VACANT BEAUTY.
I won’t deny that GRIS is stunning. Visually reminiscent of the work of French comic artist Jean Girard (better known as Moebius), GRIS has an ink and watercolor look that in still shots looks great but in motion looks amazing. The world is surreal yet familiar, the sound only accentuates the atmosphere, and as the world slowly returns to life the once barren land feels like a living world. All this is nice and if were an exhibit in a gallery that was able to capture all of this, I would call it a masterpiece. But this is a video game and I need a bit more than just eye candy.
GRIS is a fairly basic platformer with jumping and minor puzzle solving, and when it chooses to emphasize that over being pretty it is actually pretty good. Being able to become a block to destroy broken floors or stop from being blown by strong gusts of wind is interesting, using the acquired skills (doled out at key moments) to not only progress but collect optional items is actually fun. Had moments like this been explored more I would be kinder to GRIS, but for long drawn out portions I am sort of watching the experience instead of truly engaging with it.
PLATFORMS: SWITCH, PC, MAC
MSRP: $16.99
PRICE I’D PAY: $6.99
Each area introduces a new concept to the basic platforming like wind, ice, and platforms that disappear. None of these elements overstay their welcome, however they also don’t last long enough to get truly interesting. There’s a specific area where after a few seconds, a frozen version of the main character is left behind and it’s a unique concept for puzzles. This is used a total of two times, which is disappointing because there’s so much more to be explored with that concept that to make it and then only use it twice seems like a waste.
Towards the end of the game all the unlocked skills (which I will not spoil) need to be used to finish the final area, and it shows that the developers know how to make a great game. Why these moments are broken up by long walks or swims and slides before the final act is beyond me. The platforming never takes away from the artistic value of GRIS, but the artistic storytelling of GRIS definitely intrudes on the gameplay.
The story is abstract. I have no idea what this game is about and I have no idea what I really did in the game other than get to the ending.
I won’t say that GRIS is bad. It is not even remotely bad. What GRIS is is disappointing. It can’t decide whether or not it wants to be a fun platformer or art piece, and the reality is that it could have been both. There’s a lot of hyperbole out there right now about this being a must play and I have a feeling a lot of people that do will be disappointed by this title. If GRIS goes on sale I would say pick it up if the art style seems appealing, but otherwise don’t look to GRIS to be the new LIMBO or INSIDE because the puzzles aren’t as deep and the gameplay isn’t as prevalent.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
