Cocoon
Cocoon is one of the most elegant, approachable, and carefully constructed puzzle adventures you will ever play. You control a strange creature navigating a mysterious environment who quickly realizes they can carry entire worlds around on their back, and hop in and out of them to unlock new paths forward. Lots of puzzle games set up complex problems for you to solve, but few are as rewarding and beautiful in the resolution as they are in the build-up.
Just when you think you’ve got Cocoon figured out it finds a way to tie your brain up in knots only to subsequently unravel it and unlock new ways of understanding the game in the process. Its moody atmosphere, abstract narrative, and maze-like progression always know how far to push you before gently pulling back and letting you enjoy the discoveries you’ve made. — Ethan Gach
