GRIS Video Game Review: A Beautiful Journey Through Emotions

GRIS Video Game Review: A Beautiful Journey Through Emotions

Welcome, friends! How’s everyone doing? Alliana Jonus here, and I’m super excited to welcome you all back to my blog, Xbox Gaming. I know it’s been a little while since we’ve posted a new review — sorry about that! But today, I’ve got something great lined up. I’ll be diving into a review of a game that’s not just visually stunning but also emotionally captivating. If you're into games that make you think, feel, and experience art in motion, you’re going to love GRIS. So without further delay, let’s jump right in!

Introduction to GRIS

GRIS, developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital, is a beautiful indie platformer that takes players on an emotional journey. Released in December 2018 for platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and more recently for mobile devices, GRIS stands out for its hand-drawn visuals, soothing soundtrack, and deep, metaphorical storytelling. The game is a testament to how video games can be artistic expressions of human emotion.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Although GRIS is a platformer at its core, it offers a more relaxed, contemplative experience than your typical action-packed game. Here’s what you can expect from its gameplay:

• Exploration-Based Gameplay: The game isn’t about fast-paced action but about exploration, solving light puzzles, and progressing through beautifully designed environments.

• No Combat: Unlike many platformers, GRIS features no enemies or combat. Instead, the gameplay focuses on unlocking new abilities as you progress through the world. These abilities are tied to the emotional stages of the protagonist’s journey.

• Simple Controls: The controls are intuitive and easy to grasp. You move, jump, and use newly acquired abilities to progress through the world and solve puzzles.

• Color Restoration: A key aspect of the gameplay involves restoring color to the world, symbolizing emotional healing. As you progress, the monochromatic world begins to fill with vibrant colors, representing Gris’s journey through grief and emotional recovery.

Story and Themes

The narrative of GRIS is abstract and open to interpretation. The story centers around a young girl named Gris, who finds herself in a world devoid of color, mirroring her internal emotional struggle. As she journeys through this world, she gains strength, represented by new abilities, and slowly brings color back into her life.

The game explores themes of grief, loss, and recovery in a beautifully metaphorical way. Each color you restore to the world represents a different stage of emotional healing. The absence of dialogue allows players to interpret the story through the visual design and music, making it a deeply personal experience.

Visuals and Art Style

The visuals of GRIS are where it truly shines. The game is hand-drawn with an elegant, watercolor art style that is nothing short of breathtaking. Every environment, character, and detail is intricately designed to create a world that feels like a living painting. Whether you’re traversing through desolate ruins, underwater caverns, or windswept deserts, each area feels distinct and artistically vibrant.

The game’s world shifts in design as you restore different colors. The subtle use of colors to reflect emotions is brilliantly executed, making the visual storytelling as compelling as the gameplay itself.

Sound and Music

Another standout element of GRIS is its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, composed by Berlinist. The music is calming, melancholic, and perfectly aligned with the game's emotional tone. The sound effects, too, are delicately crafted to enhance the experience, with gentle piano notes, soothing melodies, and ambient sounds that make the world feel alive.

The absence of dialogue means that the music and visuals must do all the emotional storytelling, and GRIS accomplishes this masterfully.

GRIS Platforms and Availability

The game is widely available on multiple platforms:

• Nintendo Switch
• PC
• PlayStation 4
• PlayStation 5
• iOS and Android

This accessibility ensures that anyone, regardless of their gaming platform, can dive into this artistic journey.

Achievements and Replayability

While GRIS is not a long game (around 4-5 hours), it’s a game that invites you to take your time and savor each moment. If you’re a completionist, the game offers achievements for finding all collectibles and hidden secrets in the game.

For those seeking a guide, the GRIS walkthrough and achievement guide can help you find those hidden gems throughout the game.

GRIS FAQ

1. What is GRIS about?

   • GRIS is a platformer that takes players on an emotional journey through a stunning, hand-drawn world. The story centers around a girl named Gris as she navigates grief and emotional recovery.

2. Is GRIS available in English?

   • Yes, although there is no spoken dialogue, the game’s menus and text are available in English and many other languages.

3. What platforms is GRIS available on?

   • The game is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, iOS, and Android.

4. Does GRIS have combat?

   • No, the game focuses on exploration and platforming, without any combat or enemies.

5. What does the word GRIS mean?

   • In Spanish, Gris means "grey." This aligns with the game's themes of emotional struggle and the restoration of color (representing healing).

6. How long is GRIS?

   • The game takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete, depending on how thoroughly you explore.

7. Is GRIS difficult?

   • The game is designed to be a relaxing experience with light platforming and puzzle-solving elements. It’s not particularly challenging and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

8. What is the meaning of GRIS?

   • The game’s title and themes reflect emotional recovery. The journey is about Gris reclaiming her strength after loss and restoring color to her life.

Conclusion

GRIS is a game that transcends the traditional boundaries of video games. It is an emotional journey wrapped in a stunning visual and auditory package. For those looking for a game that speaks to the soul, GRIS is a must-play. Its combination of gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, beautiful music, and heartfelt themes makes it one of the most unforgettable gaming experiences out there.

Outro

Thank you so much for reading my review of GRIS! If you enjoyed this review and want to keep up with more exciting game reviews, guides, and gameplay, be sure to subscribe to my blog, Xbox Gaming, and follow me on all my social channels. And don’t forget to hit that notification bell so you never miss an update!

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Until next time, happy gaming!