GRIS

This game is not difficult and is also short, but this is one of those game that is an incredible experience cause the way it is made, probably one of the most visually impressive games that I’ve ever played, the soundtrack is always on point and the sound design is also spectacular. This can help if you are going through a hard time.

Gris a stunningly looking and sounding puzzle platformer. As the titular Gris, you travel through a hand-painted watercolor 2D world filled with gorgeous scenery, adorable creatures and some light puzzles. Being one big metaphor for the five stages of grief, this journey can be quite emotional and on my first playthrough, I cried several times. It's a powerful game in that regard, but only on a first playthrough. You see, Gris' gameplay is rather uneventful with long stretches of walking interspersed with very basic platforming challenges and a couple of puzzles. There are a couple of heart-pounding set pieces as well, usually at the end of a chapter, but they're very few and far between. Once you've figured out the puzzles - and they're not hard at all - the game has very little to offer besides its visuals, music and emotional core. There's also the optional secrets to collect, but even those don't add much replay value as the reward actually takes away from the mystery of the game's story. Gris is a powerful experience on a first playthrough and I believe everyone should play it at least once because it truly is a work of art. The game doesn't hold up very well on subsequent playthroughs however, which is why I can't give it my highest rating. Still, Nomada Studio clearly is a very talented bunch and I'm eagerly awaiting their next game.

I own this on steam, but I am pondering to buy this again here and even the OST, as it's easily a full 50% of the reason this game is so beautiful. GRIS feel like exploring a graphic novel with a superb soundtrack accompanying you at first. After a couple of hours, however, it becomes accompanying a dear friend through her difficulties and fears. In the end, you will be happy and sad to see this friend leave the little world she shared with you, but content that she has now grown stronger through the time spent together. One of the few examples of how video games are an art form, not “just” entertainment.

The story, specifically the way it's told is not new, but it feels really fresh here. It's quite rare for a game to basically have only 5 words in it while being able to lead the player through emotional journey (and it is emotional one indeed). Well, written, stunning visually, beautiful music and sfx. Mechanically the gameplay is simple, but I think it fits the game - this way you focus on the symbols and art, get better understanding of what the game is about instead of trying to pinpoint that jump that cannot be even 1px off to succeed. There are some timed jumps, but I think it's more of a properly timed break from running around. It keeps you focused. Anyway, the game is worth its original price, at discount it's a must have. Gorgeous piece of art.

Beautiful and original game.................