izigame.me

I don't normally write reviews but since this game just gave it all to me, I reckon to go extra mile and try to give what this game deserves. A thumbs up lol. Anyway, here goes.
GRIS is not just an art project with beautiful graphics and soundtracks. It's much more than what most people make it out to be. A lot people often missed the fact that GRIS is a complete game with solid gameplay mechanics and well-designed levels, that just happen to shine artistically. It's so much more than a simple 2D walking simulator with watercolor art style. Since it's already agreed upon that GRIS is a 10/10 when it comes to its graphics, story line and music, I'm only here to point out several things that people missed or took for granted while playing this game.
Every single object that you think looks beautiful, had a reason to be there and they're actually important for the gameplay. There were multiple times where I thought something was purely cosmetic, turned out to be "oh, so that's why they put it there, that's convenient." I know that this is a standard for games, but the fact that Nomada Studio managed to create levels that feel satisfying to go through, while also made them look like a giant contemporary artwork without sacrificing my experience, is impressive.
They also introduce you a new ability in every chapter. These abilities are simple, but they managed to make the "tutorials" feel seamless to the actual level. I learned to master using those abilities immediately and progress through the game with them very easily. Also, the first ability is pretty unique. I love it the most, plus it also matched with the message of the game during that chapter. So they made the right choice to put the most unique ability in the beginning, it made me feel more interested and increased my retention. Good stuff.
Oh, the movements feel so precise. Nice decision for making the protagonist to have slender and sharp legs. I played it on keyboard and there was never one time where I wished I used a controller.
The soundtrack! It's much more than just majestic instrumentals and stellar choirs. I just feel like I need to put this but I love how there was one point where I forgot about 1 ability and I was a bit stuck because of my pea brain. But they hinted that at me via the soundtrack, like there was a 5-6 second leitmotif that reminded me of a certain level where the said ability was first introduced. So I used it and I moved forward easily. Bravo.
Satisfying gameplay, gorgeous visuals and music. Then, it all ended in a cathartic way. Almost everyone I watched playing this game felt strong emotions when the ending cutscene played. I am no exception. I cried HARD watching the final cutscene and it felt like heaven. Every aspect complements each other and formed this incredible and solid interactive journey from the beginning until the very end. It's literature at its finest, I don't think GRIS' story line would impact just as hard if it was in a form of a novel or a simple short film.
I do wish that there were more games like this. The fact that only 41.5% of players actually made it until the end of the game by the time I'm writing this, is saddening. They didn't know what they're missing out. It's truly a superb and one-of-a-kind experience. Playing GRIS felt like a therapy to me. It's a full package of amazing visuals, music, story and gameplay. I'm feeling a strong 10 on this one, a must-buy and it's also very cheap.