COCOON

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 5,570 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
COCOON Game Cover
Cocoon is an exceptionally crafted, perfectly paced and highly polished experience that hits every beat. It's gaming perfection.
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"COCOON is a single-player Science Fiction Platformer game with excellent mechanics, beautiful visuals, and splendid music. Leap between worlds inside orbs, each with unique abilities, to unravel a cosmic mystery through diverse industrial and organic environments. The unique world-leaping mechanic and emotional narrative make for a highly grinding and memorable experience."

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 5,570 reviews
gameplay508 positive mentions
grinding131 negative mentions
  • Cocoon features stunning visuals and a unique art style that creates an immersive experience.
  • The puzzles are cleverly designed, providing a satisfying challenge without being overly difficult.
  • The game effectively teaches mechanics without any text or dialogue, allowing for intuitive gameplay.
  • The game is relatively short, typically taking around 4-6 hours to complete, which some players feel is not worth the price.
  • Some puzzles can feel tedious due to backtracking and the simplicity of their solutions.
  • The inclusion of boss fights feels out of place and can detract from the overall puzzle-solving experience.
  • gameplay1,565 mentions

    The gameplay of *Cocoon* is characterized by its innovative mechanics centered around manipulating orbs to navigate interconnected worlds, creating a unique puzzle-solving experience. Players appreciate the gradual introduction of mechanics that build complexity, allowing for satisfying "aha" moments, though some find the puzzles to be on the easier side and the overall gameplay somewhat linear and short. The game's stunning visuals and sound design complement its mechanics, making it a captivating experience, despite some critiques regarding the depth of puzzle exploration and the inclusion of boss fights that feel disconnected from the core gameplay.

    • “The gameplay mechanics of Cocoon are just as thoughtfully designed as its appearance.”
    • “The elegance of the game’s mechanics lies in its ability to convey complexity through simplicity.”
    • “Cocoon excels in balancing its aesthetic and mechanical elements, ensuring that neither outshines the other.”
    • “Maybe it shouldn't be as highly rated as it is - some of the mechanics that are introduced feel underdeveloped when their interactions and inner workings could be explored more, and the whole game is extremely easy (I rarely had to sit back and think hard to solve a puzzle, mostly just breezing through and doing the right thing on my first instinct).”
    • “The gameplay is nothing crazy.”
    • “After playing for about 100 minutes and realizing I had already completed 51% of the game, I was struck by the repetitive nature of the gameplay.”
  • graphics1,122 mentions

    The graphics of *Cocoon* have been widely praised for their stunning and unique aesthetic, blending organic and surreal elements to create captivating alien worlds. Reviewers highlight the game's beautiful, minimalistic visuals and intricate animations, which enhance the overall immersive experience, while the atmospheric soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly. Despite some minor glitches, the art style and design are considered a major draw, making the game visually appealing and engaging for players.

    • “The visuals in Cocoon are absolutely stunning.”
    • “The graphics are outstanding and present an alien reality that is so captivating you'll want to explore it forever.”
    • “With beautiful visuals, nicely laid puzzles and great atmospheric soundtrack, Cocoon has easily become one of my favorite puzzle games.”
    • “The graphics and music are fitting, but not overly innovative.”
    • “The music didn't interest me, the art style felt bland, and the puzzles were more tedious than challenging.”
    • “It feels like the entire budget was spent on graphics and animations, and while it has a certain quality to it, from an interaction standpoint this game is boring.”
  • music633 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its stunning, atmospheric quality, enhancing the overall experience and complementing the beautiful visuals. Many reviewers highlight the soundtrack's ability to provide subtle cues that guide players through puzzles, creating a sense of immersion and emotional resonance. While some found the music occasionally too ambient or low in volume, the majority agree that it significantly contributes to the game's enchanting and otherworldly atmosphere.

    • “The soundtrack is one of the best soundtracks I’ve heard in a video game, rivaling Journey.”
    • “The music is beautifully ambient, and never intrusive or repetitive while you're thinking.”
    • “The music, the visuals, the control; everything feels right.”
    • “The sounds and music are way too low, even on 100% and boosted I can barely hear anything.”
    • “Besides that, it's a very silent game, hardly any music except at key points like correct solving.”
    • “The music is the only part of the sound design I didn't love; it's a bit too ambient for my taste.”
  • story518 mentions

    The story in *Cocoon* is largely abstract and minimalist, relying heavily on environmental storytelling and visual cues rather than traditional narrative elements. Many players found the plot vague and open to interpretation, leading to mixed feelings about its depth and engagement; while some appreciated the atmospheric and artistic presentation, others felt it lacked a compelling storyline or character development. Overall, the game prioritizes gameplay mechanics and puzzle-solving over a coherent narrative, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more experiential approach to storytelling.

    • “This attention to detail extends to the game’s environmental storytelling, where every shape, object, and pattern feels purposefully placed.”
    • “You won’t see amazing set pieces, but Cocoon establishes a great atmosphere and lets you soak up the vibes, delivering a story whose meaning is only suggested.”
    • “The story is very minimalist, and with no dialogue to speak of, the narrative relies entirely on worldbuilding and its atmospheric soundtrack to convey the story.”
    • “The story is extremely vague, and it feels like the ending is trying to say something, but can't quite get there.”
    • “The story is some weird mushroom trip experience that makes little to no sense; it's one of those open to interpretation things.”
  • atmosphere436 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Cocoon" is widely praised for its rich, immersive environments and captivating sound design, creating a unique blend of alien and dreamlike qualities. Players appreciate the game's stunning visuals and ambient music, which enhance the overall experience and complement the puzzle-solving mechanics. The minimalist storytelling, conveyed through worldbuilding rather than dialogue, further deepens the atmospheric engagement, making it a memorable journey for players.

    • “The atmosphere of the game is super captivating and makes you want to play the game for hours - I love the little worlds you enter, how puzzling the game can be at times, and the art style of this game is absolutely incredible!”
    • “The visuals, the soundtrack, the atmosphere - all superb!”
    • “The atmosphere is just incredible and combined with the music is *chef's kiss* perfection.”
    • “The atmosphere is the only thing this game has going for it, and it does not save this game.”
    • “This game the downside was the world oozed atmosphere but I honestly had no clue what was going on half the time.”
    • “I heard a lot of good things about this game, such as the art style and the atmosphere, while I just don't know what the **** is going on through the whole game.”
  • grinding139 mentions

    The reviews indicate that while the game offers enjoyable puzzles and creative mechanics, many players find the grinding aspect tedious, particularly due to excessive backtracking and repetitive orb manipulation. As the game progresses, the puzzles can become monotonous and frustrating, detracting from the overall experience, especially for those seeking a more engaging challenge. Despite these criticisms, some players appreciate the game's immersive qualities and clever design, suggesting it may be best enjoyed in shorter sessions.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “If you're the kind of person who cannot stop themselves from going for the true ending, then avoid this game. The true ending puzzles are some of the blandest and most tedious I've ever had the displeasure of playing through.”
    • “Unfortunately, extremely tedious with lots and lots and lots of backtracking and overly long runs between the interactive bits.”
    • “The grindy repetition of those dexterity puzzles, punishing me over and over again for getting tired of the thing and making mistakes at points I previously beat, completely killed the immersion for me.”
  • replayability56 mentions

    Overall, the game has very limited replayability, with most players noting that once the puzzles are solved, there is little incentive to play again. While some users mention minor replay value through collectibles or achievements, the short playtime and lack of post-game content make it less appealing for those seeking extended gameplay. Many recommend waiting for a sale before purchasing, as the regular price feels steep given the game's brevity and minimal replay options.

    • “There's also some sidepath stuff for 100% collection, if you want some replay value.”
    • “Looking at the achievements, I missed six secrets on my first playthrough, so there is some replayability to find where those are if you missed them.”
    • “(Pizza Tower not only has great artwork and animation, it has a fantastic soundtrack, good level design, tons of replayability, Mort the Chicken, and most importantly actual gameplay.)”
    • “The title is not replayable; once you’ve solved the puzzles, you’re done with it.”
    • “The game is short, though, with little-to-no replay value, and this needs to be taken into account.”
    • “Unfortunately short and offers no post-game content, other than replayability.”
  • emotional44 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players feeling a sense of joy and accomplishment from solving puzzles, while others find it difficult to connect emotionally due to a lack of narrative and character depth. Many appreciate the stunning visuals and creative design, but feel that the abstract nature of the art and gameplay can lead to a disconnection from the experience. Overall, while some players report feeling smart and engaged, others express disappointment in the absence of a compelling emotional journey.

    • “Short game, finished it in under a day, but it was a good day because this game made me feel good and smart.”
    • “Not even half an hour in and I already want to cry of joy, please play it.”
    • “I'm still thinking about the environments and soundscapes after completing it all, and getting emotional.”
  • optimization22 mentions

    The game's optimization is highly praised, with reviewers noting excellent performance and stability across various platforms, including mid-tier PCs and the Nintendo Switch. Players report a polished experience with no bugs or technical issues, highlighting the effective use of lighting that enhances visuals without compromising performance. Overall, the optimization is considered top-notch, contributing to an enjoyable gameplay experience.

    • “Not only does the game look good, but it also runs smoothly on mid-tier PCs, the Nintendo Switch, or, in my case, a Steam Deck.”
    • “+ very well polished, not a single performance issue or glitch encountered during my whole playthrough.”
    • “So, I can't deny that the optimization of this title is up to standard.”
    • “These performance issues had no impact on gameplay.”
    • “I should also add: there were 0 bugs, technical issues, or performance issues throughout my entire playthrough.”
  • stability16 mentions

    The stability of the game is mixed, with some players reporting a polished experience with virtually no bugs or glitches, while others encountered noticeable glitches and bugs that detracted from the overall enjoyment. Despite the inconsistencies, many appreciate the game's aesthetic and mechanics. Overall, player experiences vary significantly regarding stability.

    • “Very polished, completely bug free.”
    • “Very polished, completely bug free.”
    • “This is a very buggy game.”
    • “Buggy”
    • “The game offers some nice graphics and a really cool aesthetic, although some ugly glitches here and there, it is pleasant all the same.”
  • humor14 mentions

    The humor in the game is appreciated for its cleverness and subtlety, allowing players to feel a sense of accomplishment without being ridiculed. Many reviewers found themselves laughing at the game's inventive puzzle mechanics and artistic design, with some noting specific humorous elements, such as phallic imagery in the visuals. Overall, the humor enhances the enjoyment of the gameplay experience, contributing to a lighthearted atmosphere.

    • “The ingenuity on display made me laugh more than once.”
    • “I found myself consistently grinning and laughing as solutions clicked into place, thinking, 'Oh my god, they thought of that?'”
    • “Edit: the negative reviews for Cocoon are absolutely hilarious, clearly the type of people to stand in the corner of a party and hold that one drink all night.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization strategy for the upcoming game "Cocoon" by Playdead appears to focus on appealing to fans of their previous titles, "Inside" and "Limbo," suggesting a shift towards a puzzle-centric experience rather than a narrative-driven one. However, there are concerns that this change in direction may indicate a departure from the studio's established style, potentially affecting player expectations and engagement.

  • character development4 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its seamless integration into the gameplay, allowing players to learn and grow without reliance on exposition or dialogue. The beautiful world and character design, combined with clever puzzle mechanics, contribute to a rich and immersive experience. Overall, the game excels in creating a captivating environment that enhances character engagement.

    • “Fantastic game design, teaches you everything you need without exposition or dialogue, and has some truly beautiful puzzles, along with fantastic world building and interesting character design.”
    • “The world and character design are beautiful, the puzzle designs are clever, the audio design is excellent.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

87% average critic score

Buy COCOON

Play time

5hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
5-6hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 58 analyzed playthroughs

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