Jusant Xbox Series X Review
| Game: | Jusant |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Don't Nod |
| Developer: |
The allure of reaching great heights lies in both the exhilarating journey upwards and the breathtaking panorama from the summit, a sentiment echoed in numerous games. Scaling heights in a game evokes a potent sense of achievement, evident in the proliferation of climbing mechanics and the emergence of games centred around this very concept. It’s clear that many game creators are captivated by the same thrill.
Crafted by the minds behind the original Life is Strange, Don’t Nod, Jusant centres on the exhilarating climb. As you journey to ascend an abandoned tower, you uncover its past through notes left by previous inhabitants. However, it’s the beautiful journey to the pinnacle that truly defines the experience, accompanied by a memorable soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere and emotional depth of your climb.
Kicking off with the fundamentals, Jusant puts you in independent control of each of your unnamed character’s hands, tasked with grasping onto various handholds while managing your stamina. Depleted stamina can lead to a dangerous fall, so it’s crucial to monitor it closely. You have the option to rest and replenish stamina (you’ll fully replenish it once back on solid ground), leap upwards to reach otherwise inaccessible handholds, swing on climbing ropes, and ascend or descend them. Additionally, you can strategically place a finite amount of pitons during your climb, serving as a safety measure in case of mistakes.
Despite its high accessibility and the lack of risk of fatal falls, Jusant introduces new challenges to your climb. These include handholds that disappear when exposed to sunlight and a quicker depletion of stamina. Additionally, there are rock creature handholds that, while complicating your ascent, can also aid you as they move. Juggling all these factors simultaneously significantly increases the difficulty, making for a more dynamic and engaging experience.
Jusant offers a predominantly atmospheric and solitary journey, but you’ll discover that you’re not entirely alone in this climbing odyssey. The Ballast, a mysterious blue frog-like creature, makes its appearance and provides assistance in various forms. It can guide you to points of interest (amongst them are cairns, shells and notes) and illuminate your path, while also aiding your ascent by growing vines and flowers that serve as handholds.
Jusant showcases masterfully crafted level design, where climbing serves as a puzzle, enriching the overall experience and occasionally presenting challenges regarding your next move. Despite being one continuous ascent, the variety in locations is striking; one moment you’re climbing under the scorching sun, and the next, you’re scaling a beautifully illuminated cave. With its glorious art design and seamless performance, Jusant offers a visually captivating journey that’s as enjoyable to behold as it is to navigate.
To sum up, Jusant provides a mesmerizing 4-6 hour journey that is truly a work of art. Don’t Nod has created some brilliantly executed climbing mechanics, striking a perfect balance of accessibility and challenge. With its immersive atmosphere, the game manages to be both captivating and calming. Scaling to the top is the task here, and the results are a top game.
