PODE Review for PlayStation 4

Does the gaming word really need yet another addition to the co-op genre? I am all for closing the flood gates in this oversaturated market, but not before we let one more through. PODE for PS4 is every bit deserving of a spot among the co-op greats.

Norwegian developers, Henchman & Goon, have created an astoundingly unique visual platform for this adventure co-op. Nordic lands make for gorgeous video game environments that transport us to a world where majesty and mysterious beauty captivate any type of gamer and this game is no exception. Norwegian lore and art play a pivotal role in not only the setting, but in the solving of cryptic puzzles as well.

How can anyone not fall in love with a rock and fallen star dream team? That’s right, you can’t, it is not possible. Our heroes, Bulder and Glo, must work together to reach the top of Mount Fjellheim so Glo can return home to his place in the arctic sky.

If you have no idea what you are supposed to do after the ‘awe’ factor wears off, you are not the first. But fret not, dear readers, for gameplay is simple, laced with a very special touch. Bulder and Glo possess special abilities unique to them and only them. Let Glo shine the way through ancient ruins and desolate caves with his light aura. The real beauty of this shining star’s ability is that this aura breathes life into the foliage that assists in the completion of levels. Bulder’s blue aura communicates with the rocks and structural formations within each level—have him light up a wall that leads the two up a stone path to the next passage and so on.

The one boat I really must rock is to question if we can truly call this a casual co-op. I say this because the puzzles increase in difficulty, as one would expect they would, but many of the solutions come from a somewhat philosophical level of thought. While I think this is fantastic, those looking for a breezy, lighthearted collaborative experience may start to feel like they’re trying to crack Enigma when they really just want to play leapfrog with a glowing rock and a fallen star.

Unlike many games within this genre, there is just as much fun to be had in single player mode as there is in co-op mode. Naturally, it is more time consuming to take control of both characters, but if you are after the strategy more so than the entertainment value of this game, you’ll have a great—albeit agonizing at times—solo adventure.

PODE is all about what you want to get out of it. You can take this experience really seriously and come out of it with a few more wrinkles on your furrowed brow, or you can tag-team this forgotten mountain with your best friend just for the sake of a good time. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Rating: 8/10

Check Out the PODE Trailer for PlayStation 4:

PODE is available for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.