The tower is split into different biomes, each with unique traversal mechanics and challenges. As the player ascends the tower, they will find more about the civilization that resided there, and what became of them.[1] The player can place pitons with a button, catching them if they fall or run out of stamina. The triggers are used in order to place a hand while climbing.
By holding down a button, the player character jumps, using up a large amount of stamina in the process. Periodically, the player can let down ropes to areas they have already passed through, making backtracking easier.[2] Throughout the game, the player is accompanied by a companion named Ballast, which is described by the team as "a creature made entirely out of water". Ballast will reveal clues and "wake nature", opening up new paths for players to use and explore.[3]
Development
Jusant was announced for Autumn 2023 at the Xbox Gaming Showcase 2023 on 11 June 2023.[4] Don't Nod simultaneously revealed the platforms.[5] A demo for the game was released on Steam shortly after the announcement.[6] The game had no dialogue, and therefore, relied heavily on environmental storytelling.[7] Jusant is set to be released on 31 October 2023 for Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Windows.[8]
Reception
Eurogamer, playing an early preview, enjoyed the climbing system, likening it to Grow Home. "That squeezing of the triggers also makes it densely physical. I feel, in some small way, the exhaustion of the climber, because I am gripping this thing along with them".[2]
References
Darryn, Bonthuys (11 June 2023). "Jusant Is A Gorgeous New Climbing Game Headed To Xbox This Fall". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
Donlan, Christian (17 June 2023). "Jusant's jump is one of the greatest things in games for an absolute age". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
Romano, Sal (24 August 2023). "Jusant launches October 31". Gematsu. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
Lavoy, Bill (11 June 2023). "Jusant is the newest game from Don't Nod". Shacknews. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
Fragen, Jordan (11 June 2023). "Jusant promises atmospheric rock climbing and puzzle solving". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
Jones, Ali (23 June 2023). "This Steam Next Fest demo reminds me of Horizon: Call of the Mountain in one crucial way". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
Beaudelin, Mathieu; Poupard, Kevin (12 June 2023). "How Don't Nod Tells an Emotional Story Without Words in Jusant". Xbox Wire. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
Romano, Sal (24 August 2023). "Jusant launches October 31". Gematsu. Retrieved 24 August 2023.