Most co-op games let you play solo if your friend bails or add a second player for easier completion. On Any Journey from Funbrew Games doesn’t offer that safety net. This is mandatory two-player co-op where both players must actively participate in every puzzle or neither of you progresses. One controller sits idle? The game stops. One player tries carrying while the other zones out? Impossible by design. This Hong Kong and Tianjin-based indie studio built an adventure game that fundamentally requires genuine teamwork, communication, and coordination at every moment. The striking hand-painted art style transferred to 3D models caught attention at the Six One Indie Showcase in September 2025, but the mandatory cooperation philosophy sets it apart in a genre where “co-op” often means “optional assistance.” The heartfelt narrative about three kids trying to fit in and the Final Form Award recognition suggest Funbrew Games created something special for players seeking authentic shared experiences.
Mandatory Cooperation by Design
On Any Journey rejects the half-hearted co-op approach where a second player can jump in to help but isn’t actually necessary. This game requires two players from start to finish with no single-player option and no AI companion filling the second role. Every puzzle, every challenge, every progression point demands both players actively contributing solutions. One player cannot solve challenges while the other watches. The mechanics explicitly prevent solo play by distributing necessary abilities and interactions between both characters.
This design philosophy mirrors games like It Takes Two and Portal 2’s co-op campaign, where puzzles specifically require two people executing complementary actions simultaneously or in precise sequence. But while those games eventually allow skilled players to find workarounds or one player to dominate decision-making, On Any Journey’s puzzle design apparently maintains balance requiring genuine equal participation. Neither player is the “leader” carrying the experience.
The mandatory cooperation extends beyond just puzzle-solving. According to promotional materials, the game features a show-not-tell narrative approach where players uncover story through environmental details and shared discovery rather than exposition dumps. Both players experience revelations together, creating synchronized emotional beats that wouldn’t work if one player could rush ahead or solve everything independently.
Couch Co-Op Focus
On Any Journey prioritizes couch co-op, the traditional split-screen or shared-screen experience where both players occupy the same physical space. Funbrew Games’ developer manifesto emphasizes “safeguarding the pure gaming joy” and specifically highlights how two-player co-op games spark connection and closeness. The studio believes local multiplayer creates resonant experiences that online cooperation can’t fully replicate.
This commitment to couch co-op reflects broader indie trends reviving local multiplayer as major publishers increasingly prioritize online features. Games like Overcooked, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, and Moving Out demonstrated sustained demand for local co-op experiences that bring people together physically rather than just connecting them through voice chat and internet infrastructure.
Whether On Any Journey supports online co-op remains unclear from available information. Many modern couch co-op games add online functionality through services like Steam Remote Play Together, allowing distant friends to share the experience. But the core design philosophy centers on players sitting together, communicating naturally, and sharing reactions in real-time.
Hand-Painted Art Meets 3D
On Any Journey’s most immediately striking feature is its visual presentation. The game utilizes hand-painted artwork transferred to 3D models and environments, creating a distinctive aesthetic that blends traditional artistic techniques with modern game development. According to GameSpot’s coverage from the Six One Indie Showcase, this approach results in visuals that feel painterly and artistic rather than purely digital.
The hand-painted technique involves artists creating 2D artwork using traditional painting methods (or digital tools emulating those methods with brushstrokes and textures), then applying that artwork to 3D geometry. This process creates visuals that maintain painterly qualities like visible brushwork, stylized colors, and artistic interpretation while existing in navigable three-dimensional spaces. Games like Cuphead and Hollow Knight used hand-drawn animation; On Any Journey applies similar philosophy to 3D environments.
Game Informer’s coverage notes the game features both 3D hand-painted art and pixel art, suggesting multiple distinct visual styles throughout the adventure. This variety prevents visual monotony across the campaign while allowing different areas or story segments to establish unique aesthetic identities. The mix of styles might correspond to different regions, character perspectives, or narrative tones as the story progresses.
Story of Three Kids Seeking Acceptance
The narrative centers on three characters: Kai, Mateo, and Summer. These kids grew up in an ordinary town but felt the weight of their differences, experiencing shyness and inferiority from not fitting in with peers. In a bid to belong and find acceptance, they made a wish that launched them into a challenging adventure where they hope their wishes might come true.
This setup establishes relatable themes about childhood insecurity, the desire to belong, and the lengths people go to gain acceptance. The “ordinary town” framing suggests these are normal kids dealing with universal struggles around identity and social connection rather than chosen heroes with special destinies. Their adventure emerges from emotional need rather than external threat or quest assignment.
Throughout their journey, the trio encounters various characters including Bruno, an enigmatic magician; the mysterious mask-wearing Puka clan; and even a giant rockstar ruling ocean depths. The primary antagonist appears to be “Big Man” and his relentless guards who stand in the protagonists’ way. These fantastical elements contrast with the grounded emotional premise, suggesting the adventure operates on metaphorical or dream-logic levels exploring the characters’ internal struggles through external challenges.
Friendship and Self-Discovery
According to promotional descriptions, On Any Journey tells a heartfelt story about friendship and self-discovery. The three protagonists face tough choices and thrilling challenges where confidence battles self-doubt and destiny tests their resolve. The central question becomes whether they’ll hold onto who they truly are or surrender to the fate that seeks to define them.
This thematic focus on maintaining authentic identity despite external pressure resonates with the mandatory co-op design. Just as players must maintain equal partnership rather than one dominating, the characters must preserve individual identities while working together. The gameplay reinforces narrative themes through mechanical requirements for balanced collaboration.
The show-not-tell narrative approach means these themes emerge through gameplay, environmental storytelling, and character interactions rather than exposition. Players discover the emotional core through shared experience, making the story feel earned rather than delivered. This integration of theme and mechanics creates cohesion between what the game says and how it plays.
Funbrew Games Studio
On Any Journey is developed by Funbrew Games, a global indie studio based in Hong Kong and Tianjin, China. Founded in 2022, the relatively young studio established a clear creative vision focused on crafting fun games that safeguard pure gaming joy. This developer manifesto guides their design philosophy, prioritizing player experience and emotional resonance over commercial trends.
The studio specifically believes two-player co-op games spark connection and closeness, which explains their commitment to local multiplayer and mandatory cooperation design. Funbrew Games pours effort into creating resonant experiences crafted with care for every gamer. Their vision involves exploring new possibilities in two-player gaming and inviting players worldwide to join experiences designed around shared joy.
As a studio founded in 2022, Funbrew Games represents the new generation of indie developers emerging from Asia’s growing game development scene. Hong Kong and mainland China have produced increasing numbers of notable indie titles in recent years, with developers bringing unique cultural perspectives and design philosophies to global audiences. On Any Journey represents Funbrew’s debut major release, establishing their identity in the competitive indie landscape.
Final Form Award Winner
On Any Journey won the Final Form Award, recognizing excellence in game development and design. While specific details about this award and the competition context aren’t widely documented, the recognition suggests industry and peer validation of Funbrew Games’ creative vision and execution. Awards provide valuable visibility for indie games competing for attention in crowded marketplaces.
The award recognition came alongside the game’s appearance at major indie showcases including the Six One Indie Showcase in September 2025, where it received coverage from major gaming outlets including IGN, GameSpot, and Game Informer. These showcase appearances introduce games to wider audiences through curated presentations highlighting notable upcoming releases.
The Six One Indie Showcase featured 40 games, and On Any Journey’s inclusion among highlighted titles indicates strong industry interest. Game Informer specifically called out its unique visual mix and creative approach, suggesting it stood out even among other quality indie presentations. This visibility helps build wishlists and community interest ahead of launch.
Demo Available Now
A playable demo for On Any Journey is available on Steam, allowing potential players to experience the mandatory co-op gameplay and distinctive visual style before the full release. The demo provides crucial opportunity for players to determine whether the mandatory cooperation appeals to them and whether they have a suitable co-op partner willing to commit to the full experience.
Demo availability particularly matters for mandatory co-op games since players need assurance their gaming partner will enjoy the experience. Unlike single-player games where individuals decide independently, co-op games require coordinated purchase decisions. Demos reduce risk by letting both players test compatibility with the gameplay style and each other before financial commitment.
The full game currently shows as “Coming Soon” on Steam with no announced release date. The demo availability suggests development has reached polished vertical slice stage where Funbrew Games feels confident showcasing representative gameplay. This typically indicates release within 6-12 months, positioning On Any Journey for potential 2026 launch.
Platform Availability
On Any Journey is confirmed for PC release via Steam, with no announced console versions at this time. However, given the couch co-op focus and controller-friendly gameplay, console ports would make natural sense if the PC release succeeds. Games emphasizing local multiplayer often find particularly receptive audiences on Nintendo Switch, where portable screen and included controllers facilitate casual local co-op sessions.
The game’s hand-painted aesthetic and side-scrolling perspective suggest moderate system requirements that shouldn’t demand cutting-edge hardware. This accessibility broadens potential audience beyond just high-end gaming PC owners to include laptop players and those with older systems.
Side-Scrolling Adventure Format
On Any Journey uses side-scrolling perspective, the classic 2D viewpoint where characters move left-to-right (or right-to-left) across environments viewed from the side. This format dominated early gaming and remains popular for platformers, action games, and adventure titles because it provides clear spatial relationships and intuitive movement.
The side-scrolling perspective works particularly well for co-op gameplay since both players share the same screen view without camera conflicts. Three-dimensional co-op games often struggle with camera management when players separate or pursue different objectives. Side-scrolling eliminates these complications, keeping both players on the same literal and figurative page throughout the adventure.
Combined with the puzzle-solving focus, the side-scrolling format suggests gameplay similar to titles like Trine, Unravel Two, or Degrees of Separation, where environmental puzzles require coordinated character abilities and precise timing. Players likely control different characters with complementary skills, requiring communication about when and how to use specific abilities to overcome obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play On Any Journey solo?
No. On Any Journey requires two players throughout the entire game with no single-player mode or AI companion option. Both players must actively participate.
Is online co-op supported?
The game emphasizes couch co-op (local multiplayer). Online co-op hasn’t been explicitly confirmed, though Steam Remote Play Together might enable remote co-op functionality.
When does On Any Journey release?
The game is listed as “Coming Soon” on Steam with no announced release date. Based on demo availability and showcase appearances, a 2026 release seems likely.
What platforms will it be available on?
PC via Steam is confirmed. Console versions haven’t been announced but would suit the couch co-op focus if the PC version succeeds.
Who developed On Any Journey?
Funbrew Games, an indie studio based in Hong Kong and Tianjin, China, founded in 2022. This is their debut major release.
What is the visual style?
The game features hand-painted artwork transferred to 3D models and environments, plus pixel art sections, creating multiple distinct visual styles throughout the adventure.
What type of puzzles does it have?
Specific puzzle mechanics haven’t been detailed, but they require tight teamwork and creative problem-solving where both players must contribute actively to progress.
Is there a demo available?
Yes, a free demo is available on Steam allowing two players to experience the mandatory co-op gameplay before purchasing.
How long is the game?
Playtime hasn’t been announced. Based on similar narrative co-op adventures, expect roughly 6-12 hours depending on puzzle difficulty and exploration.
What makes it different from other co-op games?
The mandatory cooperation where both players must actively participate throughout, combined with hand-painted 3D visuals and heartfelt narrative about childhood acceptance and identity.
Final Thoughts
On Any Journey represents a specific vision for what co-op gaming should be. Funbrew Games didn’t create a game where a second player can optionally tag along. They built an experience fundamentally requiring two people working together as equals, where neither can dominate or carry while the other coasts. This design demands finding the right co-op partner, someone willing to engage fully rather than just occupying a controller slot.
That commitment to genuine cooperation either appeals strongly or doesn’t resonate at all. Players seeking authentic shared experiences where collaboration genuinely matters will appreciate design that enforces partnership through mechanics rather than just encouraging it through difficulty. But players wanting flexibility to play solo when friends aren’t available or who prefer controlling all aspects personally won’t find compromise here.
The hand-painted 3D art style provides immediate visual differentiation in screenshots and trailers, making On Any Journey stand out in crowded indie showcases. The multiple visual styles suggest artistic ambition and variety preventing monotony across the campaign. Combined with themes about childhood acceptance and identity, the aesthetic choices reinforce emotional tone rather than existing purely for novelty.
As Funbrew Games’ debut release from a young studio founded in 2022, On Any Journey establishes their creative identity and design philosophy. The Final Form Award recognition and Six One Indie Showcase inclusion validate their approach, providing visibility that helps indie games survive in competitive markets. Whether commercial success follows depends largely on finding sufficient audience for mandatory co-op experiences in era where flexibility often trumps commitment.
The demo provides perfect opportunity to test whether On Any Journey resonates with you and your potential co-op partner. Download it with someone you trust for genuine collaboration, someone you can communicate with naturally and whose company you genuinely enjoy. If the mandatory cooperation frustrates rather than enhances, you’ll know immediately. If it creates satisfying shared problem-solving and emotional connection, you’ve found your next co-op adventure.
Local co-op gaming thrives through indie developers like Funbrew Games willing to build experiences designed around shared physical space and coordinated effort. While online multiplayer dominates industry focus and major publisher investment, couch co-op maintains dedicated audience seeking connection through shared gaming rather than isolated parallel experiences connected only through headsets. On Any Journey joins growing catalogue of indie titles proving local multiplayer remains viable and valuable when developers commit to it fully.
Wishlist On Any Journey on Steam if mandatory cooperation and heartfelt narrative about acceptance resonate with your gaming preferences. Support indie studios pursuing specific creative visions rather than chasing market trends. And most importantly, identify your co-op partner now. This isn’t a game you can play alone or half-heartedly. It requires two people genuinely willing to journey together, and that commitment makes every shared success feel earned.