Developed by Geometric Interactive and published by Annapurna Interactive, Cocoon heralds a puzzling adventure guided solely by spatial awareness and a single button press. With Cocoon, the designer behind Limbo and Inside (Jeppe Carlsen) brings forth a 3D puzzle-platformer that takes the genre to new depths. Unlike its side-scrolling predecessors, Cocoon introduces an additional dimension, injecting a refreshing complexity into its captivating puzzles. These challenges build organically, ensuring that fundamental mechanics introduced early on remain pivotal throughout the journey. The minimalist controls provide an elegant touch as well, preventing the experience from becoming overwhelming and keeping you immersed. We played it on a PlayStation 5.
Your journey in Cocoon begins in a barren desert, but swiftly evolves into a mechanical realm where you encounter the first of many orbs – mysterious spheres containing entire worlds. Carrying these orbs on your back becomes pivotal, enabling you to power platforms and manipulate machinery obstructing your path. The process of unraveling puzzles while seamlessly transitioning between worlds is a visually mesmerizing endeavor. Witnessing how each puzzle piece interacts with others, and discerning the layers of complexity, is a testament to the game’s captivating design.
Visually, Cocoon departs from the monochromatic tones of its predecessors, embracing vibrant, curated color palettes. Each world possesses its own distinctive hue and atmosphere, from the warm sands of the initial orange orb-world to the otherworldly textures of the purple realm you see later. As you progress through the roughly five to six-hour narrative, the orb-worlds bestow unique abilities, unveiling hidden paths and transforming the state of matter. This progression feels a little akin to a Metroidvania experience, adding depth to the gameplay. Navigating between multiple uniquely designed orb-worlds, powered by enigmatic alien technology, evokes a dreamlike quality, providing a challenge that is both intricate and rewarding.
Boss battles, a highlight of Cocoon, showcase ingenious combat scenarios while still adhering to the game’s minimalist control scheme. Each boss encounter demands a distinct strategy, utilizing the knowledge gained from interacting with various objects beforehand. This dynamic amplifies the game’s adventurous spirit, infusing combat with a certain sense of finesse.
While combat adds an exhilarating dimension, it’s the puzzles that truly define Cocoon. The layered complexity requires a delicate balance of patience, exploration, and ingenuity. Clues are subtly embedded within the level design, offering hints through color-coded pathways or environmental cues. While some puzzles may initially appear daunting, the game gradually leads you to a satisfying solution, offering a sense of accomplishment akin to cracking a complex code.
The audio design of Cocoon is a symphony of haunting yet poignant melodies, seamlessly intertwining with the visuals to create a truly immersive experience. The game’s environments are a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, blending mechanical and organic elements seamlessly. As you traverse through these worlds, the game’s language evolves, teaching you one lesson after another in a natural progression.
Despite its concise duration, Cocoon is a fantastic experience that invites players to delve into a world of wonder and mystery. Its focus on discovery, exploration, and ingenious puzzle-solving make it a must-play for fans of Carlsen’s previous works and anyone seeking a mesmerizing puzzler to contemplate long after the final puzzle piece falls into place.
Score: 9.0/10
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