Cocoon - 2 Minute Critiques! [Gamepass]
0"Cocoon" is an adventure game that has you jumping between 3 alien worlds contained in orbs to progress and solve puzzles. The mechanic allows you to bring worlds within worlds, without ever becoming overly complicated. It is the debut game from "Geometric-Interactive", a studio founded by Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of "LIMBO" and "INSIDE", and the influence is evident.
The gameplay is best described as simple and elegant. The controls are fluid, with only directional movement and one interact button. The game has no tutorials or UI, guiding the player through clever level design and environmental cues. The puzzles revolve around two key mechanics: the power to journey inside worlds enclosed within orbs or gaining abilities by holding the orbs. The puzzles are unique and creative, but only a handful will stump you, but the vast majority are fair, and often require out-of-the-box thinking. Many puzzles however go for stylishness instead of being challenging, where its obvious what you need to do, but not necessarily why.
Visually, the game appears minimalist, but it doesn't cut corners. It is packed with detail and intricately animated. The soundtrack too is highly polished, if not overly intrusive in places. Overall, it's a very immersive game.
Unfortunately, the game is quite short at about 3 hours with no replay value. The game lacks any sort of story and the ending disappoints. Boss fights aren't drawn out, but can be frustrating and go completely against the flow of the rest of the game, featuring real time dodging and shooting.
All in all, its a well designed and creative puzzle game, but it fails to make any lasting impression. It doesn't have the enthral or impact of Limbo and Inside, and struggles to keep you motivated to stay playing the way those games did.
I give this game 76%.
-------------------------------
From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and INSIDE — COCOON takes you on an adventure across worlds within worlds. Master world-leaping mechanics to unravel a cosmic mystery.
Worlds within Worlds
COCOON is a unique take on the puzzle adventure genre, where each world exists within an orb that you can carry on your back. Wrap your head around the core mechanic of leaping between worlds—and combine, manipulate, and rearrange them to solve intricate puzzles.
Alien Machinery
Interact with alien environments and biomechanical devices left behind by an ancient civilization. Journey through unique and diverse biomes, from industrial structures to massive organic caverns, and discover how they are connected to one another.
Orb Abilities
Each orb has an ability that can be unlocked, thereby turning the orb into a unique tool for you to utilize within other worlds. Use these abilities to uncover hidden pathways and objects, fire projectiles to trigger switches, and more.
Monstrous Guardians
Mighty guardians protect every world, and you must face them in fierce battles. Each fight is unique and requires you to master new and satisfying mechanics.
Platforms:
PC, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5
RELEASE DATE:
29 Sep, 2023
DEVELOPER:
Geometric Interactive
PUBLISHER:
Annapurna Interactive