Jivana

About

Jivana is a single-player adventure game centered on solving environmental puzzles and navigating treacherous terrain. You play as Aelis, a priestess with the ability to bend water to her will. Her task is to carve safe routes through crumbling ruins and dense jungles for her people fleeing a shattered homeland. Gameplay blends platforming challenges with creative use of water manipulation, channeling streams, creating ice bridges, and controlling floods to clear obstacles. The story unfolds through sparse dialogue and environmental storytelling as you guide survivors through a fractured world. The game’s hand-painted visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create a quiet but urgent tone. While puzzle variety dips in the middle act, later levels introduce satisfying twists on water-based mechanics. With a Metacritic score of 78 and a 76% positive Steam rating, it’s praised for its artistry and emotional core. The short runtime (6-8 hours) focuses on a cohesive narrative without fluff. Jivana works best when its world feels alive, moments like leading a group of refugees through a storm-ravaged canyon stick long after the credits roll.

Storyline

Discover the story of a community running away from its homeland destroyed by the sudden appearance of devastating cataclysm. Embody Aelis, a young priestess having the power to shape water. Use this ability to open the path through massive ruins and vegetation and dive into the intense journey of a community tormented by the trials on their way to salvation.