7.5 hours played
Written 6 days ago
Gris is a profoundly moving and visually breathtaking indie game that masterfully explores the complex emotional journey of grief through its art, colour, and gameplay. Developed by Nomada Studio, Gris presents a decent platformer experience where players accompany the protagonist, Gris, as she navigates a world drained of color and life, symbolizing her emotional numbness and sorrow.
The game’s narrative is deeply intertwined with the five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Sadness and Acceptance. Each stage is represented by a distinct colour palette that gradually returns vibrancy to the world as Gris progresses. The initial level, Denial, is depicted in grey tones, evoking a sense of emptiness and disbelief. This transitions into the fiery reds of Anger, the hopeful greens of Bargaining, the melancholic blues of Sadness and finally the warm, luminous yellows of Acceptance.
This thoughtful use of colour is not merely aesthetic but symbolic, reflecting the Gris's internal emotional state and growth. For example, the blue water level representing Depression immerses players in a somber, fluid environment that captures the heaviness of that stage, while the yellow hues of Acceptance radiate hope and healing, signaling Gris’s emotional reconciliation.
The hand-drawn water-colour art style, enhances the game’s emotional impact. The delicate, flowing lines and soft colours bleed into one another like paint on paper, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that invites reflection and empathy. Gris’s cloak, which moves elegantly as she jumps, flies, and sings, adds a layer of poetic grace to her journey, symbolizing her fragility and resilience.
Music also plays a crucial role in conveying grief’s nuances. The haunting, beautiful soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, deepening the mood and emotional resonance. Notably, Gris’s regained ability to sing towards the end symbolizes her healing and the reawakening of her voice and spirit, culminating in a powerful, almost spiritual moment where she connects with the night sky and stars.
Gris is more than a game about loss; it is an immersive experience that captures grief’s messy, non-linear nature. It shows that grief is not just a series of stages but a complex, often confusing blend of emotions and coping mechanisms. The gameplay mechanics associated with each stage become tools for navigating the world, metaphorically representing how we use our experiences and emotions to move forward.
Ultimately, Gris offers a universal story of healing and acceptance without uttering a single word. It invites players to witness and share in the Gris's pain and recovery through stunning visuals, evocative colours, graceful animation and a fantastic soundtrack. Playing Gris is like stepping into a moving painting that speaks directly to the soul, making it one of the most beautiful and emotionally impactful games of recent times.
Overall, Gris is an extraordinary artistic achievement that transforms the abstract and deeply personal experience of grief into a vivid journey of colour, emotion and hope. It reminds us that through the darkest moments, there is the possibility of renewal and that even in sorrow, beauty can be found.