Jusant review (PS5)

In Don’t Nod’s latest offering, Jusant, players are thrust into a world where the remnants of a once vibrant civilization now lie dormant, shrouded in mystery. As you embark on your ascent up the colossal tower, you’re looking to uncover the mystery that cloaks this abandoned realm. It’s a departure from the games we know the developer for, but the attention to visual detail is astounding; from weathered artifacts to overgrown foliage, each element whispers tales of a bygone era – crafting a wonderful sense of atmosphere. We tested the PlayStation 5 version.

The narrative in Jusant is ingeniously woven into the very fabric of its gameplay. You’re not merely scaling a tower, but rather, engaging in a detective-like story, peeling back layers of the past as you move upwards and onwards. The collectible letters you come across serve as poignant windows into the lives of those who once inhabited this realm, infusing life into the desolation you see around you. These stories, which include people’s attempts at poetry, breathe humanity into the barren expanse. Moreover, they seamlessly guide you through the tower’s history, ensuring your climb is never devoid of purpose.

The climbing mechanics in Jusant have been implemented in an intuitive manner. With ropes and carabiners at your disposal, every ascent becomes a combination of strategy and precision. The dual-trigger control scheme feels tactile on the DualSense, though it can strain the fingers during prolonged climbs – which in an ironic way is also kind of immersive. Fortunately, the game offers well-paced respites, striking a balance between challenge and relaxation. The stamina system adds an extra layer of strategy, urging players to plan their climbs well. The safety net provided by the rope fosters a sense of security while doing so, allowing for a meditative, unhurried experience rather than a stressful one.

The tower itself is a puzzle waiting to be unraveled, with a myriad of paths leading to greater heights. The verticality introduces an innovative dimension, as you navigate both the inner and outer surfaces of the tower. The ever-changing weather conditions and environmental elements inject a freshness into the climbing experience that mixes things up. The scorching sun, for instance, demands quicker decisions, emphasizing the importance of planning your route.

Despite the solitude that pervades Jusant, you’re accompanied by the endearing Ballast—a water-formed companion. Ballast’s echo ability breathes life into the surroundings, aiding in your ascent and showcasing a genuine bond. The option to interact with and pet this blue friend is a delightful touch, deepening the emotional connection where other characters are missing.

Jusant is a testament to the potential of interactive storytelling. The synergy between narrative and gameplay is seamless here, blurring the lines between a climbing game and an emotional journey. The worldbuilding is second to none, offering a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to your ascent – which is extra impressive considering that we mainly know Don’t Nod from their interaction-driven games like Life is Strange. The absence of spoken dialogue, while initially surprising, proves to be an ingenious choice, allowing players to immerse themselves in the story at their own pace.

In conclusion, Jusant is not a game that seeks to win you over with explosive action. Instead, it invites you to set your own pace, to linger and explore a world seemingly frozen in time, with secrets to hide. The climbing mechanics are very well done, transforming each ascent into a captivating puzzle. And while the game’s brevity may deter some, those seeking respite from the whirlwind of blockbuster releases we’re seeing right now should definitely check out Jusant.

Score: 8.2/10