At a glance,Cocoonseems like a simple game: a bug-like creature uses a colorful orb to activate platforms while traversing a varied dystopian landscape. But as developer Geometric Interactive continuously introduces new wrinkles onto that concept, like different types of colored orbs and giving those orbs abilities, what at one point seemed pretty cut-and-dry eventually evolves into one of the best puzzle games of the year.
Without any tutorial or instruction,Cocoonplops players into the winged body of its silent protagonist. It reveals the first orange orb and begins slowly teaching the player a few mechanics. Chiefly, the game introduces the idea that these orbs can power different machines when placed in special docks and that the protagonist can enter these orbs to visit completely new environments. Everything that players learn while progressing throughCocoon’s 5-hour campaign builds on what came before, and becomes increasingly complex over time.
An element that many puzzle fans will appreciate is howCocoonnever holds its players’ hands. If the audience is willing to trust that the necessary information is in front of them, and willing to experiment with the mechanics, the game becomes a mind-bending Russian Nesting Doll that never becomes stale. There are clear rules to every mechanic, be it the world jumping or the abilities of each orb, but those might not be apparent to the player at first. It’s up to them to discover what is possible with the tools available. For puzzle fans, the sense of accomplishment of realizing that their proposed solution is, in fact, THE solution is second to none.
It’s not worth spoiling the surprises that come when the mechanics evolve, but the main thing to know is thatCocoonnever locks into a puzzle-solving routine. The introduction of a green orb introduces a way to add verticality to puzzles and then slowly the orange orb begins to become a factor. The experience embraces what is new and leverages that for a time before it then says, “Now what if the new and the old worked in concert with each other?” Players will be jumping into and out of the green orb and orange orb’s world, having fun using each’s ability to solve puzzles within. Then a third orb enters the equation and the head-scratching really begins.
Cocoonalso features a few boss fights that are more action-oriented but still constructed around the mechanics of each orb. They are a genuine highlight of an experience that is already full of amazing “aha” moments, and are smartly constructed to challenge the player without demanding too much of them. Outside a few puzzles that are timed, the game gives players enough time to hypothesize, test, and then advance.
There is a generalgoal of progress toCocoon, butthe story is somewhat nebulous. Taking in the gorgeous scenery, experiencing that jaw-dropping world transition, and solving the next puzzle are the real thrust of the experience, but there are hints as to the lore of this world that make it compelling on its own. It’s the sense of discovery and the narrative players craft in their minds that will fill in the blanks.
Geometric Interactive, which includes thelead designer behindLimboandInside, has made a really pretty game that is evocative and diverse, and feels wholly its own thing. Its colorful and oftentimes oppressive design suggest a world that was at one point peaceful but has become corrupted over time. The developer gives each orb world its own personality and leverages those personalities to make a game with distinct “levels” but that still feels cohesive. It’s clear that just as the puzzles have had a lot of care put into them to make sure players understand the rules and get to a goal fairly quickly, the world has an intricate purpose to it that makes flowing from one section to the next so much fun.
While the puzzles will make players think, they also come with a fair bit of experimentation if the solution isn’t immediately clear. As a result, players might find themselves doing a lot of backtracking or carrying an orb from one place to another, which can get tedious. The game is smart about putting enough of the necessary information in front of the player but when things aren’t obvious it’s possible to waste time looking in the wrong place for a solution.
Outside of that, though,Cocoonis an exceptional puzzle game that stands right alongside some of the greats in the genre. It has incredible art design and presentation, is so cleverly designed, and has a pace that makes it hard to put down once things get going. The surface-level view of the game is unassuming but digging into the worlds ofCocoonreveals an experience that is unforgettable.
Cocoon
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From 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.Worlds within WorldsCOCOON is a unique take on the puzzle adventure genre, where each world exists within an orb that you may carry on your back. Wrap your head around the core mechanic of leaping between worlds—and combine, manipulate, and rearrange them to solve intricate puzzles.Alien MachineryInteract with alien environments and biomechanical devices left behind by an ancient civilization. Journey through unique and diverse biomes, from industrial structures to massive organic caverns, and discover how they are connected to one another.Orb AbilitiesEach orb has an ability that can be unlocked, thereby turning the orb into a unique tool for you to utilize within other worlds. Use these abilities to uncover hidden pathways and objects, fire projectiles to trigger switches, and more.Monstrous GuardiansMighty guardians protect every world, and you must face them in fierce battles. Each fight is unique and requires you to master new and satisfying mechanics.
Cocoonreleases June 11, 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
