In the puzzle adventure game Cocoon, players are immersed into a fantasy world without any dialogue or text to prepare them for the mysteries that lie ahead. This lack of information adds to the sense of wonder and intrigue, as words can sometimes spoil the experience. Cocoon strives to create a unique and exciting experience by providing no details about the story or gameplay mechanics, and it may very well succeed in doing so thanks to these mysteries. This unconventional approach sets Cocoon apart from other games, and many gamers will likely enjoy the challenge of discovering the answers on their own.
Cocoon is the brainchild of Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of Limbo and Shine. The game begins by dropping players onto an alien world with no warning. There is limited information given at the start, as players must rely on trial and error to uncover the only ability their character possesses - carrying various colored orbs on their backs. This ability becomes crucial for progressing through the game. However, only one orb can be carried at a time, so players must carefully decide when and where to place them for maximum effect.
The character designs in this game strike a balance between simplicity and complexity. On one hand, the creatures you encounter bear resemblance to real-world bugs, making them easily recognizable. On the other hand, these designs incorporate biomechanical elements that give them a distinct and otherworldly appearance. Even the player's character is a unique blend of a moth and a humanoid figure, making it a fascinating entity that could exist in various Science Fiction narratives. The boss designs in the game also follow this theme, although they lean more towards organic aesthetics. Defeating these bosses requires not only situational awareness but also strategic thinking, adding an element of puzzle-solving to the gameplay.
This amalgamation of complexity and simplicity drives the design of the diverse realms discovered in the brief preview as well. Vibrant orange mountainous terrain intertwined with extraterrestrial technology and synthetic stairways may transform into seemingly organic plateaus that house the multitude of puzzles in the game. Merely stating that it contains numerous puzzles fails to fully encapsulate the richness of Cocoon, as the majority of gameplay activities currently focus on unraveling the path to the next segment of an otherworldly landscape. In the preview, players mostly grappled with discerning the correct placement of orbs to manipulate platforms or activate doors. However, some puzzles posed greater challenges, demanding users to deftly juggle multiple orbs in specific sequences or positions in order to progress. Certain puzzles even required the timely activation of platforms to stealthily traverse closing access points. Hopefully, the full game upon its release will boast a broader array of these puzzles, as the repetitiveness of puzzle similarities in each world can become somewhat tiring.
Content: The orbs serve a dual purpose - not only do they provide power, but they also enable players to jump or teleport into another world. This game mechanic adds an interesting element, as players will need to navigate between different worlds to solve puzzles and move objects. It has the potential to become quite complex, and although the preview build didn't allow for extensive progress, what was available was still captivating. While most puzzles were not overly intricate, some required trial and error to complete. Cocoon has the opportunity to create challenging and thought-provoking puzzles using the tools at its disposal.
Additionally, the orbs possess various properties. Some reveal hidden platforms, while others allow the player's character to vertically warp through solidifying dust clouds. Reversing the process brings the player back down, leading to a wide range of puzzle possibilities. Cocoon ingeniously incorporates changes in elevation to add complexity to its puzzles, effectively blending vertical challenges with the rest. The transitions from one puzzle to another are seamless and fluid, although the simplicity of moving between puzzles may seem overly straightforward considering the game's overall complexity.
The audio design can also be commended, as it incorporates ethereal pipes and a dreamy background soundtrack that effectively sets the tone for many of the preview's levels. In addition, certain puzzles incorporate a musical aspect, where activating different switches produces light melodies composed of music notes. However, some of the background music can feel rather intense, occasionally resembling something more suited to the horror genre. Nevertheless, the music that accompanies the various worlds adds to the enigmatic nature of Cocoon and the uncertainty surrounding the player's destination. While a silent protagonist may bother some, it actually feels fitting in such an otherworldly realm.
Scheduled for release in September of this year, Cocoon is already shaping up to be a captivating game. Its combination of organic and metallic creatures, impressive puzzle designs, and a mysterious storyline has generated a considerable amount of anticipation. Led by experienced designer Carlsen, both longtime players and fans of his previous games should definitely keep an eye on Cocoon.
Mark your calendars for September 29, as Cocoon will be available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. This preview is based on the PC version, courtesy of Game Rant.
