Cocoon is a very impressive exercise in minimalism. From the fundamentals of the game design in its puzzles and presentation to its world-building and the lack of a UI, it really is an excellent instance of 'show, don't tell' taken to its absolute extremes, with nary a word spoken or written outside of the main menus.
That being said, it does tend to get in its own way by being a little too obtuse at times, mainly in its storytelling. Now, having a narrative isn't a firm requirement for me by any stretch; however, with the way Cocoon presents its world and bosses to the player, it clearly has something that it wants to say. It relies on purely visual storytelling, of course, but it all culminates in a finale that just makes you go "huh." Not even necessarily in a good or bad way; I mean, it's stunning to look at, but as to exactly what you're looking at, your guess is as good as mine.
Regardless, the puzzles are very impressive and incredibly well designed. They more or less follow the same formula, and while I would have liked a little more variation in how they play out, it's a very strong formula, and the many 'eureka!' moments it creates as the puzzles get more complex feel really satisfying.
All in all, I was really pleased with Cocoon, and it definitely lives up to the huge praise and hype that it's received in the past month(s). Its puzzles certainly employ more 'outside the box' solutions than many might be expecting, and there are no accessibility options or appropriate signposting to aid those who may get stuck. Perhaps this is something they may add, but otherwise, puzzle aficionados will surely be pleased with what Cocoon presents them.
8/10
That being said, it does tend to get in its own way by being a little too obtuse at times, mainly in its storytelling. Now, having a narrative isn't a firm requirement for me by any stretch; however, with the way Cocoon presents its world and bosses to the player, it clearly has something that it wants to say. It relies on purely visual storytelling, of course, but it all culminates in a finale that just makes you go "huh." Not even necessarily in a good or bad way; I mean, it's stunning to look at, but as to exactly what you're looking at, your guess is as good as mine.
Regardless, the puzzles are very impressive and incredibly well designed. They more or less follow the same formula, and while I would have liked a little more variation in how they play out, it's a very strong formula, and the many 'eureka!' moments it creates as the puzzles get more complex feel really satisfying.
All in all, I was really pleased with Cocoon, and it definitely lives up to the huge praise and hype that it's received in the past month(s). Its puzzles certainly employ more 'outside the box' solutions than many might be expecting, and there are no accessibility options or appropriate signposting to aid those who may get stuck. Perhaps this is something they may add, but otherwise, puzzle aficionados will surely be pleased with what Cocoon presents them.
8/10