It may seem strange to start talking about a game by talking about another game. But there’s no better way to sell Jusant to you than by talking to you about Journey. So certainly, fifteen years after the release of the indie game that revolutionized indie gaming, the comparison seems a bit trite. However, it is very difficult, if not impossible, not to think of Journey while playing Jusant.
Jusant is the newest product from Don’t Nod, the French studio (cocorico!) behind the acclaimed films Remember Me and Life is Strange. Released on October 31, the game, like many games before it, draws inspiration from Journey’s incredible atmosphere between unspoken words and the beauty of the landscapes to deliver a truly unforgettable experience. We explain why we love this game from start to finish.
Justant, the climb to reach the summit
If I had to sum up Jusant in one word, which would be very difficult, it would definitely be the climb. Climbing is actually at the center of the gameplay story of the game. It all starts with our character reaching the bottom of a huge cliff after crossing an arid desert where only a few animals survive. The escalation begins later and does not end until the end of the game.
Let’s quickly address the elephant in the room: climbing is rarely the most fun mechanic in a game. It usually involves moving your joystick in a certain direction, possibly pressing a button to jump, and voila. Frankly, the prospect that the entire game will focus on this mechanic is not very encouraging.
Let’s be honest, Justant doesn’t completely solve this problem. The gameplay is certainly refreshed throughout the adventure, but it’s clear that the formula is quickly becoming redundant. Yes but. Don’t Nod has its first great idea: incorporating your controller’s triggers. To climb Jusant, you need to find a handhold on the wall, point your joystick in that direction, then attach your left hand to it using the left trigger and do the opposite with your right hand.
It all delivers a very organic gameplay that is reminiscent of a certain Shadow of the Colossus and gives a sense of grip in the hands that we hold on to for dear life, even if our character is hooked. It is permanent and there is no risk of falling into the void. The second good idea of Don’t Nod is to cover this gameplay with a breathtaking narrative.
Ebbing is stunningly beautiful
You’ll never really know what’s going on in Jusant and what you’re doing there. You will regularly come across notes left by former residents of the small villages you will pass. Some describe climbing down a cliff to find the sea that used to be the desert you just passed through. Others, on the contrary, undertake to climb to the top in the hope of finding rain among the clouds.
As you may have understood, Justant tells his story with the utmost kindness and poetry. Many details are left open to player interpretation. We barely understand that the world of Jusant finds itself completely dry, with no rain, no ocean, for some unknown reason. The rest is up to you to imagine. Add to that the magnificent view that will make you dizzy when you look down and give you a deep sense of loneliness as you pass through abandoned villages.
Let’s also mention the majestic music of Guillaume Ferrand, who knows how to be cautious in moments of introspection and majestic in stages of grand spectacle; In fact, many references to the science fiction novel Horde du Contrevent by Alain Damasio, the creator of Don’t Nod, will make you smile when you read it.
In short, Jusant is undoubtedly one of our best discoveries this year, but it is also rich in quality releases. If you’re still not convinced, here are 5 reasons to play Justant:
- Because it’s on Game Pass (also on PS5, Xbox Series and Steam)
- To support French video games
- Because it only takes 4-5 hours
- Feeling like you’re exercising while sitting
- Coming face to face with images that will be engraved in your mind
