The PlayStation Plus essential tier games for July include two titles within widely popular genres–Blizzard’s ARPGDiablo 4, andThe King of Fighters 15fromKOF Studio.The third, though,Jusant, is more of an outlier.Jusantis by developer Don’t Nod, the studio behind narrative-focused games with cozier vibes likeLost Records: Bloom & Rage,Tell Me Why, andLife is Strange. First released in 2023,Jusantshowcases Don’t Nod’s range and creativity, and is something of a hidden gem.
While it resides in a comparatively more niche gaming space than the above and other powerhouse ones likeopen-world RPGsor high-octane shooters,Jusantis a well-crafted title unto its own that nails down its vision in a satisfying way. Cozy games fans looking for a laid-back time especially will likely enjoy what it has to offer. AndJusantbeing added to PS Plus now doubles as a perfect summer experience as well as a great choice to fill out the usually slim pickings of games like it on PS+ essential.
Jusant on PS Plus for July Bolsters the Service’s Often-Overlooked Cozy Gaming Selections
PlayStation Plus Essential’s Selection of Cozy Games Has Traditionally Been a Little Thin
While thecozy genrehas seen an increase in popularity in the last couple of years, particularly within the indie sphere, it’s still not as well represented within the PS Plus catalog overall, particularly on the essential track. Certainly, players have been able to check out some excellent titles, but by and large there just haven’t been as many. This is understandable in the sense that the genre isn’t quite as widespread or established as some older and more high-profile ones.
The service has also previously offered a few notable adjacent ones, likeStray, which was available in 2022 forPS Plus Premium and Extra, andSable,which was added in late 2023. But again, these cases have often been few and far between.Jusantbeing included in the latest lineup, though, is a great sign that the cozy area is still being considered, and is one of the best recent titles to scratch that itch.
Jusant Helps Round Out PS Plus' Cozy Catalog With its Relaxing Summer Vibes
Jusantsees players step into the shoes of a nameless and silent young protagonist generally dubbed The Climber, accompanied by a strange semi-magical creature composed mostly of water named Ballast. In a surreal setting, The Cimber sets out to ascend The Tower and explore the mystery of what happened to it and its population in the wake of a natural disaster. The title itself is a reference to this event, as “jusant” is French for the receding tide.Lacking dialogueentirely,Jusant’s story is told through its environment and the scattered relics and notes that can be found throughout the abandoned settlements that dot The Tower.
Mechanically, fans must manage the proper placement of pitons to navigate The Tower and its surrounding cliffsides, while keeping an eye on their stamina and resting when needed. There are also various puzzles to be solved on each level of The Tower, and Ballast will help reveal clues to provide the next path for The Climber.Jusantrecreates the thrill of strenuous climbing through its outstandingintegration of controller feedback. And though the challenge never ramps up too far,Jusantensures that it doesn’t become stale either, adding in complexity and asking players to make use of all available tools and their careful observation of the levels.
Along with the narrative breadcrumbs to piece together, the reward for continuing on areJusant’s breathtaking sights as The Climber advances ever higher. Combining its vibrant feel and colorful visuals with a soothing soundtrack,Jusant’s parts all add up to a wonderfully meditative and engaging experience, making it a welcome inclusion on PS Plus essential for cozy game enthusiasts, and a great fit for soaking insummer vibes.
