Calm, relaxation, reflection. Jusant is the title for you if you’re looking for something other than non-stop action. I had the great good fortune to preview the game and do an interview at Gamescom 2023 about Don’t Nod’s game. (Especially when you get the chance to talk about bugs with the game’s team face-to-face) So, enough of that, let’s climb the mountain that is Jusant.
No penalties.
Jusant is a title where you have to climb and … No crazy gameplay, no 50 different mechanics. We’re talking about a title that will guide you and help you quickly understand its gameplay. Namely: two buttons for climbing, a rest button, a jump button and an interaction. That’s all there is to it. And let me tell you, it totally works. Jusant is a title that’s easy to get to grips with.
It’s easy to see all the possible holds and paths. If at first, the title seems ultra-simplistic. At a certain point, the title turns into a puzzle game where you have to think your way through various obstacles. And it doesn’t take long to get hooked on the game, as you contemplate the different biomes on offer.
A pro at climbing.
Jusant is a title that links this sport with nature, and you quickly realize that this relationship with nature is very important. Especially when you gradually discover why you climb. All this while traversing the sites of an ancient civilization that lived on the mountainside and had a way of life very much linked to nature.
The ambiences are very well executed, and the secondary elements offer plenty of food for thought. You’ll find writings all over the place explaining what happened on the mountain, as well as various elements that will make you wonder how small you really are in the face of this mountain. It’s a poetic waltz that takes you by the hand at every turn. Suffice to say, I loved it.
The other important part of the track is the sound. Everything is there to immerse you body and soul in this adventure that will leave no one unmoved. Jusant is certainly simple, but effective. If the title is short, with limited replayability. We advise you to take your time when climbing. The title offers a lot of lore without ever talking. And its finale… Enough to bring a tear to your eye.
Admittedly, the title isn’t without its faults. Even if it’s been pretty well corrected between preview and release. But that in no way prevents you from finishing the title. Only the last phase was more of a problem for us, as the grips were too bubbly to read. Which is a shame when you’ve got perfect playback throughout the whole adventure.
In the end, Justant is my favorite book of the year. A UFO that comes out of nowhere and is quite different from what the studio has released in the past. And yet, we have a title that is ultra similar in its poetry and the message it conveys. We’re almost (totally) left wanting a sequel with more poetic exploration… The studio proves once again that they are masters in the art of sharing emotions. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
