Introduction
I’ve played through Jusant three times now, and I keep finding myself drawn back into its serene, meditative world. This Jusant review will break down why this cozy climbing game is a must-play in 2025.
Developed by DON’T NOD—known for narrative-driven gems like Life is Strange—Jusant offers a different kind of storytelling. This isn’t a game filled with dialogue or cutscenes, but rather, an experience that speaks through its world, atmosphere, and the subtle remnants of a lost civilization. You play as a nameless climber, navigating a towering, desolate landscape while piecing together the echoes of a once-thriving society. The deeper you climb, the more you realize your role in trying to heal a broken world.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Core Gameplay Loop
At its heart, Jusant is all about climbing. You might think that could get repetitive, but the game does a fantastic job of making the journey feel engaging and almost therapeutic. The act of scaling cliffs, securing ropes, and finding the best path forward is surprisingly immersive, making every ascent feel like a small achievement.
Controls & Accessibility
The controls are intuitive and fluid, making it easy to feel at one with the climbing mechanics. Jusant also includes a variety of accessibility options, ensuring a smooth experience for players of different skill levels.
Difficulty & Learning Curve
The game offers a mostly relaxed experience, though there are moments where the path forward isn’t immediately obvious. The windmill section, in particular, had me stumped long enough that I had to check a walkthrough. That said, the game generally provides a natural flow, rewarding exploration and patience.
Performance & Bugs
The game’s cel-shaded art style keeps performance smooth, and I encountered very few technical issues. Occasionally, movement near cliff edges or tight spaces felt a little janky, but nothing game-breaking—a quick jump usually resolved any awkward moments.
Graphics & Sound
Visuals
Visually, Jusant is breathtaking. The game’s HDR implementation is among the best I’ve seen, particularly in the darker cave areas where bioluminescent flora illuminate the environment. The cel-shaded art style ensures that Jusant will remain visually stunning for years to come.
The world is also interactive in subtle but meaningful ways. Pressing certain buttons can trigger small environmental changes, like making plants extend to create handholds or simply watching the world respond for the sake of immersion.
Soundtrack & Audio
The soundtrack is a perfect companion to the journey—soft and soothing during moments of tranquility, yet swelling in intensity during more challenging climbs. The ambient sounds of the world, from the wind to the small creatures that chirp and squeak around you, add to the game’s sense of life and hope.
Story & Characters
Narrative Overview
Jusant tells its story through exploration. There’s no overt exposition; instead, the world itself reveals the past through scattered artifacts, letters, and beautifully crafted audio echoes. It takes time to piece everything together, but the unfolding mystery is part of the game’s charm.
Character Development within Jusant
Your protagonist remains a blank slate, but the world around them tells its own tale. The true “characters” of Jusant are the creatures, the ruins, and the remnants of those who came before. Collectibles—particularly letters and artifacts—add emotional depth to the journey, offering glimpses into the lives lost to time.
Writing Quality
While traditional dialogue is sparse, the writing hidden in collectibles adds layers to the experience. Whether you skim through them or read every detail, these fragments help flesh out the world in a way that feels organic rather than forced.
Replayability & Value
Length & Content
A full playthrough takes around 6-8 hours, making it a perfect game to complete over a weekend. It’s a refreshing change from the sprawling 100-hour RPGs that dominate the industry.
While there’s some room for exploration—especially if you want to collect everything—I found myself naturally moving through the game without feeling the need to 100% it. On subsequent playthroughs, I did hunt down a few more collectibles, but I avoided turning it into a checklist exercise to preserve the immersion.
DLC & Updates
As of now, Jusant doesn’t have any expansions or major updates, but honestly, it feels complete as is.
Final Verdict on Jusant
Jusant might not be making headlines anymore, but for those who take the time to experience it, it’s a journey worth remembering.
Jusant is a gem of a game that offers a deeply atmospheric and meditative experience. In a world filled with massive, time-consuming games, its short yet impactful journey is a welcome change. The stunning visuals, immersive climbing mechanics, and subtle storytelling make it a game that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished, and dare I say for some may bring the odd tear.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—especially if you enjoy cozy, exploratory games that let you lose yourself in their world.
Rating: A strong thumbs up! 👍
Who’s It For?
- ✔️ Casual gamers looking for a chill, immersive experience
- ✔️ Fans of atmospheric indie games
- ✔️ Anyone who loves a game that makes you feel something
Learn more about Jusant on the official DON’T NOD website.
Have you played Jusant? What did you think of the climbing mechanics and immersive world? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss! If you enjoyed this review, consider sharing it with fellow indie game lovers or following us for more gaming insights!
