A New Surprise in the Gaming World: Cocoon
The gaming industry has been revolutionized by games like Limbo and Inside, which have captivated players and developers alike with their unique aesthetics and polished gameplay. Now, Geometric Interactive, led by Jeppe Carlsen, the chief gameplay designer of these acclaimed titles, presents Cocoon, a game that has already become one of the biggest surprises of 2023.
Impeccable Design and Challenging Puzzles
Cocoon is a third-person puzzle game with an aerial perspective that challenges players to progress using different unlockable spheres. Each sphere possesses unique powers, such as activating bridges, pillars, or shooting lightning. Additionally, each sphere contains its own world, accessible through portals.
The management of these spheres becomes crucial as players can only carry one at a time. Moving them wisely is essential to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. The game’s final section presents even more complex challenges that require players to perform real tricks with the spheres.
Despite the complexity of its mechanics, Cocoon stands out as one of the best-designed games in recent memory. It effortlessly teaches players its concepts without the need for tutorials or on-screen text, reminiscent of the intuitive gameplay of classics like Super Mario Bros.
A World of Intrigue and Mystery
Complementing its gameplay, Cocoon offers a captivating audiovisual experience. The adventure begins on an alien planet with a half-humanoid, half-insect protagonist, and from there, the game becomes increasingly surreal. With twisted settings, strange creatures, and jaw-dropping moments, Cocoon creates a unique and unforgettable world.
Technically, Cocoon may not be groundbreaking, but its minimalist artistic style, characterized by colored polygons without textures, contributes to its dreamlike and extraterrestrial atmosphere. The game’s minimalist soundtrack and peculiar sound effects further enhance the overall experience.
A Refreshing Break from the Norm
In an industry often criticized for lacking creativity, Cocoon stands out as a breath of fresh air. With its simple yet captivating gameplay, played with just one button, it manages to surprise and captivate players from beginning to end. It offers an original and memorable experience, surpassing many of the blockbuster games released each year.
Whether you are a fan of puzzle games or not, Cocoon deserves a chance. Its availability on Game Pass makes it even more accessible to players. We played and reviewed Cocoon on Xbox Series X, using a code provided by Microsoft.