Cocoon

Play it on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows (Steam Deck: YMMV)
Current goal: Unlock the secret ending

I worry Cocoon might get overlooked. When Limbo and Inside released they had striking art styles, cinematic trailers, and platform marketing hype around their timed exclusivity. Cocoon, the debut puzzle adventure by a new indie studio co-founded by ex-Playdead devs, doesn’t seem to be getting quite the same fanfare, but it’s every bit as unmissable as those games, and is in some ways even more daring and sophisticated. It’s one of those puzzle games that transcends the genre, offering delightful discoveries to make rather than arduous obstacles to get hung up on. I’d recommend it to anyone, even if they barely ever play games. So I really hope it doesn’t get lost in the chaotic autumn shuffle between Starfield and Spider-Man 2.

I’ll be returning to Cocoon myself even though I finished it earlier this week for my review. I still haven’t fully grasped some of its more complex puzzles, even if I managed to fumble my way toward their solution in the moment. I’m curious if I’ll be able to see exactly what’s going on the second time around, or if it will still manage to surprise me even on another playthrough. And then there is the secret ending to unlock. I’m even tempted to pick it up on PS5 and get the platinum trophy. They don’t often make them like this, so I want to savor it for as long as possible. —Ethan Gach