A Mesmerizing Climb: Exploring the World of Jusant

French developer Don’t Nod is set to release a new climbing game called Jusant later this fall. The game takes place in a vast desert, where a tower stands amidst the eroded remains of long-dead boats. The tower, which is more like a rectangular mountain or city-sized monolith, serves as the setting for the game’s protagonist, a young hero dressed in technical sports gear and a feathery cape.

In Jusant, players will embark on a climbing adventure, making their way up the tower with determination. The tower was once inhabited by a civilization of people who would descend with the ebbing tide to fish and forage, only to return to the safety of the tower when the sea dried up. Now, our hero is retracing their path upward, accompanied by a small water creature named Ballast, who resides in the hero’s backpack and possesses resonant powers.

The game’s art combines mountaineering and nautical motifs to create a visually stunning world. The cracked and weathered landscape, shaped by the sea and air, is filled with rich hues and beauty. As players climb, they will discover notes that provide insight into the lives of the civilization that once inhabited the tower.

Jusant offers a pure rock climbing experience, with players facing pathing puzzles as they ascend. The game features intuitive controls, with the left and right triggers serving as hand grips and the left stick directing the reach of the player’s arm. The climbing motion is satisfying, as players navigate from one handhold to the next, searching for the next grip.

As players progress, Jusant introduces additional challenges and interactions. The protagonist’s companion, Ballast, can bring plants to life, opening new paths. However, on sunward surfaces, these plants wither quickly, draining the player’s stamina faster. The game also includes secret paths and collectible clues that reveal the mysteries of the civilization that once inhabited the tower.

What sets Jusant apart is its minimalistic approach. The game focuses on one brilliantly executed control scheme and the simple direction of heading upward. In a year filled with complex and overwhelming games, Jusant offers a refreshing and meditative experience.

Jusant will be available on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Series X, with a day-one Game Pass release. With its stunning visuals, gripping gameplay, and atmospheric world, Jusant is already shaping up to be one of the standout games of the year.

How does the atmospheric soundtrack enhance the player’s immersion in Jusant and contribute to the overall experience?

D boats down the desert’s mysterious underground river. However, these people disappeared, leaving behind only their ghostly echoes and the eerie remnants of their boats.

As players navigate their way through Jusant, they will encounter various obstacles that require both agility and strategy to overcome. They will need to carefully scale walls, jump between platforms, and solve puzzles to progress further up the tower. The game promises a unique and immersive climbing experience, with realistic physics and environmental challenges to test the player’s skills.

One of the key features of Jusant is its stunning visuals. Don’t Nod has crafted a beautifully detailed desert landscape, with sand dunes stretching further than the eye can see and a mesmerizing sunset casting a golden hue over the environment. The tower itself is a marvel to behold, towering over the vast expanse with its weathered facade and intricate design.

Accompanying the stunning visuals is an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the player’s immersion in the game. The haunting melodies and ambient sounds add to the sense of mystery and awe as players climb higher and uncover the secrets hidden within the tower.

Don’t Nod has a reputation for creating narrative-driven games, and Jusant is no exception. While the climbing adventure is at the heart of the gameplay, the studio promises a captivating story that unfolds as players progress through the tower. The protagonist’s journey will uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the ancient civilization and shed light on the enigmatic history of the desert.

With its unique premise, breathtaking visuals, and immersive gameplay, Jusant is shaping up to be an exciting addition to Don’t Nod’s repertoire. Fans of the studio’s previous works, such as Life is Strange and Vampyr, can look forward to another engaging and thought-provoking experience. Jusant is set to release later this fall, and anticipation is high for this climbing adventure in the desert.