Pode Review

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3D, adventure, Altered Ventures, Henchman & Goon, multiplayer, Pode, Pode Review, PS4, PS4 Review, Puzzle, Rating 8/10, third-person

Pode is a cute co-op puzzle platformer where one of you takes control of a rock and the other a fallen star. You’re both on a journey together to scale a mountain with the ultimate goal of returning your glowing buddy back into the starry sky above. 

As you explore the environment around you, you can develop it using your powers. If you’re the rock you’ll produce rocky patterns across the walls and floors, whereas the star will glow to grow plants and greenery that shapes the scenery in the level. The growing process is a therapeutic and tranquil experience that builds such a beautiful backdrop for the game’s puzzles to take place in. 

3D, adventure, Altered Ventures, Henchman & Goon, multiplayer, Pode, Pode Review, PS4, PS4 Review, Puzzle, Rating 8/10, third-person

There are a variety of challenging puzzles throughout your 3 to 4 hour journey that require you to work together in order to scale the mountain, don’t worry if you haven’t a friend as the whole game can be played solo. Each room you enter requires you to find a way to open the exit door which is often elevated from your current position, this can be done by putting a box on a pressure plate, entering a code or even growing a plant. These puzzles range from simple buddy boosts to trickier combination codes and grow more challenging as you progress, each resulting in a very satisfying feeling when completed as intended.

The controls are very simplistic which makes Pode very accessible to everyone, no matter your age. Although short in length, Pode’s cutesy art style and atmospheric storytelling through pictures make it an ideal game to play through with children.   

3D, adventure, Altered Ventures, Henchman & Goon, multiplayer, Pode, Pode Review, PS4, PS4 Review, Puzzle, Rating 8/10, third-person

Pode is not without issue though as it’s difficult to get a good depth perspective in a lot of the game’s areas due to the unclear camera angles and lighting. Also several of the puzzles could have done with the option of getting a hint as we were left scratching our heads multiple times during our play through. Other than these faults and the few times we got stuck on the environment and had to reload the game, Pode was an enjoyable experience, so much so that we wanted to return to mop up its collectibles.

Pode is a charmingly cute and atmospheric puzzle platformer for two people that will keep you entertained through its short runtime. Its simplicity makes it accessible to all and the lack of text makes it ideal for children. Although it has a few hiccups with the camera and a lack of hints can leave you puzzled at times, it is a beautifully balanced title that will leave you wanting more. 

REVIEW CODE: A complimentary Sony Playstation 4 code was provided to Bonus Stage for this review. Please send all review code enquiries to press@4gn.co.uk.

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Pode Review
  • Gameplay - 8/10
    8/10
  • Graphics - 8/10
    8/10
  • Sound - 8/10
    8/10
  • Replay Value - 8/10
    8/10
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)
Overall
8/10

Summary

Pode is a charmingly cute and atmospheric puzzle platformer for two people that will keep you entertained through its short runtime.


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