  10. CD-Action
    Mar 5, 2013
    75
    A beautiful homage to Grim Fandango. Not perfect though – Chapter One is short, could be funnier and the choice of some of the voices is questionable. [CD-Action 03/2013, p.66]
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  11. RPG Fan
    Jan 30, 2013
    75
    After just one chapter, I'm not sure I'd put The Journey Down in the realm of classics like Grim Fandango, or with the best of its episodic contemporaries like The Walking Dead and Back to the Future. But it's worth the purchase price, and I will definitely keep an eye out for the next episode's release.
  12. GameWatcher
    Aug 9, 2012
    75
    Instilled with an obvious reverence and applied knowledge of the genre, The Journey Down is an adventure game made by people who love adventure games. The ride's a little bumpy at the moment, but it's surely going interesting places.
  13. Gamer.nl
    Jul 18, 2012
    75
    The Journey Down is so heavily inspired by the LucasArts-adventures of fifteen years ago, that you'd almost call it plagiarism. But that's good news, because dear old uncle George doesn't make them anymore. Unfortunately, just the first chapter is available. And by the time the world and story manage to grab you, it's over.
  14. The Escapist
    Jan 18, 2013
    70
    The Journey Down: Chapter One combines an intuitive control scheme, HD graphics, and classic point-and-click adventure gameplay to set up an intriguing story. The first episode lags a bit, and the voice acting doesn't add nearly as much as the improved visuals, but still shows a lot of promise for a potentially great series.
  15. Eurogamer Sweden
    Jan 14, 2013
    70
    An adventure game with a unique design and shows promise for the upcoming chapters, despite some flat dialogue.
  16. Gamer.no
    Jun 29, 2012
    70
    A very pleasant adventure with an unique style and plenty of fun moments. If you're looking for a good way to pass an evening you can do a lot worse than spending it with The Journey Down.
  17. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jun 18, 2012
    70
    Original style, nice 2D visuals and fantastic jazz & reggae music with great playability will thrill every gamer – but only for 3-4 hours with no sequel in distance sight. [June 2012]
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  18. Absolute Games
    Jun 28, 2012
    68
    The game's endearing visual style and amusing (albeit clichéd) story are let down by the overall laziness of its creators.
  19. Gameblog.fr
    Jul 10, 2012
    60
    It's somewhat courageous to attempt the episodic adventure game when you're not TellTale, but that's what Skygoblin opted for. And their game is actually nice, if you like the character design and don't mind its point & click gameplay being rather old school, and the character movements so slow-paced and shortcut-lacking. The background and tone of the game are both quite nice.
  20. Eurogamer
    May 29, 2012
    60
    It's a solid adventure game with high production values and sharp design. There's a courageous allure to an indie team trying to stand toe-to-toe with LucasArts' masterpieces, and that they've come this close with their first entry in the genre is no minor accomplishment.
  21. PC Gamer UK
    Aug 12, 2012
    57
    Struggles for relevance as a commercial game. [Sept 2012, p.109]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 51
  3. Negative: 4 out of 51
  1. Santiago_fisher
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    Don't listen to bad critics, the game is simply amazing, great voice acting, great story, great music, the only bad thing of this game is thatDon't listen to bad critics, the game is simply amazing, great voice acting, great story, great music, the only bad thing of this game is that its simply short, probably 2-3 hours of game , but come on, its first chapter, the price is even low for this game, some puzzles are easy and theres is a lot of good humor in the game, i enjoyed too much of this game and i dont really like Point n click, just give it a try, im sure you will find a piece of gold in Journey Down.… Full Review »
  2. Underpants158
    Dec 3, 2013
    7
    Pros:
    -Puzzles are logical and solvable
    -Unique characters and setting Cons: -2 hour long game! -The game doesn't have the same type of    Pros:
    -Puzzles are logical and solvable
    -Unique characters and setting
    Cons:
    -2 hour long game!
    -The game doesn't have the same type of charm of other games of the genre.
    -Possibly too easy

    Conclusion: if the game is on sale on steam for a few bucks I'd recommend picking it up! I am excited for what is to come with the series. I like to think this is just a small glimpse and the puzzles, world, characters, and length of the game will all be expanded upon in chapters to come.    … Full Review »
  3. wisnoskij
    Jul 3, 2012
    8
    Quite good, and even better now with the reduced price. I love the graphics, I love the music, and the gameplay is decent classic adventureQuite good, and even better now with the reduced price. I love the graphics, I love the music, and the gameplay is decent classic adventure fair. And the story is quite good, but really seemed to only give you a hint at what you will discover in episode 2.… Full Review »
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