Jusant

Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows (Steam Deck OK)
Current goal: Chill out
Buy it from: Steam

I’m tired of killing people in video games. I’m tired of shooting guns and swinging blades. I’m tired of the blood and the gore and the violence. I want something low-key, a game that’s more about the vibes than about achieving some high score or murdering everyone in sight. Don’t Nod, the studio behind narrative adventure games Life is Strange and Tell Me Why, served up such a game on October 31 with Jusant, and I’m only now getting to it. Shame on me, huh?

A narrative puzzle-platformer about climbing the heights of a lonely tower, Jusant nestles comfortably next to other atmospheric, single-word adventure games like Journey and Sable. The artwork is minimal yet captivating. The soundtrack, while sparse, is an emotive orchestral score that underscores the game’s aesthetic. And while there’s not a word of dialogue in the game, Jusant seems like it has so much to say. The best part? It’s only about four hours long. So, yeah, my weekend will be filled with struggling to climb beams and rocks in the hopes of not falling to my death too often. Because, again, I’m tired of killing people. I just want to chill out. — Levi Winslow

| Jusant | comes with Game Pass |

Are you a Game Pass subscriber? If so, you can play Jusant on Xbox or PC with your subscription.