GRIS – A Visually Stunning Journey
Release Date: 13/12/22
Size: 5.46GB
Platforms: PS4 & PS5
Price: £12.99 (Available with Playstation Plus at time of review)
Playtime: 3-4 hours
Written by Sam Watson
Posted 16th February 2025
GRIS is more than just a game, it’s an artistic experience that blends beautiful watercolour visuals, expressive music, and minimalist platforming into a deeply moving journey.
You play as a young girl lost in grief, navigating a surreal world that reflects her emotions. With no dialogue or text, GRIS relies on visual storytelling and subtle environmental cues to guide players through its beautiful landscapes.
From the very first moments, the game throws you straight into its mesmerising world, immersing you in its unique art style and calming yet powerful atmosphere. With no visuals cues, the game does an excellent job in level design to guide you whilst leaving hidden areas to explore.
Visuals & Art Style
One of the standout features of GRIS is its breathtaking visual design. The world is hand-painted in a delicate watercolor style, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The animation is fluid and elegant, making every movement feel like a work of art. Each environment tells a story, evolving as GRIS regains hope and overcomes her sorrow.
Sound Design
The sound design is exceptional. The game’s score is a perfect blend of serene, melancholic, and dramatic orchestral pieces. The way the music shifts between quiet introspection and intense chase sequences is flawless.
Puzzle Design
As you progress, GRIS gains new abilities that allow her to navigate the world in different ways,
Stone Form – Transforms into a heavy structure, allowing her to break through weak floors and resist strong winds.
• Double Jump – Grants access to higher platforms and opens up new exploration opportunities.
• Singing Ability – Unlocks pathways, activates mechanisms, and interacts with the environment.
While these abilities enhance traversal, I found myself wanting more variety. Adding a unique ability per world could have made the gameplay feel even more dynamic.
Puzzle Design
The puzzles in GRIS are simple but satisfying. You won’t find overly complex challenges, but there’s enough variety to keep things engaging.
• Collect glowing orbs to form bridges and open new areas.
• Use environmental elements like wind, water, and light mechanics to progress.
• Subtle difficulty progression, with puzzles becoming slightly more intricate towards the end.
While some players may find the lack of challenge a downside, it fits perfectly with the game’s relaxing and emotional tone.