Jusant Reviews
A way up, in this case. Jusant is another banger in a year of endless bangers, as notable for everything it isn’t as much as what it is: a meditative, evocative odyssey up a big tower, with plenty of time to reflect and ponder deftly weaved through the experience by master storytellers who want you to feel every pore of the rock as you ascend, and every ache of the heart that its residents left behind.
Jusant's reach never exceeds its grasp. Smart use of player tools, generous checkpointing options, and a full spectrum of sound take a simple premise to its absolute peak. The deceptively simple climbing and exploration constantly reminds you that you are a single point in a larger ecosystem.
Jusant may be short, but it is truly unforgettable. It is definitely one of those games that will stay with you for years to come. The game truly shows how far DON’T NOD has come in terms of being a developer, and only time will tell what their next masterpiece will be. Jusant may be short, but it is well worth your time and is an absolute must-play.
A perfectly paced vertical exploration of a lost civilisation, that offers the most authentic climbing simulation ever seen in a game and retains its air of mystery and discovery right up to the closing credits.
Jusant is a wonderful, meditative puzzle adventure framed around climbing that effectively draws you into its mysterious world. With creative level designs that make the most of the vertical tower setting, the climbing mechanics are fun and intuitive, and the pacing keeps it from feeling repetitive.
Jusant is my favorite Don’t Nod title since the original Life is Strange and is one of the year’s best gems. The climbing mechanics are so smart and well-executed that I hope other games take notes. Add an inviting presentation, a pleasant soundtrack, and an alluring air of mystery and isolation reminiscent of Team Ico’s best works, and Jusant is a rewarding expedition.
Jusant may seem like a game about just scaling a tower, but the calmness of the climb manifests itself in a way that feels peaceful in the ascension. Movement is focused and deliberate without feeling clunky, and the involvement of the terrain is wonderful. The breezy cliff sides and beautiful landscapes make for a short and sweet experience that anyone can appreciate.
Apart from brief moments of frustration, Jusant is a beautiful and relaxing puzzle-adventure game.
Jusant is one of my favorite gaming experiences of 2023. The rock-climbing gameplay is simple yet extremely satisfying to play, and it's masterfully interwoven with the narrative and lore of the world. It's a surprisingly quaint, emotional story that packs a punch despite having zero spoken dialogue, which is a testament to the narrative chops of Don't Nod. I still find myself thinking about Jusant days after staring a meditative hole through its ending credits.
All in all, Jusant is a delightful joy of a game, and one I’ll use as a standard for indie games from this point on. Not only was it visually striking, but the developers had something to say and they expressed it flawlessly. It finds the perfect balance of being light-hearted while respectfully diving into some darker themes, and the game functions as a dichotomy between the failings of the past and what they can teach the future. That in and of itself is beautiful, but to then seamlessly combine those themes with the blissful experience of climbing makes for an experience that I won’t forget.
Jusant is a relaxing adventure that delivers a beautiful message without relying on the use of dialogue.
Review in French | Read full review
Jusant from developer Don’t Nod is a wonderful example of balancing well-crafted gameplay mechanics to perfectly matched puzzles to use them on.
Combining a gorgeous art style, intriguing setting and a surprisingly old-school yet welcome nod to platforming of the past, Jusant is a terrific adventure full of accomplished set-pieces and smart design throughout.
Jusant is a mesmerizing and almost melodic experience on the Xbox Series X and is probably the must play game of the year.
Climbing to the peak in Jusant may sound like a boring gameplay loop, but for those looking for a meditative and genuinely enjoyable experience, it's anything but.
Anyone who loves a good climbing puzzle game will truly love Jusant and its protagonist. From the many exciting sceneries that you get throughout your journey to the soundtrack that keeps you motivated to keep going. Jusant is a must-have if you ever feel like doing something challenging and daunting.
Jusant demonstrates why Don't Nod should focus on these titles. We have a puzzle game where the master mechanic is climbing and the driving engine is an environmental narrative that will push us to continue climbing, this combination is the work of crazy people or geniuses, and we are more inclined towards the latter. If its curious and interesting proposal appeals to you, don't let it escape, it is one of those games that we will still be talking about in 10 years.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Jusant might start off as a fun climbing game that challenges you to climb a massive mountain, but it’ll end up turning into a journey. Even though Jusant doesn’t have any NPCs, there’s still a rich story to discover in the form of letters from the previous people who lived there. All in all, Jusant might give players with a fear of heights a nightmare or two, but it’s easy enough to look past for a game that’ll leave a lasting impact and maybe even a few fond memories.
Jusant is a game that delivers an experience like no other. Its humble price point makes it accessible to a wide audience, offering a refreshing alternative to the overpriced AAA titles that often dominate the gaming market. The game’s imperfections pale in comparison to the value it provides, and its meditative, exploratory gameplay will captivate those seeking a unique gaming experience. With Jusant, you’re not just purchasing a game; you’re investing in a serene journey to the top of a tower filled with secrets and wonders. Don’t let its modest price tag fool you; Jusant is a hidden gem priced to perfection.
Jusant is one of the only games I've enjoyed playing recently. It has its own unique atmosphere, the emotional story it wants to tell and the bond between the characters works very well. The physics engine is great and the modeling is beautiful. Even if it is successful in every sense, of course, there are problems that cannot get full points.
Review in Turkish | Read full review