Few games have fascinated me the way Cocoon does with its metre-thick atmosphere and reality-distorting challenges. It's an alien among its earthly peers, and even when it draws on a classic series like The Legend of Zelda, it twists the concepts we know so well, such as requiring you to diligently travel between worlds in a split-second. Some games mesmerise you with their breadth and almost hubristic level of ambition. Cocoon does this by perfectly executing its tight focus - just as its role model Portal did twice more than a decade ago.
Cocoon is a deeply special game that gushes with expertise from the talented minds that programmed it. By constantly expanding upon the unique mechanic of layered world-hopping, players are gifted with an absolute darling of a puzzle game. Cocoon is one that is rarely meant to stump with obtuse solutions, instead becoming a constantly evolving challenge that travels through spectacular alien worlds and rewarding moments. I never wish to be lost in puzzle games, merely wrapped up. Cocoon is a metamorphosis, one to be gladly wrapped in.
Wasn't aware of this game until I found out it's on GamePass, and because I'm a big fan of Inside, that was a mustplay for me. And oh God, wasn't it a 4 hours of pure joy. Won't lie, it's one of the best puzzle games I've ever play
I was looking for a game to tease my brain for one or two evenings and its exactly what i got.
The recursive game design gave me a hard time for some of the riddles but never frustrating. Always felt like a good achievement solving one of the harder puzzles.
Oftner there is repeating patterns in this game but there is always a twist and a added level of compexity.
The boss design is nice and doable.
Sound and level design was amazing.
I was very well entertained for the last two evenings.great game. Highly recommended
Cocoon is an impeccably designed game that stands as a shining example of how this medium alone can teach mechanics and intent without saying or displaying a single word. Any players who prefer to solve problems with their brain and not a gun, should without delay, go forth and discover the many beautiful worlds of Cocoon. The choice, and indeed, the world(s), is in your hands.
Like Jeppe Carlsen's previous games, Cocoon is a special title, a wonderful little puzzle adventure that plays with original concepts and ideas. It may be short, it may leave you wanting more... but it is one of those indie games that, as soon as you are attracted to the genre, you have to play it no matter what.
The nature of Cocoon means this isn’t going to be a game for everyone. Some players will need narrative, will need dialogue or character motivations to hook them into an experience. There’s nothing wrong with that, really, but if that is you, you’re missing out on a treat here. Cocoon is both simple and infinitely complex; it presents a beautiful, visceral world that requires no explanation. Thrown into it without even the slightest hint of an introduction, it’s your own curious mind that will carry you through this interwoven web of puzzles, and solving each one is an enriching experience that’s likely to stick with you for some time.
Cocoon is a simple game, but for a game that amounts to shuffling orbs around, it does a fantastic job of providing a sense of progression and advancement. The strong visuals give the game a solid sense of identity, and similar to Limbo, it's the basic design that helps it shine. Overall, it's a solid indie puzzle title, and while there's certainly no shortage of those, Cocoon is one that's well worth playing.
While it may not fully capitalize on the draw of its main premise, satisfying puzzle design, boss encounters and that simplest pleasure of seeing your character hop into and out of worlds on a whim lends Cocoon well-warranted and ultimately long-lasting charm.
Definitely if you tried Limbo or Inside, this is a MUST play. Stunning visuals, great soundtrack and really good animations. Cocoon is definitely my surprise of 2023.
Great short game with very clever game mechanics. Takes simple mechanics and pushes them to the extreme in every aspect. Every puzzle innovates on itself, although sometimes the set up for the puzzles can be quite tedious. Overall very good and clever.
Just played the whole game the day after its release (rare on me ). It hoocked me from the first interactions. It's a breath of fresh air. Trully a different game. I'd say it's not frustrating as I got stuck only once after 94% of the game was completed. Most puzzles took only one or two tries. And you get quickly to the satisfaction of getting it right, while you smile thinking it was a clever original design.
Simple, elegant, beautiful, and entertaining. They got the magic recipe for the game. Go in blind. You don't need any context. You have only one button to interact with the world(s) so go in and try things.
Its only drawback is the duration of the game, which last 3-5 hours from start to finish. Having gotten all the throphies, I'm not sure if it would have any re-playable value. Maybe after some time when you've forgotten all the solutions.
The studio could have easily solve this by repeating the same mechanics again and again. But I celebrate that they kept it fresh, by not doing that. This way, most of the time in the game you're experiencing new things, and being surprised.
I'm sad it's over, but it was perfect while it lasted.
SummaryFrom 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.
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 arou...