Jusant - Platinum Mini Review #2

Jusant’s Platinum swings straight to the point. It’s a calm meditative experience built around its climbing mechanics and quiet, somber atmosphere. The Platinum is very approachable, with most trophies involving collectibles. Before anything starts to feel too repetitive, the journey is over, resulting in a satisfying package.  

In terms of gameplay, Jusant stands out thanks to its tactile and deliberate climbing system. Each trigger is used to control each hands grip. Holding down the trigger to close and releasing the trigger to open, while the analog sticks dictate arm direction. This creates an immersive and rhythmic flow to climbing as you are actively engaged in every movement, one after another.

Additionally, a stamina meter is present but forgiving with many rest points. It encourages thoughtful decision making as you do not want to make any unnecessary moves and waste limited energy.

Jusant manages to tell its thought-provoking narrative, through almost entirely environmental story telling. You play as an unnamed climber ascending a massive tower alongside a mysterious companion. There is no direct dialogue, but buildings, tools, letters, art work and more reveal the past lives of a lost civilization. Its subtle enough to leave it open to interpretation but provides enough motivation to keep advancing and anticipating to what comes ahead.

In terms of trophies, the main challenge comes from collectibles. There are 105 collectibles in a roughly 3-5 hour game so a guide is highly recommended. I found completing a blind playthrough followed by a clean up run via chapter select to be the ideal approach. As constantly checking a guide disrupts the games relaxing tone. Thankfully, collectible trackers for each chapter is present, so you know exactly what you’re missing. The letters and journal collectibles are worth seeking out as they fill out some gaps in the mysterious narrative.

Difficulty-wise, Jusant is easy. Most sections can be completed in the first try with only a handful requiring a second attempt.