Unveiling Jusant: A Mind-Blowing Hands-On Experience that Soars to Uncharted Heights

Jusant is an upcoming action-puzzle game that combines climbing mechanics with a calming and serene atmosphere. Developed by Don't Nod, the studio responsible for the original Life is Strange series, Jusant follows the journey of a young protagonist accompanied by an adorable aquatic creature as they strive to reach the summit of a tower. However, as players delve deeper into the game, it becomes apparent that Jusant offers a unique and profound narrative, deviating from the expectations of Life is Strange fans.

On one hand, Jusant stands apart from Life is Strange, representing a significant departure from the developer's usual narrative-driven, choice-based gameplay. It also distinguishes itself from recent popular vertical platforming games such as Only Up! Nevertheless, Jusant still places emphasis on delivering a meaningful storyline. Game Rant recently had the opportunity to play a hands-on preview of Jusant, experiencing the first two chapters of gameplay. As they faced the challenge of climbing the tower without sight of the summit, it became evident that Jusant transcends being just a climbing simulator by presenting an captivating and metaphorical narrative intertwined with themes of life, nature, and humanity.

Without delving into spoiler territory, Jusant introduces a captivating premise for its narrative. The game commences with an unnamed protagonist approaching and ascending a towering rock structure in the heart of a barren wasteland. The only signs of life manifest as scuttling crabs traversing the sandy terrain and remnants of seaweed-decorated remnants from a bygone era when water once flourished. An existence devoid of water appears inconceivable, establishing an enthralling foundation for Jusant's storyline and presenting profound questions regarding the destiny of water and the enigmatic civilization residing within the tower. This query forms an integral part of the puzzle platforming game experience that Jusant offers as players ascend to unravel the truth, all the while navigating an array of diverse pathways. Following a brief cinematic sequence, players embark on Chapter 1 near the base, with the only viable path being upwards.

Jusant's climbing controls may require some adjustment initially, as players utilize an independent hand control system, similar to games like Grow Home. If playing on a PC, the mouse is used in combination with the WASD keys to navigate up, down, left, or right. While the game suggests using a controller for optimal gameplay, it is not necessary, as climbing quickly becomes a satisfying and intuitive experience. The game offers a variety of ways to traverse the terrain, including rappelling down cliffs by pressing F or pulling oneself back up with R.

There are also moments in Jusant where players must swing and run alongside walls, reminiscent of the Prince of Persia series, to access new areas. As players progress, they may encounter additional mechanisms such as rope swings and zip lines to provide increased height and distance. The remarkable level design in Jusant is further enhanced by the vast scale of the tower and its unique, sandy domains. The climb can be tranquil, with only the sound of the wind and occasional wildlife adding to the dried-out, maritime atmosphere. However, when players make significant discoveries or notable progress, the peaceful and melodic music accompanies their journey.

In addition to scaling the tower's exterior, players explore the caverns within the structure, moving in and out to uncover collectible letters or notes that provide further insight into the story. This approach complements Jusant's environmental storytelling effectively. While players have the option to adjust their gamma settings, some darker cave-like areas could benefit from a torch or potential illumination from the water Ballast companion. It seems the developers could address the issue of lighting in darker areas, which would hopefully make these areas more accessible.

Upon completing Chapter 1, players have the opportunity to witness the water-based companion's impressive capabilities. It serves as a helpful tool for players to navigate and discover hidden pathways, such as climbable vines, while also showcasing endearing behavior like rolling on its back. As for the puzzle aspect, it mainly revolves around finding the way forward, with the Ballast's abilities proving invaluable. Occasionally, visual markers in the landscape offer hints about the next move, such as the presence of a wall piston, but players are free to figure out their climbing routes independently.

In some instances, additional wall pistons may need to be strategically placed to attain a more advantageous angle or a starting point for jumping up to a wooden ledge. In other cases, utilizing the companion can help uncover hidden clues or secrets. As players advance, Jusant's vertical climbing mechanics present increasingly difficult obstacles, and the feeling of accomplishment is tangible when reaching the top of the next ledge after a strenuous effort. Stamina also plays a significant role. While falling and dying is not possible due to the game's rope attachment tool, there is a risk of slipping and falling when stamina levels become too low. However, players have the option to momentarily rest and replenish their stamina, as well as attach up to 3 pistons to assist their ascent.

From a technical standpoint, Jusant performs exceptionally well, allowing players to effortlessly climb or attach onto nearly any surface, much like the climbing mechanics in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Although there were instances of accidentally falling into crevices and getting partially stuck while attempting to navigate, the game compensates by empowering players with the ability to jump out of these unconventional positions and continue their journey. Overall, our experience with Jusant was relatively smooth, with only one minor issue encountered whereby we were unable to exit a cutscene. However, this inconvenience was easily resolved by reloading the previous checkpoint. Undoubtedly, such minor issues will be addressed and resolved as the game reaches its final version.

Jusant's slow pace is intentionally designed to allow players to climb at their own speed. As they ascend higher, the unfolding Chapters provide a sense of curiosity, challenging players to push themselves and see how far they can go into the clouds and beyond. The tower itself, along with Ballast's origins, adds to the intriguing mystery of the game. While collectibles may be scarce and certain interactions may be puzzling, there is still much more to discover. The climbing experience itself is rewarding, particularly when overcoming challenging terrain.

Overall, Jusant immerses players in a captivating lore that leaves them intrigued and wanting to learn more. While the pacing may not suit everyone, those who appreciate non-guided gameplay with environmental storytelling, a mysterious narrative, and a charming companion will find Jusant to be a worthwhile adventure.

Jusant is set to be released in Fall 2023 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.