PGC NEWS

Experiencing emotions is a deeply personal journey, unique to each individual. It’s a subtle vibration, a measure of the soul’s depth. While emotional responses can vary, a powerful piece of art can evoke universal feelings of wonder and connection. In the realm of indie games, titles like Journey, Flower, ABZÛ, Ori and the Blind Forest, Bokida, Inside, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Machinarium, and Monument Valley have achieved this remarkable feat. They offer players a wave of captivating emotions, immersing them in a world of profound experiences. GRIS, from Nomada Studio, joins these ranks, offering a poignant and visually stunning journey.

alt=A screenshot from GRIS showing the protagonist standing on a crumbling platform amidst a red, dusty landscape

Life’s Harsh Beauty in GRIS

While physical death can be a source of fear, even in the virtual world of video games, GRIS explores a different kind of loss: the death of the inner self. The game depicts the struggle of losing one’s voice, identity, and sense of self-worth. Recovering from this inner turmoil is a challenging feat, and GRIS captures this journey beautifully. The game doesn’t feature traditional threats like enemies or traps. Instead, the challenges lie in overcoming emotional obstacles that hinder progress and shroud the world in a melancholic haze. Players are left with a lingering question: “On this journey, am I saving the world, or saving myself?”

The puzzles in GRIS are intentionally simple, allowing the focus to remain on the artistic presentation and the emotional journey. The game’s world is a breathtaking tapestry of natural beauty, imagination, and human connection. It evokes a sense of profound humanity. The initial stages, marked by dust, decay, and swirling winds, represent the struggle and despair of loss. As the player progresses, a vibrant rebirth unfolds, symbolized by lush forests, vast oceans, and acts of kindness and reciprocity.

alt=A screenshot from GRIS depicting the protagonist interacting with small, plant-like creatures in a serene blue environment

As the protagonist gains new abilities, overcoming initial hurdles, the path forward becomes clearer, and the initial ambiguity gives way to purpose. The player intuitively understands their objective without explicit guidance. GRIS gently guides the player forward, discouraging turning back or giving up, emphasizing that perseverance is the best course of action.

Bit by bit, GRIS unveils new horizons and experiences. Seemingly simple actions, like collecting small stars, contribute to a larger, more complex narrative. This mirrors the way countless individual stars combine to form the breathtaking beauty of the night sky. The journey continues, with the protagonist’s song awakening celestial bodies, dispelling threats, and uniting the world. These sequences are masterfully crafted, blending stunning visuals and evocative sound to create unforgettable moments.

The game’s pacing is deliberate and unhurried, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the experience. There’s a constant sense of wonder, prompting players to pause and admire the sheer beauty of GRIS.

alt=A screenshot from GRIS showcasing a vibrant and colorful scene with the protagonist soaring through the air

Moments of tension arise, as the protagonist flees from looming dangers. These threats are abstract and multifaceted, representing the various fears that can plague our minds. These challenges, however, ultimately serve a purpose. GRIS reveals that even hardships can be valuable lessons, teaching us resilience and the importance of remaining calm in the face of adversity.

A Lasting Impression

GRIS is a relatively short game, clocking in at around 4-5 hours. However, the emotional impact, artistic presentation, captivating music, and resonant narrative leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll. The game’s value isn’t measured by its length, but by the enduring memories it creates. GRIS is a testament to the power of indie games to evoke profound emotions and offer deeply personal experiences. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the beauty that can be found even in the darkest of times.