World of Goo

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 775 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 612 out of 775
  2. Mixed: 132 out of 775
  3. Negative: 31 out of 775
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  1. BobDole
    Jan 7, 2010
    9
    This game is hugely addictive. Glad I picked it up for only 5 dollars. The most surprising thing about this game is the soundtrack. It definitely takes this game to a whole new level. Buy it and you'll know what i mean.
  2. ZombieT.
    Oct 15, 2008
    10
    This game is absolute perfection. Perfect score for visuals, audio/music, gameplay and story. And made by two guys! I'd still give it 10/10 if it were made by a larger company, but that really stands out to me. Most amazing game all year!
  3. [Anonymous]
    May 9, 2009
    10
    World of Goo is one of the most innovative games I have played in a long time. It is simple, yet addictive. It brings back fond memories of Lemmings from my childhood. Sometimes seeing the demise of your little goolings is as much fun as leading them to the goal. If I had three thumbs, it would get three thumbs up.
  4. JohnC
    Jun 27, 2009
    10
    This is an amazing game. Very very fun. Great music, great lasting appeal, and tons of ways to have fun with it all. Pick it up.
  5. DouglasBurrill
    Dec 29, 2008
    10
    A fantastic indie game. I was particularly how interested my two kids (aged 3 and 5) were with the game. I bought it for myself but it turned into a family entertainment game. Different themes for each chapter helped keep their interest. The kids actually identified with some of the different goo ball characters but the best part was that they were excited to interact with a physicsA fantastic indie game. I was particularly how interested my two kids (aged 3 and 5) were with the game. I bought it for myself but it turned into a family entertainment game. Different themes for each chapter helped keep their interest. The kids actually identified with some of the different goo ball characters but the best part was that they were excited to interact with a physics based game.… Expand
  6. Delaro
    Jan 7, 2012
    10
    I never though building things out of talking balls of snot would be fun but it was. World of Goo is a great mix of a beautiful scenario and sound effects. The game does get very challenging later on so it isn't exactly something just everyone can play, but all in all it was very fun. I ended up buying it for my kids but I had to help them so much I might as well had been playing it forI never though building things out of talking balls of snot would be fun but it was. World of Goo is a great mix of a beautiful scenario and sound effects. The game does get very challenging later on so it isn't exactly something just everyone can play, but all in all it was very fun. I ended up buying it for my kids but I had to help them so much I might as well had been playing it for them full time.… Expand
  7. hugamuga
    Nov 17, 2010
    10
    World of Goo is one of the greatest puzzle games of all time, the graphics suit the game perfectly the sound track is truly amazing and the game is fun and challenging, could be longer is my only criticism but thats only because i enjoyed it so much
  8. JoshP
    Oct 19, 2009
    10
    Let me try and describe this game in one word... Incredible. The scenery is beautiful, music touches your soul, gameplay is addictive and fun, and its just overall fun everysecond. Everyone.. seriously, EVERYONE should try this game. Greatest indie game I have ever played
  9. SignPainter
    Aug 20, 2009
    10
    Whenever I pick up a new video game it's usually Because it has been recommended to me. But w/ World of Goo. I wanted it. I have to say I got World of Goo, And I cried, Because I had deeply underpaid at 15$ This is the kind of game who just "stuck it" to all those repetitive game franchises. This is possibly the greatest game ever made. I am eagerly awaiting the witty and humorous Whenever I pick up a new video game it's usually Because it has been recommended to me. But w/ World of Goo. I wanted it. I have to say I got World of Goo, And I cried, Because I had deeply underpaid at 15$ This is the kind of game who just "stuck it" to all those repetitive game franchises. This is possibly the greatest game ever made. I am eagerly awaiting the witty and humorous content 2D Boy has yet to throw at us. -The Sign Painter… Expand
  10. BannonDC
    Jan 14, 2009
    10
    Great puzzle game. No impossible levels. No dead ends. Silly back-story. A little work out for your brain instead of your reflexes. At $20 for the download, there is no reason not to buy this one. As stated by other reviewers, it does end too quickly... I wanted more!
  11. genoforprez
    Aug 2, 2011
    7
    THE PROS: My hat is off to this game for its artwork and level design, which are interesting, original, and often adorable. The gameplay also deserves points for its originality. The basic concept of WOG is that there are these tiny goo balls squirming around in every level, and these goo balls can be picked up by the player using the mouse cursor and then dropped near other goo balls toTHE PROS: My hat is off to this game for its artwork and level design, which are interesting, original, and often adorable. The gameplay also deserves points for its originality. The basic concept of WOG is that there are these tiny goo balls squirming around in every level, and these goo balls can be picked up by the player using the mouse cursor and then dropped near other goo balls to create structures. The objective of most levels is to build a structure (or series of structures) that allows a certain number of goo balls to reach an exit pipe. The more goo balls that reach the exit, the better your score. So the challenge of the game is twofold: 1) Figuring what sort of structure you'll need to build to accomplish the level objective, as it is rarely a straight course, 2) Conquering the laws of physics by building a goo structure that not only accomplishes your goal, but is also structurally sound and unlikely to be destroyed by environmental dangers. The game does a fantastic job of creating fresh scenarios, either by introducing new environmental dangers or by introducing new goo balls with new unique abilities. The game's originality is incredibly refreshing and its character will charm you to no end.
    THE CONS: Interacting with the goo balls in the game is not always very user friendly, and in some situations it becomes just plain infuriating. In most levels, the goo balls start on a small, pre-built structure. As you build, the goo balls whimsically travel around the tresses of the structure you're putting together. As the game goes on and the challenges become more difficult, this actually starts to become frustrating for a number of different reasons. For example, if there are multiple types of goo balls in a particular stage (let's say regular black goo and balloon goo), you might be trying to pick up a particular kind of goo ball to accomplish a particular task. However, the one goo ball you're trying to pick up is buried beneath 60 other goo balls that you don't want. You can't just move all the unwanted goo balls aside and dig down to the goo ball you want, because all the goo balls are running around like disobedient children. The whistle the game gives you to "call" goo balls is no help, since it seems to only make the goo balls do what they are already doing (i.e., running around chaotically), only faster. The chaotic dog pile of goo balls also proves frustrating in time-sensitive situations, since you'll try to quickly grab a single goo ball from the writing mass of them, but instead you'll accidentally yank out a goo ball that's already been placed, causing your entire structure to collapse. The developers have kindly introduced tiny flies you can click on to flashback to an earlier point in the level, in case you make any huge blunders; however, these flies also prove frustrating since 1) the restore points they choose seem almost random, ranging anywhere from two seconds ago (letting you watch your structure fall in instant replay) to three minutes ago (causing you to rebuild a significant chunk of your structure), and 2) it is too easy to click one of these flies by accident when you don't mean to, effectively deleting GOOD progress you've made. In short, all of the problems and frustrations of world of goo boil down to one essential problem: there is too much crap on the screen at one time. It all piles on top of each other, and it can make your life hell. VERDICT: Definitely buy the game for its originality and charm, but be prepared for some unnecessary frustration.    … Expand
  12. julianozuca
    May 15, 2015
    6
    A vanguard work of art still rooted in old videogame conventions.

    The Good: Artstyle, cutscenes and music are phenomenal; sharp humor and smart twists The Bad: Controls and physics doesn't match the game's difficulty Raised upon a little physics proof-of-concept (called Tower of Goo, still available for download in the old 2D Boy's site) World of Goo was a major agent of the indie    A vanguard work of art still rooted in old videogame conventions.

    The Good: Artstyle, cutscenes and music are phenomenal; sharp humor and smart twists

    The Bad: Controls and physics doesn't match the game's difficulty

    Raised upon a little physics proof-of-concept (called Tower of Goo, still available for download in the old 2D Boy's site) World of Goo was a major agent of the indie takeover 7 years ago. Much like many of its contemporaries it gets half the job astoundily well done--the artsy one--but doesn't quite nail the core gameplay content that smartly.

    On the bright side there's plenty to be proud of: presentation overall is plain superb--both music and graphics are a testimony of a very cohesive art direction--and everything sums up nicely to serve the plot--or at least the philosophic dialogue it proposes if we can't agree it has a proper plot.

    On the other hand the developers couldn't help restricting the player's resources as if it was a classic hardcore game. Physics here are way too loose to ask the player the precision and swiftness the levels so constantly demand, goo balls are often too limited in number and as they grow in variety it gets tougher to pick the right one from the crowd, and checkpoints (despite the smart "undo" concept) work poorly. (Using OCDs for triggering Achievements sits on top of that as well.)

    The game sometimes try to make up for those frustration moments by offering alternate paths in the maps but they're often useless since it eventually forces you to get back to the avoided levels before allowing you to progress anyway.

    World of Goo weights in the "games as art" debate but does so by improving the usual external assets related to that instead of improving interactivity--the main feature that makes the medium unique for exploring new forms of art.    … Expand
  13. marc5477
    Nov 27, 2016
    5
    This is just a artsy bridge builder game like the many flash based games that came before it. Where most bridge builders are designed to mimic reality, this one opts for a funny premise of trying to free goos who are stuck in pipes and such. It adds levels with obstacles and different building parts to overcome them (no different than bridge builders in that respect). Ultimately however,This is just a artsy bridge builder game like the many flash based games that came before it. Where most bridge builders are designed to mimic reality, this one opts for a funny premise of trying to free goos who are stuck in pipes and such. It adds levels with obstacles and different building parts to overcome them (no different than bridge builders in that respect). Ultimately however, it is a very short and simple game with practically no replay value. I honestly had more fun with some free bridge builders on my phone especially ones that required you support trucks that have to cross. This one does have its own unique charm given the premise but that is just not enough to overcome the boredom factor for me. That said, most normal folks might find it more fun that I did and given how cheap it is now, its probably worth trying for most folks.… Expand
  14. Zombicide
    Dec 9, 2010
    4
    The concept behind this game is great. It's a physics puzzler where you build goo based structures in order to save a collection of goo balls.

    The problem lies in the concept's execution. The OCD challenges are what give replay value to the game but are frustrating to an incredible degree. Some of the challenges require you to finish the level within a certain amount of time but don't    The concept behind this game is great. It's a physics puzzler where you build goo based structures in order to save a collection of goo balls.

    The problem lies in the concept's execution. The OCD challenges are what give replay value to the game but are frustrating to an incredible degree. Some of the challenges require you to finish the level within a certain amount of time but don't offer you a timer during the game. You have to wait until you finish the level to see your completion time. This means that you have to go back to the world map and then reselect the level again in order to retry.

    A similar frustration is that you can't retry the level after the base number of goo balls have been collected. Some of the OCD challenges require you to collect and absurd amount of goo balls compared to the amount required to complete the level on its own. In one example, the level required me to collect 8 goo balls to continue to the next area. The OCD challenge required me to collect 36 goo balls. Again, this challenge is fine but the game does you no favors. You can't (easily) retry the level after you collect the first 8 goo balls. In order to even get the menu to pop up after collecting 8 goo balls and noticing I was going to fall short, I had to click, and then read, one of the in-game signs. There is no "retry" button after you complete a level so if you follow through and just finish you have to go back to the world map and then reselect the level you just finished. It would also be nice here to have something that tracked the goo balls that hadn't been used. This would save a lot of time as you would know exactly how many balls were left and how many more you could use before you had to start the level all over again.

    The game offers an "undo" feature in these little time-warp bugs that generate every once in a while. Clicking on the bug steps back in time to the point where the bug was spawned. The main problem here is that it can be a pain to click on the bugs as they fly around the level, sometimes they end up right on top of my goo structure. Additionally, the bugs don't always go back to where they should, at least it seemed that way. It was common to rewind time and see my tower spasm wildly into the walls and spinning blades.

    Moving the goo around is also pretty frustrating. Hovering over a goo ball stops it's movement even if it's in front of different type of goo ball. There were many times where I either destroyed my structure or missed critical timing because I couldn't select the goo ball I wanted. When you pick up the goo balls, you have to maneuver them around the objects in the world, which is generally fine, but at times is incredibly frustrating. At one point I had about 15 balls fall off of my structure and I had to drag them each individually up to the structure in order to finish the level.

    World of Goo also has a gameplay mode that lets you build an infinitely tall tower of goo. This would be cool if you got anything for building a taller and taller structure but all it seems to do is allow you to compete with other people. The goo you collect from the "story" part of the game gets sent to the Corporation of Goo where you build the infinite tower. It would be nice if building a taller and taller tower unlocked something or other because otherwise there's no motivation to even use this part of the game.

    The art is really nice, and one of the reasons I didn't mark this as low as I had initially thought. One small problem with the art art is that, at times, it's difficult to distinguish between the level's background and things like spinning gears that will destroy your goo structure and the goo balls themselves. It's also tough to distinguish between level boundaries and walls that you can use to prop up your structure. If the tower collapses and hits a wall, part of it is destroyed.

    The music is good as well but there's no option to turn it off. The game lacks customization options in general and the full-screen key combination isn't even explained, I had to look it up online. To mute the music and play with my own I had to download a custom DLL that let me control the volume of the sound effects and the music - controls that should have been in the game by default. Changing the resolution required editing a config file, which is more than ridiculous for a fairly casual game like WoG.

    All in all, this game frustrated the hell out of me. Not because the concept was frustrating, or even the gameplay, the UI and overall system built around the gameplay is what turned me off. There are features missing that are expected in modern puzzle games and features missing that are expected in modern games in general. The fact that this is an indie title is no excuse for a lack of a sound/volume menu, or the lack of a timer when challenges require you to finish a level within a time limit.    … Expand
  15. Radio
    Dec 1, 2010
    0
    This game sucks bigtime.
    I love indie games, and i love puzzle games, but this is plain crap.
    For starters, you can't change the resolution, but neither could you on Plants vs Zombies and that game's awesome. The problem of this game is, like many have pointed out already, it's ridiculous difficulty curve. First few levels of world 1 are ok, and then you reach that "Tower of goo" level. I    This game sucks bigtime.
    I love indie games, and i love puzzle games, but this is plain crap.
    For starters, you can't change the resolution, but neither could you on Plants vs Zombies and that game's awesome.
    The problem of this game is, like many have pointed out already, it's ridiculous difficulty curve. First few levels of world 1 are ok, and then you reach that "Tower of goo" level. I tried it 1000 times, watching "tutorials" on youtube and it's impossible. Well, possible it is, the problem is it's based on luck. You create a base structure which stands steady, and then you have to go as fast as possible to reach the top. As you can guess there is no precision, nor strategy involved. You have to get lucky that at some time you'll reach the top without the tower to collapse. So basically it's a "do the same thing a gazillion times and one of it you'll get lucky" strategy. Needless to say that after 5 times the music and sound effects get really, REALLY annoying and only add to the rage to the point you have to mute it.
    This makes me think that the whole rest of the game and it's "difficulty" in the end resides on this luck which will drive you crazy and make you rage to the point you want to punch little babies.
    You've been warned!    … Expand
  16. Kasper
    May 9, 2009
    3
    The game concept is really good. The various goo and the "physical" aspect of the game. However the game have alot situations where speed is off the essence and in this area the really lacks. The GUI for interacting with the goo is really bad. If you miss a goo alittle you risk ripping the structure appart and. It might be intented that precise mouse points gooes moving about a web is The game concept is really good. The various goo and the "physical" aspect of the game. However the game have alot situations where speed is off the essence and in this area the really lacks. The GUI for interacting with the goo is really bad. If you miss a goo alittle you risk ripping the structure appart and. It might be intented that precise mouse points gooes moving about a web is more importent than the "overall idea of structure" but it ruined the game for me.… Expand
  17. Dma4o
    Nov 1, 2012
    10
    I bought this game on steam sale for 1 dollar. And I liked World Of Goo very much! A cheap cool game, that could help you to spend some time in fun! Good physics and nice graphics with awesome gameplay- that is my choice!
  18. DerekL
    Oct 16, 2009
    1
    This is not a fun game. Sure, the soundtrack is charming, the little goo noises are charming for ten seconds, the signs are slightly funny, but those are World of Goo's only claims to fame. WoG is the type of game that makes you want to pound your head on your keyboard until the letters QWERTY are imprinted backwards on your very soul. The first few levels are doable, but levels 5+ This is not a fun game. Sure, the soundtrack is charming, the little goo noises are charming for ten seconds, the signs are slightly funny, but those are World of Goo's only claims to fame. WoG is the type of game that makes you want to pound your head on your keyboard until the letters QWERTY are imprinted backwards on your very soul. The first few levels are doable, but levels 5+ are just so darned frustrating you want to rip your hair out and suffocate the little balls. Even the "free build" level is frustrating! The story? What story!? It's like someone with altzimers trying to recite To Be or Not to Be from memory. Seriously, there is no plot other than a stupid side-story about goo balls, a pipe, and some weird things (I can't call them people) drawn by a preschooler that talk by squeaking. If you buy this game, know that your money could be better spent on Trine or Braid; even a lifetime supply of gumballs would be better than this idiotic indie.… Expand
  19. PcGamer1990
    Jul 15, 2014
    0
    I didn't enjoy it at all..it was stunning for the first 2 minutes... then I realized that it wad bad.Don't bother it's not a game.U won't enjoy it as puzzle game
  20. Orion
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    One word describes this physics-based puzzle game : Epic. It is so well polished that you feel like you are playing a $50 game. This game is for the ages, telling the grand kids about time for the smart gamer wasn't over in 2008. All of the puzzles are difficult without being impossible. OCD challenges will make you have to bend the in-game physics to your will like a god to completeOne word describes this physics-based puzzle game : Epic. It is so well polished that you feel like you are playing a $50 game. This game is for the ages, telling the grand kids about time for the smart gamer wasn't over in 2008. All of the puzzles are difficult without being impossible. OCD challenges will make you have to bend the in-game physics to your will like a god to complete them, but when you do it, you'll jump with celebration. Story is funny and cute and emotionally grabbing. Graphics are perfect and fit along the story like a glove. Music is incredible.
    For an added challenge, buy it for the Wii.
    BUY it NOW!!!    … Expand
  21. jp007
    Sep 24, 2010
    9
    This game reminded me a lot of Portal. A little short, but very fun. There are a lot of nice touches, clever puzzles and well crafted gameplay. I was pleasantly surprised by the new levels and the way the game progressed. I really enjoyed it, and have recommended it to all my gamer friends.
  22. deusexmakina
    Dec 23, 2010
    10
    First I would like to state that I am not a indie addict by any means (ok I just bough humble bundle 2, but thatâ
  23. RsinX
    Jun 26, 2011
    8
    Very unique, and entertaining... A good game for almost any age, even a 3 year old! It's a game that makes you think a little more than just "react & shoot", and that's a Plus+ :)
  24. superecnate
    Feb 6, 2012
    10
    This is an Amazing game. Although it can be hard at times, it can really be satisfying to beat them. The game has great comical graphics (you don't need ultra-crysis realism to have good graphics, it just has to look good). It has funny little sounds for the goos. It is comical down to the core. The only time you will wouldn't like it is if you try the OCD.
  25. Claytality
    Dec 28, 2013
    8
    This game is an old-school click-point-build game. It utilizes the "stretchiness" of goo to make you think about your blob placements. I would be lying if i said it wasn't strategic and thought-provoking. I bought it on Wii for the high rating about 2 years ago, and I re-purchased it on Steam sale just now. I beat it then, and I intend to beat it again (albeit Wii controller is much harderThis game is an old-school click-point-build game. It utilizes the "stretchiness" of goo to make you think about your blob placements. I would be lying if i said it wasn't strategic and thought-provoking. I bought it on Wii for the high rating about 2 years ago, and I re-purchased it on Steam sale just now. I beat it then, and I intend to beat it again (albeit Wii controller is much harder than mouse controls, aka if you are considering computer purchase, you have no reason not to buy.) This game is so good, thought-wise (physics), good music, good SFX, good concept, challenging (but not without retries), innovative, and fun. I will say it is rather bland and dark, but it is extremely rewarding in its gameplay.

    However I cannot give it above a 7-8 because it doesn't take more time than that to complete the game.    … Expand
  26. 176-761
    Jan 30, 2013
    9
    Very original idea and great gameplay. I have this game on my PC and Android, which both this is fun to play :) Levels are quite difficult, just needs to be clever and fast.
  27. LonePiper
    Feb 22, 2013
    8
    World of goo is a sweet and charming, yet a powerful and engrossing experience. The art and overall character is engaging, and the music is sublime. The story, while quite simple, works well to draw you in to the world, but never upstages the experience. The story even takes a few moments to explore some deeper issues such as beauty and ethics, if that sort of thing appeals to you. But ifWorld of goo is a sweet and charming, yet a powerful and engrossing experience. The art and overall character is engaging, and the music is sublime. The story, while quite simple, works well to draw you in to the world, but never upstages the experience. The story even takes a few moments to explore some deeper issues such as beauty and ethics, if that sort of thing appeals to you. But if all you want is a simple physics puzzler, this game will also deliver. The gameplay channels some classic puzzle games, particularly lemmings, but modernized with a simple physics engine. The game while short is probably exactly as long as it needs to be while there are plenty of types of gooballs and game possibilities, any more playtime would have probably worn out the game's freshness.
    To split hairs, there are a few things this game could do bettter. A common complaint, and well warranted, is that when there are heaps of gooballs swarming in one area, it's sometimes hard to pick the one you need. Also, while the music is beautiful, the game could stand to have a few more tracks. Another minor criticism is that some of the animations in the cutscenes are a bit poor.
    Finally and this is purely subjective I very quickly got sick of building huge towers and bridges. When I've already worked out the solution to a level, I feel very frustrated if I then also have to spend 5 minutes meticulously building a structure just to make a minor error and have the whole thing collapse and force me to start again. (In my opinion, the challenge in puzzle games should be more about working out the solution than mastering the technique to pull it off)
    But I hate to end this on a bad note, so I will say that this is a unique, beautiful at times artistic game that should really be in everybody's game library.    … Expand
  28. AWG
    Jul 27, 2013
    6
    It seems the general consensus for this game is "You love it or you hate it". I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either: World of Goo is a cute, original indie game with a good set of graphics, but it never hits the nail on the head. It's pretty, yeah, but pretty forgettable too.
  29. curzon_dax
    Jan 4, 2017
    9
    It was excellent but with the flaw that the dialogue/text from the signs were too cheesy to the point of ridiculousness, so no 10 because of that. Other than that the design of the game was stellar. The difficulty was neither too hard to become very frustrating, neither too easy to become boring, the perfect balance ,it's rare to find such perfection in difficulty balance in puzzle games, bravo.
  30. FlyingDancer
    Feb 6, 2015
    10
    Amazingly cute game with clever puzzles, outstanding art style and soundtrack that offers genuinely fun gameplay. Definitely a game I would recommend for young and mature gamers.

    I completed the game multiple times, and then went for the OCD challanges. I can't seem to get tired of this game! I'd love to see some expansion or continuation for it at some point.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PC Game of 2008
23
#23 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
31
#31 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Eurogamer
    90
    The members of 2D Boy should be carried around in chariots while this glory lasts - because at some point, they're going to realise what a murderously high standard they've set for themselves, and run away forever.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpy
    100
    World of Goo's mix of ingenious physics-based puzzles and witty, colorful presentation make it a game almost everyone should check out. It goes by fast -- you can get through most of the puzzles in 5-6 hours -- but for $20, there's little excuse not to check out this World.
    Read full review
  3. Edge Magazine
    80
    Masterfully done, and certainly set to become an instant Wii and PC cult hit. [Dec 2008, p.98]
See all critic reviews »