GRIS

GRIS is widely celebrated for its breathtaking visual art and emotionally evocative soundtrack, creating an immersive, meditative experience that resonates deeply with players. The game is a short, 2-4 hour journey through an abstract narrative about grief and healing, conveyed without dialogue but through stunning watercolor-inspired visuals and subtle storytelling.

Players appreciate the relaxing gameplay that focuses more on exploration and emotional expression than challenge, with light puzzles and smooth platforming mechanics. The absence of death or fail states makes it accessible and comforting, especially for those who prefer a low-stress experience. However, some players critique the gameplay as simplistic or bordering on a walking simulator, with limited interactivity and occasional vague or slow puzzle design. Despite this, many find the game’s artistic merit and emotional depth compelling enough to recommend it, especially at a reasonable price or on sale.

Technical issues such as rare bugs and softlocks were reported but appear uncommon. Overall, GRIS is embraced as a unique, artistic indie title that prioritizes atmosphere and narrative over traditional gameplay complexity.

Highlights

GRIS's art style is universally praised as a masterpiece, likened to moving paintings with exquisite watercolor effects. The soundtrack is described as enchanting and emotionally powerful, significantly enhancing the experience.

The storyline, though minimalist and nonverbal, effectively conveys themes of grief and healing, leaving a lasting impression on players.

Gameplay mechanics are simple yet smooth, with light puzzles integrated into the narrative progression. The absence of death creates a stress-free environment, making it accessible to non-gamers and those seeking a calming experience.

Many highlight the game as a beautiful interactive artwork rather than a traditional game, emphasizing its emotional and aesthetic impact.

Criticisms

Some players feel GRIS falls short as a traditional game, citing the gameplay as overly simplistic or akin to a walking simulator with minimal challenge.

Critics mention that puzzles can be vague or slow-paced, occasionally leading to frustration or softlocks, which detract from immersion.

The short duration (around 2-4 hours) may leave some wanting more content, though others see it as a complete experience.

Storytelling through visuals alone can be too subtle for some, making the narrative feel confusing or inaccessible without external interpretation.

Technical bugs, while not widespread, have been reported, including character getting stuck and progression blocking issues.