izigame.me

Cocoon is a highly atmospheric puzzle adventure that guides you through its world without a single word (barring achievements, which I recommend you mute while playing). It is not a long game; I completed it in roughly 4.5 hours. If you're anything like me, though, this is not a bad thing. I cherish densely packed, memorable experiences that do not waste my time. Recorded play time is no sensible way to measure a game's "value."
That being said, Cocoon consistently blew me away throughout my journey. The way puzzle mechanics are wordlessly conveyed to the player through clever visual language/design is evocative of the best puzzle games: think Portal or Gorogoa. Also like these games, the way the puzzles gradually ramp up in "difficulty" while delicately bending the game logic (using familiar tools to make you think in new ways) is brilliant. I found myself consistently grinning and laughing as solutions clicked into place, thinking, "oh my god, they thought of THAT? and trusted me to understand it?!" Yes, the game treats the player with great respect, presenting them with challenges that may prompt some initial head-scratching, while never losing the belief that they will persevere. I will not speak on these puzzles at greater depth, because they deserve to be experienced firsthand. But I will provide you with this final nugget of motivation: by the final puzzle section, I felt like the game had broken by brain - in a good way!
While much of the game, visual design included, works in service of these puzzles, there is also much to compliment regarding the game's immersive atmosphere. You are thrust into a vibrant, alien world, with a rich synth-based score backing discoveries and solved puzzles alike. The world is populated by creatures that feel familiar yet otherworldly. Certain larger creatures stand out in this regard, with animation work that creepily evokes natural camouflage techniques. The world feels consistently intriguing throughout, and players who see the game to completion are treated to a simple but beautiful ending whose weaving together of visuals and sound left me with chills as the credits began to roll.
If you like puzzle games, play Cocoon. If you think you don't like puzzle games, play Cocoon. If you like Portal, play Cocoon. If you like Limbo or Inside (a former Playdead dev worked on this game), play Cocoon. Play at nighttime if you can, with good speakers or headphones. If you feel stuck, take a break! Come back in a few hours or a day later. This usually helps you think of a new way to approach a problem.
Also, if this matters to you, the game has some replay value. It contains a series of what are essentially hidden collectibles that can be found across each of the game's areas. Toward the end of the game, it will show you how many you have found in each area. Since the game is short, it lends itself to replays if you're feeling keen on finding each of these items. There are roughly 10 of them, so it's not an overwhelming task.
Cocoon is also available on PlayStation (4 + 5), Xbox (One + Series + Game Pass), and Nintendo Switch. I believe the price is completely justified given the quality of the experience. Also, it's 20% off until 13 October, so hurry up!
Also, if you like this game, do yourself a favor and play Gorogoa, another brilliant puzzle adventure published by Annapurna Interactive. It's available on Steam, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and iOS.