Renowned developer, Don't Nod, is branching out from its signature graphic adventure games with its upcoming release. Although the French studio has dabbled in non-adventure titles, such as Vampyr and Remember Me, it is best known for its exceptional work on narrative-based video games like Life is Strange, Tell Me Why, Twin Mirror, and The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit. Despite the recent announcement of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, which is set to release in 2023, sticking to Don't Nod's narrative adventure strengths, the studio is also exploring new IPs and genres to expand its capabilities as a development powerhouse. While this shift in focus may come as a surprise to some, Don't Nod's reputation for excellence in the genre suggests the team is more than capable of tackling new challenges.
A new trailer for Jusant has just been released on Don't Nod's YouTube channel, revealing that the game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in Fall 2023. The game is a unique action-puzzle climbing game that offers a fresh take on a rarely seen genre. Gamers can currently try out a demo on Steam to get a feel for the game. Surprisingly, it has been announced that Jusant will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
Based on the trailer, the game's graphics are reminiscent of modern Legend of Zelda games like Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild. It's possible that Jusant's climbing mechanic was even inspired by Breath of the Wild. The trailer features a two-minute clip of the protagonist scaling a mountain and exploring ruins and houses, accompanied by a gelatinous creature called The Ballast. While there's no indication of enemies in the trailer, fans will have to wait for more information or gameplay videos to learn more.
Jusant's early look reveals a subtle similarity to Shadow of the Colossus, with a vertical emphasis rather than the former's more horizontal orientation. The sparsely populated landscapes and seemingly repetitive settings create a strong sense of isolation as players aim to conquer continually ascending heights and discover various biomes boasting unique flora and fauna. The game's challenging terrain will require players to master stamina balancing and employ proper tool usage to progress. With its focus on climbing complemented by action-puzzle elements, Jusant promises a unique experience that sets it apart from the competition. Gamers can look forward to playing Jusant on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in Fall 2023.
