Jusant is a charming rock-climbing adventure game developed by DON’T NOD, the studio known for its edge of the seat narrative-driven games like Life is Strange. This game invites you to embark on a serene journey up a towering structure filled with mystery and beauty. Perfectly capturing the game’s tranquil atmosphere, the name “Jusant” comes from the French word for the receding tide.
In Jusant, you play as a young climber accompanied by an odd creature that resembles a flying whale. Together, you explore a world filled with vibrant colours and intricate environmental puzzles. The game emphasizes exploration and discovery, allowing you to uncover the secrets of a long-abandoned tower.
Unlike traditional platformers, Jusant offers a peaceful experience, focusing on the joy of climbing rather than the stress of failure. Get ready to scale new heights and uncover the story hidden within the tower as we take a look at this unique gaming experience.
A climb through history
Jusant’s story unfolds as you climb a mysterious tower with your flying whale-like companion. The narrative is subtle and relies heavily on environmental storytelling. You discover letters, journal entries, and artifacts that reveal the history of the tower and its former inhabitants. What really caught my interest and kept me engaged is that this method of storytelling invites you to meaningfully piece together the past. This creates a sense of wonder and connection to Jusant’s world.
There are times, however, that Jusant’s story lacks the emotional depth you expect. Some story beats feel underdeveloped, which left me wanting more. While there is no spoken dialogue in the game, this is both good and bad. Good in that it adds to the game’s unique charm. Bad, in that it limits the emotional impact of the story.
The game’s collectibles you find meaningfully add to the story but require work to fully appreciate them. Ultimately, Jusant offers an interesting narrative that, while not perfect, encourages you to stop and reflect on your journey and the world around you.
Gameplay that invites you to enjoy the journey as much as the destination
Jusant offers a unique gameplay experience that is centered around rock climbing. The climbing mechanics are intuitive, allowing you to easily grasp the controls. The game evolves its mechanics over time, introducing new tools and challenges that keep the gameplay fresh. You can set anchor points during your ascent, which prevents losing significant progress after a fall.
Each chapter presents different environmental puzzles that require you to think creatively about your climbing strategy. This design choice creates a low-stress environment, making climbing feel rewarding rather than punishing. There are a few minor issues with gameplay that I found that are worth mentioning.
First, momentum-stalling obstacles can be frustrating, interrupting the flow of your climb. Second, certain interior areas are too dark, making it hard to see. Finally, while the game encourages exploration, I think that the lack of challenging encounters is a missed opportunity. Regardless, the gameplay does a good job in creating a meditative and engaging climbing experience. The combination of beautiful environments and satisfying mechanics makes this a stand out game in my opinion.
Beautiful minimalist art style
One of the most impressive aspects of Jusant’s presentation is its beautiful, minimalist art style. Each chapter presents unique areas, each bursting with vibrant colours. The blend of earthy tones, bright blues, and greens creates a visually engaging experience.
The environments are filled with intricate details, from abandoned structures to hidden grottos. Every location feels alive, enhancing your sense of exploration. Lighting plays an important role in setting the mood, though some indoor areas can be overly dark.
The sound design features a haunting musical soundtrack that adds emotional depth to your journey. It shifts seamlessly between moments of adventure and reflection, creating a meditative atmosphere. Overall, the combination of the beautiful minimalistic art style and the sound design help make Jusant a memorable adventure.
Jusant’s charm and beauty leave a lasting impression that will stick with you long after you’ve reached the top
Jusant provides a unique and engaging experience that skillfully combines climbing mechanics with environmental storytelling. The game’s beautiful visuals and calming atmosphere create a meditative journey that encourages you to explore. You’ll find yourself immersed in vibrant landscapes, where each climb feels rewarding and satisfying. The clever design of the climbing mechanics makes for a smooth and enjoyable experience, allowing you to easily lose track of time as you navigate the tower.
Some might be disappointed by the lack of challenge, as the forgiving mechanics can make the game feel too easy at times. Additionally, certain story elements may not have enough emotional depth, leaving you wanting more from the narrative. The dark interior areas can also be frustrating, as they sometimes hide your path and make navigation tricky.
In the end, I think Jusant shines in creating a cohesive and engaging experience. The subtle story, told through collectibles and environmental details, adds depth to your journey without relying on dialogue. While it may not be perfect, its charm and beauty leave a lasting impression that will stick with you long after you’ve reached the top.
Jusant
Summary
Jusant combines climbing mechanics with storytelling through the environment, all set in beautiful visuals and a relaxing atmosphere. As you explore colourful landscapes, each climb feels rewarding, making it a meditative journey. The lack of challenge and certain points in the story not having enough emotional depth might be a turn off for some. Overall, Jusant offers a well-rounded experience with a subtle story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished your climb.
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