Title: Master the Treacherous Tower in Jusant, Don’t Nod’s Captivating Climbing Adventure Game
Platform Review: PC
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: October 31, 2023
In the realm of climbing adventure games, Jusant by Don’t Nod Entertainment stands tall with its captivating gameplay and breathtaking tower. Set in a mysterious world, players assume the role of a young traveler tasked with scaling a colossal structure using only their climbing gear and a watery alien companion. The objective? Reach the top while uncovering the tower’s enigmatic past. Jusant mesmerizes players with its dizzying heights and quiet reflections, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Climbing in Jusant can be as simple as navigating through man-made structures scattered across the tower, remnants of a lost civilization. However, most of the game entails utilizing natural rock formations, grip holds, and various climbing techniques. From abseiling and wall running to rope swinging, players must master their movement abilities. The most nerve-wracking moment comes with the “jump” mechanic, where players must power up, launch themselves towards a desired direction, and scramble to find a foothold upon impact. Jusant’s climbs are filled with heart-pounding thrills and terrifying drops.
Thankfully, players are constantly attached to the rock face through a trusty rope and can secure progress by using pitons, metal anchors, as a safety measure. However, both resources have limitations. Should the rope run out, players must backtrack and find an alternate route. With only four pitons available, strategic planning is necessary during lengthy climbs. Additionally, stamina depletes as players ascend, requiring periodic rests on solid ground for a complete recovery. These constraints force players to carefully map their route, solving a vertical puzzle in real-time.
The game’s control scheme adds to the thrill and demands player precision. Reminiscent of the acclaimed climbing game Grow Home, Jusant employs a trigger-based system, where each trigger corresponds to one hand. Climbers must switch between triggers seamlessly, maintaining a constant grip on the wall. The tension is palpable, as releasing a trigger means losing momentum and potentially falling.
With every successful ascent, Jusant introduces treacherous environments that test players’ acquired climbing knowledge. Overcoming heat, wind, and rain becomes crucial while reaching for new heights. These challenges, combined with Jusant’s immersive climbing sequences, create a sensational experience that resonates throughout the player’s body. From gripping the controller tightly during adrenaline-fueled jumps to experiencing heart-stopping moments where hands cling to the cliff face, Jusant captures the visceral essence of climbing.
Beyond the thrills, Jusant also offers moments of serenity. The game rewards careful planning and execution, evoking a sense of flow as players navigate the tower. Coupled with tranquil music, these reflective moments allow players to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.
While Jusant excels in many aspects, a few frustrating moments exist. The protagonist tends to clip into objects while exploring on foot, causing unintended entanglements in environmental crevices. A mechanic involving light creatures providing short boosts up the rock face feels out of place and disrupts the game’s emphasis on precise climbing.
The game’s story interweaves with the climbing experience, as players explore long-abandoned villages and structures within the tower. Scattered letters and notes shed light on the civilization that once inhabited the tower. Jusant’s environment also tells a silent history, featuring peculiar sights such as boats suspended hundreds of feet above the ground and vibrant plant life in underwater caverns. Although textual storytelling occasionally dominates the narrative, the overall tale highlights the significance of returning to lost places and restoring what was left behind.
Jusant offers several accessibility features, including customizable controller and keyboard layouts, adjustable game text size, and dyslexic font options. Hints and mechanics reminders can be toggled, and camera shake intensity can be adjusted or set to auto-follow.
In conclusion, Jusant stands as a remarkable climbing adventure game that offers a unique and challenging experience. Its captivating gameplay, heart-pounding thrills, and serene reflections make it a journey worth embarking on. Prepare to conquer the heights and uncover the secrets of the towering world in Jusant.
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