Öoo Reviews
Öoo is a puzzle-platformer that gives you all the tools to progress, then teaches you how to use them
One of the best puzzle games of recent years is also one of the most empowering and cleverly designed, as its stretches seemingly simple mechanics to impressive lengths.
Outstanding bite-sized 2D Metroidvania with a bomb caterpillar as its main protagonist
It’s a stunning, whip-smart Metroidbrainia. Öoo is a brilliantly brain-wrinkling puzzle game that belongs either above or up there with the inspirations NamaTakahashi lists in the credits (Bomb Chicken, Box Boy!, Celeste, Metroid, Yoshi's Island, Cocoon, VVVVVV). Öoo is what I want video games to be.
Öoo is a reminder that innovation doesn’t always come from adding more systems or mechanics. Sometimes, it comes from committing fully to one strong idea and exploring it from every possible angle. Players who dislike puzzle-solving or experimentation may find it less appealing, but for those who enjoy discovering solutions organically, this is a special experience. It’s accessible, thoughtful, and full of creative surprises, all wrapped in a neat package. This is exactly the kind of game that highlights why indie development remains such a vital space for new ideas. Öoo takes simplicity and turns it into strength.
With Öoo, Nama Takahashi has made another charming and creative puzzle game that I found immensely enjoyable, with just the right amount of challenge from start to finish. It is another great example of his design ethos on mechanics and their implementation, where the joy and satisfaction of successfully applying the knowledge you have learned is your reward.