Austin Recommends: Jusant (Indie Spotlight Review)

[@SkillUp]

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[@Happy_Zulu]

More indie spotlight please!!! There are so many of these gems that never get their time in the sun .... and so many are so incredible. THANK YOU!

[@marcelooliveira6793]

Yeah!!!

[@Bodphrah78]

As someone who plays more Indies compared to AAA I 100% concur with this comment.

[@lillotusplays]

I mean there r always other channels... and these guys here might not have enough time

[@JabelsXY]

Agreed

[@Prinz_Kasper]

Ralph has mentioned he intents to bring on a third person to make reviews for the channel, focused on indie games

[@westlinnstreets2349]

Just beat this one in one sitting. It's been like 5+ years since I've been able to do that. This is one of those games that will sit with me for a long time. Just the world and lore behind it is so fascinating. 10 / 10 must play game

[@sunriftygaming1404]

Indie games don't get enough attention. They truly are different, creative, and fun.

[@dougr8646]

I hate to ruin this but this isn't an indy it's made by don't nod

[@sooprfrek12]

Not an indie game lmao

[@boozebeard9501]

Don't Nod are literally an independent studio... even if they weren't I'd still say they are small enough and games niche enough to fall into the indie style category.

[@WizzlyBearW0rms]

They get a lot of attention nowadays but I see what you’re saying

[@Lishimian]

They're niche enough to be crowned indie darlings, they're also huge enough to have pioneered massively in the industry of producing woke agenda main characters

[@OverZaEast]

This game reminds me that you can gamify climbing, spelunking, travelling by foot in rough terrain and can make a really good game with good mechanics. The last game that was in my mind that gamified the feel of climbing, travelling by foot, spelunking into an interesting game mechanics was Death Stranding.

[@KABLAMMATS]

Yeah that game has everything, you got a tactical espionage delivery package action, horror element, and roman redus piss and sht

[@lmnt66]

Climbing as an actual involved game mechanic is so under-explored in games. Even with Jusant, while I love the game, there‘s still so much untapped potential in terms of challenge and depth, so I really hope this game will inspire other developers to do that.

[@atomic_wait]

You might give Grow Home and Grow Up a try. Similar controls to this.

[@wormerine8029]

Platformers used to be big. I am not sure if either of games mentioned managed to make traversal into satisfying gameplay loop. I think they thrive mostly on novelty. Play either for too long and you will find systems rather limited. Jusant isn’t really that far from “press forward” of AssCreeds. Yes you need to press L&RT but that’s about it. Not much control or mastery to be had there. If you are interested in neat take on a platformer, I would point you to SnakePass. That game has a pretty in-depth. And unique control system (on account on being a snake) with a decent amount of depth to it.

[@dylanskrow1669]

This was an excellently written and delivered script. Kudos for describing so succinctly the vibes this game aims for. Wonderful review!

[@Rutherfordbcrazy12]

I understand why critics have to focus on the big games but to get an indie game review every now and then is refreshing.

[@Jago-pl7op]

I'm very excited for the channel's future, now that we have Skill Up's traditional reviews and "Please Don't Skip" Reviews and Austin's reviews and Indie Spotlight reviews.

[@cablebill8892]

Excellent review of a game I would have never known existed otherwise. I would watch 4x the amount of indie spotlight reviews if you guys had the time to put them out. My life is so busy I don't have the time to scour steam like I used to. I'll be putting this one on my wishlist

[@thegreatbadabinski4290]

This channel has reached it’s acme with Austin’s contributions. Brilliant stuff

[@mikrobyo1790]

why are they being quiet about the completionist.

[@geiger94]

@@mikrobyo1790 They are not. Ralph addressed this topic in last video.

[@gimpygamer1315]

Im absolutely loving this series and can only hope it continues. Indies are so special and deserve equally special attention.

[@tylegomaniac8099]

Great review Austin! Absolutely gonna go give this a shot on Game Pass soon, I really hope we see even more short, tight experiences from devs in the coming years. Seeing small passion projects like this is always so exciting

[@G1nnix27]

Beat this game last week and played it because I was experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety in everyday life. The tone and music of this experience really helped calm me down and definitely puts you in that meditative flowstate. Great experience.

[@zacretzer]

This game has been such a breath of fresh air. Such a chill vibey experience.

[@Micah__]

I quite enjoyed this one. The climbing gave me Death Stranding vibes due to the fact you’re using the triggers to simulate left and right limbs and personally I find that way more engaging rather than just holding the stick in whatever direction to auto climb.

[@bonyeezy7980]

I absolutely love games like this. Journey, Abzu, The Pathless, Gris, and Dredge have provided some of the most memorable gaming experiences I’ve had. Can’t wait to play this one.

[@aaronatkinson177]

One game that definitely was memorable for its experience in my opinion was signalis

[@Alexisonscope]

I suspect this video won't hit the numbers that more mainline coverage would, but I'd like to express my support for it. Austin talking about cool, short indies, in a slightly shorter format? I am HERE for it. More please.

[@WallJumpGames]

I personally would give this strongly recommend, this is one of my top 5 of the year. Such amazing atmosphere and world building, and I’m a real climber, which biases me towards it.

[@24FramesOfNick]

Love this review! Excited to check this out

[@RIPDeogii]

Really enjoy the indie spotlight and the shorter video length for them! Will definitely watch more of this type of content

[@jeffhodges4086]

When Death Stranding came out, I was excited to see a game that focused on movement and traversal as its main gameplay mechanic, and how other devs might incorporate that in the future. Jusant really feels like it's carrying that torch. Movement is the pillar for everything we do in games, and I hope to see more devs figure out ways to explore that like this brilliant game does.

[@FrameEsc]

Honestly I think this is game of the year for me. Such awesomely implemented mechanics. The only thing I wanted was more difficulty and complexity in the climbing puzzles. Please please make a Jusant 2!!!

[@potetoesman]

Agree.

[@Bodgemonkey]

I love how your reviews tone and pacing tend to mirror the vibe of the game being reviewed pretty perfectly

[@houcemfehri155]

I was never this hooked with a review. Holy shit Austin, this was amazing, it was as if I felt what the game was about without playing it (yet!). Keep it up!!

[@William_Brando]

Can we just appreciate how good Austin's writing is?? Please guys more of this.

[@tksm97]

This was so so great - please do more indie showcases / reviews!!!

[@F-aber]

In a year with so many amazing games, this small title has managed to sneak it’s into my top 3 this year, not quite good enough to topple BG3 but still something I enjoyed immensely

[@bjcrawley]

Absolutely love the idea of shorter reviews to spotlight indies, keep this going!

[@Vonliktenstien]

Great Indie game. Best experience i've had with one since Journey tbh. Really hoping it does well enough to justify a sequel. Maybe with Co-op climbing (with Bianca mayber), and water mechanics. Awesome review, really conveyed the experience.

[@majikku-chan]

Yup, this format is a keeper ❤🎉

[@The_Game_Guru]

I greatly appreciate you two doing this! I hope there are more Indie Spotlights ahead. Getting more eyes on more games that might lack marketing budgets is a wonderful and altruistic thing to do.

[@jirizarr_21]

Please make this into a full series! So many indie games that released yhat need more attention.

[@sass2836]

Indie Spotlight is fantastic, I'd love to see more of these. A wonderful review from Austin, too, I hadn't realized Jusant had such an interesting premise alongside its unique gameplay.

[@Rooivalk_Mk_1.1]

Having Austin on the review team is such a great way to now showoff indie games.

[@frozenninja4030]

Great review, Austin. This game was such a refreshing surprise. Played it over a few days and was often blown away by just how lovely and serene it was. The music really is special and made me feel both melancholy at times or upbeat and determined at others. So glad it was on Game Pass or I probably never would have experienced it.

[@arenkai]

This game is incredibly charming and soothing. Thank you for this spotlight ! A shame it didn't get a nomination at the game awards. It does some incredibly inventive things with the way you use your fingers on the controller. Reminds me of the sensation you have grabbing a creature in Shadow of the Colossus.

[@exactom6320]

This game is excellent. It is a perfect game to bang out in one sitting with some nice headphones on. It has the best soundtrack I've heard since Stray. And speaking of Stray; this game scratched that same itch for me that Stray did. I agree with Austin on all points.

[@Terimisu]

Really beautiful review. Love the idea of an Indie Spotlight being a regular segment. So many beautiful and emotional games

[@BeechHorn]

Don’t know what warmed my heart more. The fact we have Indie Spotlight videos or the beauty of the first few words of the video. Go team ShillUp and Austin if you ever doubt your script writing some dark day in the future, please give this video a rewatch.

[@ope314]

I'm so glad you're highlighting this. Started it on game pass over the weekend, and it's excellent

[@maxray29]

agree with everything here; i got to 100% within a couple days of release after playing the demo months ago and being immediately enthralled. re-hearing some of the music again gave me chills and brought me right back to the feeling of accomplishment the game gives you when clambering up over that final ledge of each section. i was also left wanting juuuust a little more from the story! would love to see if this expands into future projects.

[@BatteredWalrus]

Watching this it reminds me a little of the environmental experiences you wander through in Stray, not the environments, but the feel, just you with your thoughts as you explore.

[@tap10lan]

DontnoD do great stuff. People don't seem to remember, but I really love their early game Remember Me.

[@IkatteiruPanda]

Good job Austin! it is great to watch more reviews about these indie gems!

[@benbiale]

Thanks for the great video Austin! looking foward for more of these

[@robertlkiss]

Good job austin! I added Jusant to my wishlist. And as others said as well, give us more indie spotlights!

[@zenergetic_8299]

This channel has exposed me to so amazing games that I would never have thought to try like Stray, Humanity, Sea of Stars and hopefully soon to be Worldless. Love seeing these reviews, time to download this one.

[@calahoon22]

Indies getting highlighted was the reason I first found this channel, more indies getting the spotlight please! Great work!

[@sandfordgardner]

Glad you mentioned about the music Austin, It's quite exceptional. Good video 👍

[@jonasan77]

Nice review Austin, you are getting better at this, thanks!

[@stuartavis8165]

One of my games of the year. Beautiful. Surprising. Delightful. Captivating. Unexpected. And a joy from start to finish. (Much like the review itself. Great work, Austin.)

[@D0ctorCool]

Indie games dominate my playtime, so I'm thankful to see you guys putting a spotlight on them!

[@BongoBaggins]

I love that you loved this. This channel showed me Immortals: Fenyx Rising and Sable. I thank you for those

[@ZedAmadeus]

Woohoo! had my eye on this for a while, cool to see a review for it go up here, and you smashed it!

[@Arunnn241]

As a rock climber and gamer, it feels like this was made for me. This is the first indie game I'll play. Thanks for the spotlight 👍

[@abhayxv76]

Man really wanna play this, looks so chill and peaceful, love the vibe

[@BasementMinions]

Was very interested in this game, so pleasantly surprised but it appears to be such a focused experience. Hearing a game is only 5 hours or so is actually a huge selling point! I don't have much energy to play games so having one that I can actually complete is a joy.

[@bigbrainb4662]

Austin really outdid himself with the outro. this was incredible

[@MightyManotaur22]

Yessssss we need more of these! Cocoon, Venba, Planet of Lana, and Season: A Letter to the Future would have been great fits for these smaller reviews just this year.

[@Hofi850]

Holy Sh*t Austin! Great Job on this one. Please make "Indie Spotlight" a recurring series. Such Games are essential to the current micro transaction infested gaming Market and a very welcomed change.

[@kumarikenneth7674]

What a lovely formula you guys landed on, this is quite comfy

[@MarigoldAW]

I played this on Game Pass and wow it is so worth playing. Such a stunning game with a cute story that you unravel as you play the game. Interacting with your little companion and the moments you take to take in the view. The soundtrack that accompanies Jusant is also wonderful. Such a beautiful game and I hope more people pick it up and play it.

[@treiz01]

I'm really enjoying these Austin reviews. Keep it up Austin!

[@someman8772]

Jusant is such a lovely experience. Probably a top 50 game for me. The worldbuilding, the art style, the gameplay, the pacing, and man, the music - it's all SO GOOD. Can't wait to see what this team at Dontnod will do in the future.

[@sirsizzlebottom4509]

i had just started getting into rock climbing and found out that this was coming out in a few weeks. i ended up 100%ed it in two days. a lot of fun, really relaxing

[@darrow_andromeda915]

Really enjoyed this review. Concise and impactful.

[@gabesdw]

currently going through the game and it's already one of my favorites of the year, along with cocoon it's a very unique experience

[@Tronjheimr]

Austin's reading is top notch. Great job mate.

[@Crumsie]

Absolutely love Austin's reviews with his great voice, cadence, tone, and of course writing.

[@glam1372]

yesssss i was just thinking about how this game has been overlooked. i’m definitely enjoying it

[@REZZA2020]

Highly recommended. Indie Titles are the best games you will ever play !

[@tciders4606]

Yeah this game is phenomenal. Played it a few days after it came out & it gave me Abzu & Ori vibes immediately. An absolutely beautiful game, both graphically & the story it tells through the journals of Bianca's that you find, was nearly in tears by the end.

[@makcraft]

MORE INDIES ON THE CHANNEL PLEASE!

[@cassolmedia]

this looks right up my alley.. i was surprised to hear don't nod made it

[@marcelooliveira6793]

More Indie Spotlights, please!

[@SupercutsDelight]

NGL Skill Up jump scared me at 10:08 lol

[@MrTmm97]

I played a few hours this the night it released. It was amazing so far. I definitely plan on finishing it soon… just in the middle of playing other stuff at the moment already. Absolutely excited to finish it. I can already tell by the vibe it will be a beautiful story all the way through.

[@DreDreTwice]

Watching now but just have to give a preemptive thumbs up for the increased level of Austin reviews...both Shillup and Austin are still the best reviewers in the game space in my humble, useless, internet opinion...much love to both of you champions!

[@kobuseksteen411]

Yes! More videos like this pls! The Gris review is what made me subscribe to this channel, so seeing more indie game focus is great.

[@ehrenloudermilk1053]

So, i know it means you may need to hire more editors, but i think this segment should be a weekly mainstay. Remember when you asked your community if the weekly news should keeo being a thing? We said yes. I cant speak for everybody, but i have a feeling this is going to be very well recieved. Outstanding work. More, please

[@cemberendsen4297]

You're doing great with the reviews Austin!

[@JKSmith-qs2ii]

If they release it physically or on GOG I’ll get it, otherwise: if buying is not owning, then piracy is not stealing.

[@nothingisawesome]

solid game that succeeds in the most important parts. more indies please

[@kuba12to]

I love it. My kids where amazed by this game. And The 1st showing of your "pet" made them sooo happy :)

[@stuartmorley6894]

I really enjoyed this game. The stories told throughout are moving and sometimes heartbreaking. The mechanics are intuitive. It was really easy to sit down thinking i'd play 20 minutes and suddenly realize id been there for an hour or more. It never feels unfair, i didn't come across a single bug and i never got frustrated even when it was more challenging. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who wants a game to just get lost in. If they'd made it different and let you die it wouldn't have been so compelling. Having played Cocoon then this back to back as pallette cleansers between other games they felt very distinct but also like a really good pair. The soundtrack is fantastic too as mentioned. I played it on Gamepass but loved it so much i bought it afterwards and know i will be diving back in to collect everything in each chapter. I'd missed much more than I thought I had and really want to climb back in and find everything. I also played it with my young son and he absolutely loved playing along when he could and encouraging in areas that were a bit beyond him. It was a perfect game for us both to sit down and discover together.

[@WhyBeUgly]

I finished this a few days ago. It such a nice change of pace from my regular catalogue.

[@MGDavis85]

"...threads spun by its bread crumbs..." Thats a BAR!

[@bloodborne_pc_2025]

Keep it up with Indie Spotlight!

[@CrispyBeefChunk]

Finished it last night. Had a really great time with it. The climbing is so engaging and calming at the same time

[@crouchingotter]

I love Austin’s impression of Ralph’s voice.

[@Jake-ey2do]

More indi game reviews like this please :)

[@Bryomancer]

I feel like indies got overshadowed by the admittedly stellar big budget games, but we've had so many good indies this year that deserve spotlights like this, thank you! Jussant, Cocoon, Dredge and Dave the Diver have all been A+.

[@dox1048]

Jusant is my favorite game of 2023 so far. I love these gems like Journey, that let your imagination control your expierence.

[@EnvoyOfRot]

I was super excited for this game, glad it turned out well! 💯

[@MMM1MM]

I fell in love with this since the first trailer. Reminds me of Journey

[@kungfupanda1271]

Just finished this game the other night and really enjoyed it, it reminded me strongly of Journey and if you liked that you'll most likely love this as well. Played it right after finishing Alan Wake 2 and it was the perfect game to play after that.

[@Martial-Mat]

It looks and sounds exquisite. I get the sense that it will hit the feels like Edith Finch did.

[@UserName-vv1ws]

Awesome job Austin. I'm currently playing thru *The Ascent* I'll give this a shot sometime, be cool to see what speed runners do with this game

[@Josh-vm9bk]

Absolutely loved this game. Traversal as a main mechanic can be tough, but when done right it's so good. Jusant get's it right.

[@drgonzo123]

I just tried this last night and was surprised how interesting the climbing physics were. I’ll continue playing it, even though my backlog this year is huge.