Jusant is a small indie title that can be enjoyed as part of the Game Pass subscription service. Alternatively, this fantastic game can be purchased for a reasonable fee. Accordingly, if you wish to try something slightly unusual, then this should be on your radar.
This platform adventure title was developed and published by DON’T NOD. Furthermore, it tells an exceptional story without uttering a single word. Consequently, you must piece together pieces of this abstract tale whilst absorbing a stunning environment. Word of warning, however, if you have a fear of heights, this may make your head spin.
Jusant is breathtakingly relaxing.
Slow-paced games divide opinions. Yet, I adore an unusual experience. This linear climbing game demands an eye for detail and a stomach for heights. Moreover, the drip-fed story and interesting snippets of lore are captivating. If you then consider the stunning environment and your cute sidekick, it is easy to fall for its charms.
You control an adventurer who wishes to explore a challenging yet beautiful world. As the hero climbs difficult walls, they discover unique biomes of an otherwise forgotten civilisation. En route, you’ll befriend a strange creature that’ll assist you on your journey. With their help, you’ll carve new paths and reach otherwise impossible heights.
The action crawls along at a snail’s pace. However, it is this relaxed approach that makes it so wonderful. As you climb each rock face, you discover hidden rooms and plenty of secrets. Additionally, the further you explore, the clearer things become. As such, you won’t want to stop until you discover every secret.
Stunning mechanics.
Though Jusant is undeniably simple, the core mechanics are stunning. The game demands you move from location to location via rope and your hands. Moreover, you must swing like a chimp between the trees. This was exceptionally basic but extremely fun and rewarding. On top of this, the linear approach ensures that you rarely go wrong. Accordingly, this allows you to focus on the story.
The hero is armed with 3 pitons, a rope, and an adorable sidekick. Each of these elements helps you to navigate tight spaces and stomach-churning heights. Alongside this, the natural hand and foot holes must be manipulated to reach each new location. Though a new path wasn’t always clear, a little trial and error went a long way. Additionally, it was gratifying when you solved each basic puzzle.
On top of this, your sidekick helps to create new paths. With their assistance, you can reach otherwise impossible-to-find locations. This was a fantastic decision by the developers as the game unfolds at a comfortable pace.
Jusant looks beautiful.
Though Jusant is deceptively linear, the world feels enormous. The sprawling landscapes are awash with cool colours and vibrant accents. Additionally, the feeling of depth adds a layer of trepidation as you explore each vertical climb. The views are breathtaking, and the hidden rooms are unique and interesting to explore.
This is complemented by a gloriously atmospheric soundtrack. The wonderful ambient sounds and calming music are relaxing. Furthermore, the lack of spoken dialogue adds to the sense of mystery. As such, it is easy to lose yourself in this stunning experience.
Intuitive controls.
Jusant is wonderfully straightforward. Subsequently, mastering the controls is a joyful experience. Alongside this, the excellent tutorial and intuitive controls make this a great title to play. Whether you are swinging between gaps, leaping obstacles, or climbing rock faces, it rarely gets old.
Where Jusant is lacking is its longevity. Unfortunately, you’ll need no more than 5 to 6 hours to complete it. As such, you will be disappointed when things come to an end. Thankfully, though, it is free to play on Game Pass. Therefore, though it is short, you’ll love every stunning moment.
Jusant is a fine indie experience.
Indie games continue to surprise me. Consequently, Jusant is a touching and interesting climbing title that looks and sounds fantastic. Moreover, the blend of puzzles, platforming, and drip-fed lore is captivating. As such, this is a fine indie experience. I love this game and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you discover the secrets of a forgotten civilisation? Grab your ropes, climb each rock face, and discover a stunning story.
