Review: Pode (PlayStation 4)

Rating: 6.8
Author: Jim Smale

by Jim Smale · Published February 26, 2019 · Updated February 26, 2019

Pode is a co-op puzzle exploration game about a rock and a fallen star working together to solve ancient puzzles in a stunning environment inspired by Norwegian art and culture. Traveling through the insides of a mysterious and magical mountain, Bulder and Glo breathe life into an ancient sleeping world and explore the ruins of a long lost civilization with their unique talents and abilities.

Pros:

Pode has charming graphics.
2.82GB Download size.
9 Trophies.
Co-op puzzler gameplay.
Opening tutorial.
Two characters that each have their own abilities and powers.
Levels come to life as you play. It will start as an empty cave and when your characters move around the plant and grow wonderous fauna and rock crystals.
Hidden collectible fragments and images.
Really clever puzzle design.
The main hub is where you select levels, This itself evolves over time.
Can play solo with a hot swap button.
When a character is offscreen you can press L3 to swap camera perspective.
Cool new mechanics unlock over time.
3D environment.
Co-op is local only.
The co-op has hotswap character/camera buttons.
Simple enough to get into.

Cons:

Lackluster tutorial.
On many occasions you getting stuck on a puzzle is because you don’t realize what powers/abilities you have.
Anyone can press the change character/camera button which can get messy.
Hard to judge distance and perspective.
Real slow pace.
Collectibles feel unrewarding.

7/10

Graphics - 7/10
7/10

Sound - 7/10
6/10

Accessability - 6/10
7/10

Length - 7/10
7/10

Fun Factor - 7/10

6.8/10

Summary

Pode is a solid puzzle game capsulated within a confusing world of no explanation or help. You play as either both characters (solo) or as one of the characters in two players. Each character over time gets different abilities and you must figure out how to get past the games many obstacles by working together. The thing is, It doesn’t really explain anything, Yes it has very basic images that may be construed as guidance but its so p[lain you can be forgiven. Having it so players can, in essence, Screw each other over is a bizarre edition, By this I mean anyone can press a button to switch characters at any time. It’s just all drama that once you get past reveals a fun and varied puzzle game. In short, Pode is a perfectly fine puzzle game but has a lot of strange decisions and omissions.