Hey everyone, let’s kick off with Jusant, the new climbing puzzle from DON’T NOD. Not only did they develop it, but they also published it. On Steam, players raved about color shifts and smooth rope physics. For example, one user praised the “sunny desolation” lighting. Another admired the bioluminescent caves and minimal art. Although some felt the world looked too plastic, those shapes sharpen the climbing feel. Most importantly, the tight controls and stamina meter create thrilling split-second decisions.
I agree, SpeedyGamer99. Moreover, DON’T NOD built on its narrative skills from Life Is Strange. The world feels empty yet filled with clues. You explore dried coral fields, slopes, and tunnels. In addition, collectible notes reveal a lost civilization’s fate. Meanwhile, hidden alcoves add lore hints. Each path fosters exploration. Furthermore, the lack of dialogue allows visuals to carry meaning. This minimal storytelling suits players who prefer atmospheric journeys.
From a pro’s view, the climbing tools shine. For instance, the hammer, rope, and glide cape demand precise timing. Each swing and wall run tests muscle memory. I compared it to Death Stranding’s rope gear and Rime’s puzzles. Consequently, the learning curve feels fair yet deep. Hardcore climbers will enjoy biome-specific challenges. Although I wished for more tool combos, the current set already stretches mechanics effectively.
I dove deep and hunted all 40 notes plus 12 journals. DON’T NOD cleverly hid shells and water orbs in secret crannies. Additionally, rare journals require tricky leaps. This system rewards patience and completionists. Meanwhile, Ballast—the water creature—guides players with subtle light. It replaces pop-up arrows with organic hints. Some mentioned difficulty spikes. However, I found them fair once I mastered piton rests.
On pacing, the climb rarely drags. You quickly shift from desert base to lush interiors. In fact, the soundtrack changes with each biome. Tracks like “Echoing Reef” intensify before big jumps. I timed runs under 90 minutes by skipping lore. Yet any speedrunner knows rest frames matter. Furthermore, the rope swish keeps you alert. I’d love a timer mode and leaderboards to extend replay.
The story emerges through the environment. Ancient pipes, dried fountains, and corroded statues all point to a water crisis. Accordingly, DON’T NOD said they aimed for meditation on resource loss. That theme echoes in every ruin. Occasionally, I felt lost. However, Ballast and maps kept me on track.
Visually, Jusant impresses. The pastel palette makes biomes dreamlike. Meanwhile, performance remained smooth on both PC and Steam Deck. Shadows popped against stone, and animations flowed naturally. Even more, your character reacts to gusts, adding realism.
Sound design adds depth. Footsteps shift on sand, stone, and metal. Ballast’s chirps guide in silence. In addition, ambient music pauses to highlight sound cues. It’s subtle yet highly effective.
Characters remain minimal. You play a silent explorer, while Ballast acts as companion. Therefore, the focus stays on climbing. Storytelling unfolds through note fragments and setting. This sparse cast ultimately works in the game’s favor.
Challenge hits the right balance. Early areas ease you in. Later, wind and low light raise the stakes. Players praised this smooth growth. Consequently, difficulty never feels frustrating.
For accessibility, stamina drain and camera aids can be adjusted. Thus, both casual players and hardcore climbers can enjoy the climb.
On replay value, I see room for timed runs or harder routes. Right now, you revisit only for 100-percent runs. More seasonal challenges or hidden altars would boost replay.
Final thoughts? Jusant stands out in the puzzle-climb genre. It blends art, sound, and tight mechanics into a chill, memorable climb. I’d compare it to Rime, Journey, and Abzu for vibe. It carves its own niche.
If you love slow exploration, don’t miss this. Its world is worth the climb.
Climbers who crave deep mechanics will enjoy the tool mastery here.
Completionists, grab your maps. This tower holds many secrets.
If you enjoyed Jusant, several titles capture a similar blend of atmosphere and discovery. Rime delivers poetic island puzzles with minimal art, while Journey offers serene desert exploration and emotional depth. Abzu highlights vibrant ocean life with fluid movement and quiet storytelling. The Pathless emphasizes flow through bow combos and gliding across vast landscapes, and Outer Wilds delivers mystery-rich environmental storytelling in a time-looped universe. Each game mirrors Jusant’s mood of exploration and reflection.
