Jusant | PS5 Review
Throughout the years, climbing in video games has been one of the most satisfying feelings. Some games allow you to climb just about anything, while others have very deliberate paths and make it feel like a puzzle. Usually, these are just a small part in a game, but the sole premise of Jusant from Don’t Nod is a puzzle game based around climbing. While not a very long game, it is a fun, relaxing experience that nails that satisfaction only climbing a wall in a video game can.
Low Tide
In Jusant, you play as an unnamed wanderer traveling with a small, water-based creature named a ballast, trying to climb up this tall, isolated natural structure. Once inhabited, this structure is now desolate as the jusant, meaning low tide, has made this place uninhabitable. Jusant has no dialogue, as you are the only human present, so all information about this place and what happened is through letters left behind. It takes a very minimalistic approach to story, but the climbing is the most important part.
L2, R2, L2, R2
In most games, climbing is usually just jumping on to a place you can climb and then moving the direction you need to go. Jusant is much more involved with its controls. You have a dedicated button for each hand (L2 and R2) and have to alternate to climb. There is also the ability to put a stake to serve as both a checkpoint, but also to swing from your rope to get to a different section. But you have to watch out for your stamina meter. If you travel too fast or do not give yourself enough of a break, your stamina meter will run out, and the character will let go of the handholds. The controls did take some getting used to, but I was able to grasp them relatively quickly.
As you progress, the game will add different elements to keep the gameplay fresh. The environment can change, and you have to navigate different elements. One of the earlier levels spends a large amount of time out in the heat, so you have to get to shade to get your stamina back. Another level includes wind that will slow you down, and in another you have to know how much rope to swing with to jump. Eventually, the ballast becomes a useful companion to help solve puzzles.
To me, Jusant was a very relaxing game. Rarely did I ever spend too much time thinking about how to get one from one area to another. Occasionally, there were some times the character did not perform the action I was attempting, such as trying to grab a specific handhold, but this was few and far between. While some might want more challenging puzzles, I really appreciated just having a nice relaxing game.
Gorgeous Environments
Jusant is by no means the best graphically looking game. However, the art style was absolutely stunning to me. There were moments where I just had to sit there and stare at what I was looking at. I remember finishing a level with the start of the next in a cave region with large glowing jellyfish. I sat there and stared for a good amount of time as I was just shocked at the scene I was witnessing. The last time I can vividly remember doing that was during a scene in The Last of Us back when I played that in 2017. I was completely surprised at some of the beauty this game was able to capture.
The Final Verdict
Jusant is a beautiful, relaxing game all about climbing this natural structure. The game is not long, as it took me about 6 hours to complete, but felt like the perfect length. What it lacks in story it makes up for in beautiful environments and fun, satisfying climbing mechanics. I highly recommend this game to anyone who wants to have a calming climbing experience.
To hear me talk more about Jusant, be sure to listen to the November 1st, 2023 episode of The Gaming Outsider Podcast around the 49:22 time stamp.
This review is based on a Playstation 5 copy of Jusant provided by HomeRun PR for coverage purposes. It is also available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox GamePass, and PC via Steam.
Jusant
$24.99
Pros
- More Involved, Fun Climbing Mechanics
- Beautiful Environment
- Relaxing Experience
- Does Not Overstay Its Welcome
Cons
- Occasional Technical Issues
