Cocoon – A Unique Puzzle Platformer by the Creator of Limbo

“Cocoon” is an extraordinary indie game released in September 2023 and continues to captivate players in early 2025. Developed by Geometric Interactive and directed by Jeppe Carlsen—best known for his work on “Limbo” and “Inside”—the game introduces a novel approach to puzzle-platformers. Unlike traditional mechanics, “Cocoon” challenges the player to leap between worlds that are contained within orbs, offering a seamless fusion of logic and exploration in a minimalistic yet striking sci-fi landscape.

Gameplay Mechanics That Redefine Puzzle Solving

“Cocoon” introduces a new dimension to puzzle-solving by allowing players to carry entire worlds on their backs—literally. Each orb contains its own universe, and the player can jump in and out of these to manipulate environmental elements, solve interdependent challenges, and progress further. The sense of verticality and nesting of puzzles delivers a fresh take on the genre that rewards observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning.

The core gameplay loop involves interacting with biomechanical structures and enemies using the unique powers of each orb. For example, one orb might allow you to reveal hidden platforms, while another enables teleportation. The interplay between these elements becomes the crux of increasingly intricate puzzles that demand attention to detail and forward-thinking.

Combat is minimalistic but engaging. Instead of focusing on traditional attacks, players outsmart foes using orb abilities and spatial mechanics. The pacing is perfectly tuned to offer a meditative but mentally stimulating experience. This makes it accessible for casual gamers yet challenging for puzzle veterans.

Innovative World-Building Through Design

One of the most compelling aspects of “Cocoon” is how it communicates its story and world entirely through visuals and sound. There’s no spoken dialogue or text exposition—instead, players discover narrative hints via ancient structures, mysterious machines, and surreal environments. The design encourages interpretation, giving the player agency to craft their own meaning through exploration.

Each biome is distinct in both colour palette and atmosphere, from glowing caverns to neon deserts. The transition between worlds feels fluid and dreamlike, enhancing the sensation that the player is traversing a cosmic nesting doll of realities. This level of creative ambition elevates “Cocoon” beyond a typical indie platformer into a narrative-driven journey of discovery.

The attention to visual storytelling also reflects the studio’s Scandinavian design roots—clean, smart, and emotionally resonant. The game evokes curiosity without forcing direction, allowing players to organically uncover secrets at their own pace. In 2025, this remains a hallmark of top-tier game design.

Critical Reception and Community Feedback

Since its release, “Cocoon” has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and players. The game holds an average score of over 90 on Metacritic and has been frequently compared to genre classics like “The Witness” and “Portal.” It won “Best Debut Indie” at The Game Awards 2023 and continues to be praised for its ingenuity well into 2025.

Players often cite the game’s minimalist design and tightly woven puzzles as standout elements. Many have expressed appreciation for the lack of handholding, which encourages creative thinking. The way it teaches mechanics purely through gameplay, without tutorials or prompts, is lauded as a masterclass in design philosophy.

On platforms like Reddit and Steam, user reviews consistently mention the satisfying “aha” moments and the meditative rhythm of the game. This has made it a popular recommendation among fans of thoughtful, atmospheric titles. Its moderate length—around 6-8 hours—also makes it a great pick for gamers looking for a complete experience in a single weekend.

Post-Launch Support and Accessibility

As of February 2025, “Cocoon” is available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, with optimised performance across all platforms. The developers have released minor updates to enhance accessibility, including colourblind modes and improved visual cues for orb abilities, making the game more inclusive.

Geometric Interactive has confirmed ongoing support, with quality-of-life updates planned throughout 2025. While there’s no official word on DLC or sequels, the studio has hinted at exploring the game’s universe further in future titles. This commitment has fostered a loyal fanbase excited for what’s to come.

Additionally, “Cocoon” has been spotlighted in educational circles for its use of spatial reasoning, and some schools are incorporating it into curriculum modules on critical thinking and design. This shows how the game transcends entertainment to deliver intellectual value as well.

The Creative Legacy of Jeppe Carlsen

Jeppe Carlsen’s work on “Cocoon” solidifies his reputation as one of the most inventive minds in modern game design. Having already set new standards with “Limbo” and “Inside,” his latest project furthers his vision of minimalist, emotionally resonant gameplay that emphasises intuition over instruction.

“Cocoon” continues the tradition of silent storytelling and strong atmospheric presence, but innovates with its gameplay more than ever before. Carlsen’s mastery of layered design—both in terms of mechanics and metaphor—shines through each moment of the game. He uses every pixel and sound cue with purpose.

His influence is already being seen in other indie projects, many of which now draw inspiration from “Cocoon’s” core idea of layered world traversal. As of 2025, he’s become a touchstone for a new generation of developers seeking to balance artistry and playability in puzzle games.

What’s Next for Geometric Interactive?

With “Cocoon” still enjoying active play and discussion in 2025, the pressure is already building for what’s next. The studio, co-founded by Carlsen, has indicated that it’s in pre-production for a new title—though specifics remain under wraps. If it follows the same principles of innovation and depth, players have much to look forward to.

Industry analysts suggest that Geometric Interactive may explore either a spiritual successor or a more ambitious, large-scale project that builds on Cocoon’s success. Either way, the studio has cemented its place as a creative powerhouse in the indie scene.

As the puzzle-platformer genre evolves, “Cocoon” stands as a defining benchmark—a reminder that fresh mechanics and minimalist storytelling can still deliver deeply memorable experiences in modern gaming.