Venture into the enchanting world of “Cocoon,” a mesmerizing puzzle-platformer that invites players into a beautiful, mysterious realm filled with intricate challenges and breathtaking landscapes. Developed by Geometric Interactive, the studio founded by industry veterans Jeppe Carlsen and Jakob Schmid, this debut game offers an immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of puzzle-solving and storytelling.
“Cocoon” presents players with a captivating, wordless narrative, immersing them in a stunning, enigmatic universe. There are no textual explanations or hand-holding tutorials; instead, players are encouraged to explore, observe, and interact with their surroundings. As a beetle protagonist, your journey begins in a visually striking yet solitary world, where you must navigate without clear instructions.
The game introduces you to its mechanics subtly. As you explore, you’ll encounter purple pads that activate your iridescent wings when stepped on. Pressing a button on your controller turns the pad green and transforms nearby objects, such as rocks, into new pathways. These rudimentary puzzles serve as a gentle introduction to the game’s mechanics.
The heart of “Cocoon” lies in its orbs, which you carry on your beetle’s back. Initially, these orbs act as keys to unlock doors and solve puzzles. However, each orb contains a unique world with its own set of challenges and puzzles. The interconnected worlds reveal the depth of the game’s artistry and complexity.
Each orb grants you specific powers essential for progression. Defeating guardians within these orbs serves as the game’s “boss fights.” While “Cocoon” lacks traditional combat, these encounters demand skill and timing. If you’re tagged by a guardian, you’re simply ejected from their orb and can quickly return to the encounter. Importantly, there are no fail states, ensuring a non-frustrating gameplay experience.
“Cocoon” captivates players not only with its puzzle-solving but also its visual and auditory elements. The game features a palette of bright pastel hues and atmospheric synth pads, creating an immersive environment. As the game unfolds, it delves into unexpected and delightful elements, transitioning from a tranquil desert landscape to intriguing bio-horror settings.
While the game offers portability on devices like the Ayaneo handheld PC, its art and sound design truly shine on larger screens with quality speakers or headphones. This platform shift can also aid in puzzle-solving, especially during disorienting moments when players jump between worlds and portals.
“Cocoon” gently guides players, offering environmental cues and ensuring you don’t backtrack needlessly. Gates lock behind you at key moments, indicating that you possess the tools to progress. The game’s approach is both hands-off and supportive, encouraging players to explore, observe, and overcome challenges.
“Cocoon” is a captivating puzzle-platformer suitable for gamers and non-gamers alike. It offers a unique and memorable gaming experience that transcends traditional narratives. While the game’s core mechanics are creatively intertwined, leaving players yearning for more content, its seven-hour journey stands out as a remarkable gaming achievement.
Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, “Cocoon” is included in the Game Pass subscription, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
