As players, we’ve got a large and ranging style in video games. I completely love an indie title, particularly these which really feel extra like an expertise (even a journey you’re taken on) relatively than a online game you’re taking part in. Perhaps I’m simply going a bit mushy in my advancing years, however these are those which stick to me for the longest.
As you possibly can think about, it’s all the time relatively thrilling for me when a recreation is revealed by Annapurna Interactive, who constantly showcase a few of the finest indie video games going. In truth, their annual presentation is one in every of my favourites, because of the variability, creativeness and inventive expertise on present.
COCOON is likely one of the newest video games to return from the writer, which includes the lead gameplay designer who labored on LIMBO and INSIDE and was developed by Geometric Interactive. What’s on provide here’s a really mesmerising journey throughout worlds which match inside one another, that you would be able to then journey between just like the totally different ranges in Inception (cracking movie that).
Merely put, COCOON is a puzzle journey recreation with an ingenious mechanic at its core. Every world exists inside an orb which will be picked up and brought together with you, and as soon as positioned on sure podiums will be travelled to in a similar way to diving right into a swimming pool. As I’m certain you possibly can think about, this lays the foundations for some mind-bending conundrums to be solved.
That is principally because of the skills you’ll unlock for every orb. These are diverse, together with revealing hidden paths, manipulating platforms and even teleporting. These present loads of alternatives to problem the participant, nonetheless COCOON actually shines when a mix of a number of talents is required to proceed.
It’s arduous to explain the puzzles, nevertheless it’s a bit like these over engineered Honda adverts the place the ball bearing clears all types of spectacular obstacles to succeed in the top of its path. You’re tasked to actually take into consideration your actions within the “floor” world, and the way they filter down into the others to disclose the trail forward.
It sounds difficult, however in observe makes good sense, and is a pleasure to behold. COCOON additionally continuously avoids the danger of any emotions of repetition or boredom because of its good pacing.
There’s no different option to say it, COCOON appears to be like completely lovely. The cel shaded visible fashion offers every world its personal distinctive really feel while bringing the numerous bizarre creatures to life. There’s a vibrant and delightful color palette at work inside every orb, and all of it provides as much as a way of awe and marvel as you emerge out of your cocoon, and start to discover the mysterious worlds that await you.
What I like much more nonetheless, is the usage of sound within the recreation. Whether or not it’s historic alien equipment creaking and groaning because it lumbers into motion, indigenous creatures reacting to your arrival or the confirmatory ding as you clear up a puzzle, it’s lovingly and meticulously crafted.
Slightly element which actually impressed was that when an orb is positioned on the proper kind of podium, a small reflection pool will open up, offering a window into that world. If you happen to do one thing from the place you might be that impacts that world, you possibly can see it play out within the pool. I used to be so in awe that I couldn’t assist however say “woooooow” regardless of it simply being me and the cat within the room.
The identical will be stated of the environments too. The design is so inventive, every part is there for a cause. Regardless of you transferring ahead and pondering you have got left an space behind, COCOON doesn’t waste any of its inventive aptitude as you might be led again as soon as once more to see issues from a unique perspective.
The digital camera, which tracks you, can be used for greater than merely maintaining tabs in your actions. There are quite a few events the place a mix of 5 symbols have to be activated to free a small drone which is able to unlock limitations for you. Nonetheless, every time the proper sequence of shapes is hidden someplace close by. There’s one in every of these puzzles specifically the place I acquired stumped, till I realised the camerawork was hiding the answer in plain sight. I used to be so impressed, and that is one in every of numerous examples of COCOON’s ingenuity.
For probably the most half, you’re left to navigate the mysterious orb worlds with out being uncovered to an excessive amount of hazard. Nonetheless, guardian battles change this. These foes gained’t kill you (demise isn’t an possibility in COCOON and tonally that call feels proper), however will chuck you out of the sector which means you’ll should restart the battle.
Every encounter is nicely thought out and feels totally different. It makes the battles genuinely gratifying when typically it’s right here that video games fall down, and go for a lazy bullet sponge enemy encounter. As an alternative, as every battle unfolds you could be platform hopping, zipping by means of the air or utilizing a water powered jetpack because the orb talents are available very useful certainly.
The environments in COCOON aren’t simply nicely designed however they’re additionally dwelling to some secrets and techniques too, regardless of the pretty linear nature to them. Moon Ancestors are hidden all through the sport which, when freed, will reward you with loads of Gamerscore. In any other case, your solely different reward is watching them blast off to pastures new which, given the vibe of COCOON, feels completely becoming.
The sport took me simply wanting six hours to finish, partly as a result of I used to be stumped by a number of puzzles close to the top. Regardless of getting caught for almost half an hour at one level, I by no means acquired pissed off. I realized the foundations of the world in COCOON and knew the design performed by them, I simply had to determine how. In reality, I cherished each minute of it. A lot so I accomplished the sport in a single sitting, a rarity for me as of late. It’s all about high quality, not amount of us.
At each flip, I used to be left virtually breathless by the wonder and ingenuity in COCOON. It’s a staggeringly sensible recreation with which phrases can not actually do justice.
