80
An absolutely gorgeous work of art that everyone should experience at some point. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 23]
50
Almost universal admiration for Gris says a lot about the condition of video games industry. It’s just a 2D platformer devoid of any challenge, and instead of evoking true feeling it makes a good first impression (“wow, it’s beautiful!”) and then just glides for a couple of hours using that momentum. It doesn’t actually have anything important to say, it’s just pretty. [02/2019, p.56]
80
Gris is a beautiful puzzle-platformer about making it through the ordeals of hardship, and it’ll likely stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
9
Très beau jeu du début à la fin.
Voir l'écran se colorer au fur et à mesure du voyage est vraiment agréable.
La musique est superbe tout au long du jeu.
7
Though a visually beautiful game worth a play-through. Its basic puzzles and gameplay aren’t nearly as engaging. Play this when you are grieving a lost one, a Mother specifically.
10
This watercoloured world is painted with such artistry and imagination, that the moments of awe almost serve the game too well, in that they end up distracting from the subdued and surprisingly thought provoking symbolic themes of this game. Gris is a titan of the medium that deserves to stand among the greats like Journey and Abzu, and has unmistakeably carved its own identity out of the conventions of contemporaries that have come before it. Like those games, Gris is a visual and audio treat, but one that takes a refreshingly unique approach. Where Abzu and Journey give the impression of representing interactive paintings, Gris is the closest videogames have gotten to actually being one. The visual identity lends the game a level of intrigue and fascination that more direct and unambiguous worlds fail to capture; Gris is not a game that takes place in a world that follows our logic. It is very much an abstract-impressionist style of game, where the story behind the beauty matters less than what the beauty evokes. Gris' soundtrack is perhaps the most important in that regard; it is evocative and hauntingly beautiful, with Berlinist offering a rich contrast to the more orchestral, documentary-style melodies of Austin Wintory and others. I almost feel bad for not discussing the puzzle-platforming foundations of this game, because they are quite good, but the main draw is once again the visuals and the audio and both are supreme. Gris is a beautiful glossy gem that takes pride in what it delivers best, wastes no time splitting its personality between different pursuits, and stands as one of the most visually and musically enjoyable works in the medium.
GRIS
Released On:
Dec 13, 2018
Metascore
Generally Favorable
83
User score
Generally Favorable
8.0
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
83
88% Positive
38 Reviews
38 Reviews
12% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Dec 20, 2018
100
GRIS is best experienced as single-sitting five-hour adventure and after that there's nothing more to do really do with the game. The puzzles are a lot less engaging on repeat and the world is very linear. In every other aspect though GRIS is a masterpiece in visualization and atmospheric storytelling.
Jan 14, 2019
90
While the story is loose and can leave players feeling a little lost, there are emotional cues that symbolize this as a journey of loss and healing. The excellent soundtrack, level design and commitment to themes make Gris a memorable title for all. With fun, adventurous platforming and puzzles that are both challenging and intuitive, its playstyle keeps things simple by placing player cognition at the forefront. Gris is a true work of indie art that prides itself on attention to details. Fans of works of art and video games will find a relatable home in Gris. Although this is Nomada Studio's first title, it has hit every possible note out of the park.
User score
Generally Favorable
8.0
74% Positive
719 Ratings
719 Ratings
19% Mixed
190 Ratings
190 Ratings
7% Negative
67 Ratings
67 Ratings
May 1, 2025
10
This watercoloured world is painted with such artistry and imagination, that the moments of awe almost serve the game too well, in that they end up distracting from the subdued and surprisingly thought provoking symbolic themes of this game. Gris is a titan of the medium that deserves to stand among the greats like Journey and Abzu, and has unmistakeably carved its own identity out of the conventions of contemporaries that have come before it. Like those games, Gris is a visual and audio treat, but one that takes a refreshingly unique approach. Where Abzu and Journey give the impression of representing interactive paintings, Gris is the closest videogames have gotten to actually being one. The visual identity lends the game a level of intrigue and fascination that more direct and unambiguous worlds fail to capture; Gris is not a game that takes place in a world that follows our logic. It is very much an abstract-impressionist style of game, where the story behind the beauty matters less than what the beauty evokes. Gris' soundtrack is perhaps the most important in that regard; it is evocative and hauntingly beautiful, with Berlinist offering a rich contrast to the more orchestral, documentary-style melodies of Austin Wintory and others. I almost feel bad for not discussing the puzzle-platforming foundations of this game, because they are quite good, but the main draw is once again the visuals and the audio and both are supreme. Gris is a beautiful glossy gem that takes pride in what it delivers best, wastes no time splitting its personality between different pursuits, and stands as one of the most visually and musically enjoyable works in the medium.
Jan 16, 2026
10
This is my favorite game ever, the beauty of the subject, the game, i cry when i finished the game
Dec 13, 2018
90
In the moments that I played and experienced Gris I believed it was the most dazzling and elegant game I had ever seen. It was the most I’ve been in to a game in the current calendar year. Astonishment is temporary and hyperbole rationally fades into coherence, but I hope the strength and singularity of Gris stays with me forever.
Jan 8, 2019
85
Like a playable painting of ink and pigment, GRIS is a powerful and significant game, even if the visual art often overshadows the actual play.
Jan 7, 2019
80
Gris is a masterclass in aesthetic design in games. The vibrant watercolour visuals, the astounding animation quality, the impressive attention to detail and the gorgeous landscapes all combine to produce a truly breathtaking experience. The gameplay isn’t revolutionary, but it is satisfying and offers more than simply a means of delivering the fantastic visuals and terrific soundtrack. Do yourself a favour and play Gris on the biggest screen you can find and let the magic wash through your soil.
Dec 13, 2018
80
Gris takes you on a relaxing yet emotional adventure, encouraging you to take your time and soak up its world along the way. The gameplay may be simple, but it provides a strong enough bridge to engage with this enchanting world. It’s an inspiring work of beauty that’s well worth the journey.
Mar 25, 2019
50
Almost universal admiration for Gris says a lot about the condition of video games industry. It’s just a 2D platformer devoid of any challenge, and instead of evoking true feeling it makes a good first impression (“wow, it’s beautiful!”) and then just glides for a couple of hours using that momentum. It doesn’t actually have anything important to say, it’s just pretty. [02/2019, p.56]
Nov 19, 2025
10
Linda obra de arte, trabalho visual e sonoro desse jogo é primoroso. A história é contada nas estrelinhas, de maneira sublime! Pra quem aprecia arte (nao necessariamente apenas games) mas arte na sua essencia é uma obra prima.A Gameplay em si é bem simples e tem como função principal apenas conduzir a linha narrativa, ja a história e personagem são fortes e marcantes. Talvez um dos jogos visualmente mais bonitos que ja joguei em toda minha vida.
Apr 25, 2026
7
Though a visually beautiful game worth a play-through. Its basic puzzles and gameplay aren’t nearly as engaging. Play this when you are grieving a lost one, a Mother specifically.
Jun 21, 2025
7
I appreciated GRIS's intricate, artsy style but I couldn't enjoy it much. I felt the controls weren't quite good. I disliked that I couldn't go back to some areas and check if I missed something, althoughthe game does require a little back and forth. And for some more subjective reasons, it didn't keep me interested in the story, despite the effort that was put into the visuals. I didn't like the music either, and it was a big part of the game. Overall, it's a nice game that has some good ideas, but I wouldn't play it again.
Mar 29, 2026
4
Enjoyable and pretty but the gameplay is an absolute chore. Would much preferred if this game was a comic, a short film or something like that.
Jan 20, 2025
4
This game, despite having a very pretty artistic direction, lacks the core of a video game: gameplay. Being beautiful and having a great OST isn't everything.
SummaryGris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.
Rated Efor Everyone
Platforms:
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
- iOS (iPhone/iPad)
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
- Xbox One
Initial Release Date:Dec 13, 2018
Developer:
Publisher:





























