Jad

Jad is a fantasy-themed platformer where players control JAD, the most advanced and agile inhabitant of the planet Koitii, navigating challenging levels through wall-jumping, Electra accelerators, and precise puzzle-solving amidst dangerous saws and difficult obstacles.

Jad: Review

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of indie platformers, Jad emerges as a minimalist yet ambitious entry that blends atmospheric tension with demanding puzzle-platforming mechanics. Developed by Dnovel and published by My Way Games, this title arrived on Steam in Early Access on October 28, 2020, culminating in a full release on February 17, 2021. Its core premise—a hero named Jad, the “most advanced and agile inhabitant of the planet Koitii,” navigating treacherous environments using wall-jumps and “Electra accelerators”—promises a nostalgic throwback to the 1990s platforming era with a modern twist. While its reception has been niche, Jad stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of precision-based challenges and atmospheric storytelling. This review examines Jad through the lens of its development, narrative, gameplay, artistry, and legacy, arguing that despite its obscurity, it carves a distinct niche as a challenging, atmospheric experience that rewards perseverance.

Development History & Context

Jad was crafted by the small Vietnamese studio Dnovel, in collaboration with FreeAnimals Software, reflecting a trend of agile, independent teams leveraging accessible tools to create refined 2D experiences. Released during a boom in atmospheric platformers (e.g., Celeste, Hollow Knight), Jad positioned itself as a love letter to classic 2D platformers like Super Metroid and Hollow Knight, emphasizing tight controls and environmental storytelling. The game’s Early Access phase (October 2020–February 2021) allowed Dnovel to iterate on feedback, refining level design and physics. Technically, Jad is lightweight, requiring minimal specs (Windows 7+, 1GB RAM, 180MB storage), underscoring its focus on accessibility and performance. Its development occurred against a backdrop of rising demand for “difficult” indie games, though Jad distinguishes itself by prioritizing puzzle-platforming over combat or RPG elements. The studio’s vision—rooted in “convenient management” and “atmospheric” design—shaped a game where challenge and ambiance are intertwined, mirroring the ethos of early PC platformers.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Jad eschews overt exposition, instead weaving its narrative through environmental cues and subtle world-building. The protagonist, Jad, is a “distant relative of AVA” (a likely nod to the developer’s earlier game, AVA: Dark History), positioning him as a scion of a lineage tied to the planet Koitii. The game’s lore is sparse but intriguing: Koitii is portrayed as a world of advanced beings and ancient technology, with Jad’s agility and intellect setting him apart. Themes of isolation and resilience permeate the game. Levels—industrial ruins, cavernous chasms, and puzzle-filled temples—suggest a civilization in decline, with Jad as its last hope. Dialogue is minimal, replaced by silent interactions with objects like “Electra accelerators” and “Large Gems,” hinting at Koitii’s lost history. The absence of a traditional narrative arc empowers players to interpret Jad’s journey as a metaphor for overcoming adversity. The “dangerous saws” and “jigsaw puzzles” serve as physical manifestations of these themes, forcing players to confront obstacles with patience and precision.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Jad is a masterclass in refined platforming mechanics. The control scheme (“convenient management”) is crisp, with responsive movement, wall-jumping, and “Electra accelerators” (jump-boost pads) forming the foundation of traversal. Wall-jumping is particularly polished, requiring rhythmic timing to scale vertical surfaces, while Electra accelerators add verticality and speed, breaking up the pace with exhilarating sequences.

Combat is non-existent; instead, “dangerous saws” act as environmental hazards, demanding split-second reflexes to avoid. The game’s true innovation lies in its “jigsaw puzzles,” which integrate physics-based elements into level design. Players manipulate blocks, switches, and platforms to create paths, blending platforming with spatial reasoning. Progression is linear, with each level escalating in complexity. The difficulty curve is steep, later stages requiring mastery of wall-jangles and precise timing—a nod to Super Meat Boy-era challenges.

Character progression is minimalist, relying on skill mastery rather than upgrades. The UI is unobtrusive, with a clean, retro-inspired HUD displaying level objectives and a minimal health system. Flaws include occasional finicky collision detection and punishing checkpoint placement, though these are offset by the satisfaction of overcoming a tough section.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Koitii is a character in its own right, rendered in a minimalist, painterly art style. The game’s visual direction favors moody, atmospheric environments: caverns glow with bioluminescent flora, industrial zones hum with unseen machinery, and ruins evoke a sense of forgotten grandeur. The color palette is restrained, dominated by deep blues, grays, and ochres, heightening the sense of isolation. Character design is similarly understated—Jad is a small, agile figure, his movements fluid and expressive.

Sound design amplifies the atmosphere. Ambient sounds—dripping water, distant machinery, and faint echoes—create a immersive soundscape. The soundtrack, while not explicitly detailed in sources, likely complements the visuals with minimalist, synth-driven melodies that underscore tension during puzzle sections. The absence of voice acting or lengthy tracks reinforces the game’s silent, contemplative tone, making environmental storytelling paramount.

Reception & Legacy

At launch, Jad flew under the radar of mainstream critics, but its niche audience was vocal. Steam reviews are “Mostly Positive” (78% positive), praising its “atmospheric” design and “difficult but fair” challenges. Players highlighted the “convenient controls” and “jigsaw puzzles” as highlights, though some criticized the lack of narrative depth and occasional frustration from instant-death hazards. Commercially, it was modestly successful, selling ~1,800 units for ~$8,486 in gross revenue (per Sensor Tower), with peak concurrent players never exceeding 3.

Jad’s legacy lies in its influence on the indie platforming scene. Its emphasis on precision and atmosphere predated trends in “roguevania” and atmospheric puzzle-platformers. It shares DNA with titles like Ori and the Blind Forest but carves its identity through minimalist design. The game’s focus on puzzle-integrated levels inspired developers to blend genres more fluidly. Though not a commercial juggernaut, Jad remains a cult favorite, cited in community discussions as an exemplar of “old-school” challenges with modern polish.

Conclusion

Jad is a flawed but compelling artifact in the indie platforming canon. Its strengths—refined controls, atmospheric art, and inventive puzzles—shine brightest in moments of mastery, while its lack of narrative depth and occasional frustration temper the experience. For players seeking a nostalgic, punishing platformer with cerebral puzzles, Jad offers a unique journey through the enigmatic world of Koitii. Its legacy is that of a hidden gem: a game that didn’t change the industry but exemplified the passion-driven spirit of indie development. In the end, Jad is less about lore or spectacle and more about the raw satisfaction of overcoming challenge—a timeless testament to the enduring power of platforming.