Hohokum

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. Gameplanet
    Aug 29, 2014
    90
    PixelJunk and Flower fans will find much to like in Hohokum, a psychedelic yet meditative game with loosely-defined goals but great imagination.
  2. GameOver.gr
    Sep 17, 2014
    85
    A beautiful experimental indie game, Hohokum manages to offer an exhilarating experience in a surreal and psychedelic world that aims in its exploration rather than the pursuit of completing goals. As fascinating as it is the complete absence of objectives as well as its peculiar design will surely divide players into lovers and haters camps.
  3. Gamer.nl
    Aug 26, 2014
    70
    Hohokum is a spherical adventure without direction. What sets out as an interactive screensaver turns into a puzzle game without a manual. The lack of instructions feels refreshing at first, but it becomes a little frustrating when backtracking and difficult navigation become more prominent. This repetition distracts you from the phenomenal design and soundtrack.
  5. CD-Action
    Oct 24, 2014
    40
    How to design an indie game to have it published on Sony’s platforms? It’s easy. The game just has to look nice and there may be some crumbs of gameplay in there somewhere. But not necessarily. If there’s no gameplay, you just call it ‘an experience’, not a game, and everything’s fine. [Nov 2014, p.73]
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User Reviews

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User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 5 out of 14
  1. inhottava
    Nov 20, 2015
    2
    I lost my interest after 15 minutes for not knowing what I was supposed to do. Maybe suitable for someone high on LSD but that's not my thing.I lost my interest after 15 minutes for not knowing what I was supposed to do. Maybe suitable for someone high on LSD but that's not my thing. I am very pleased that this was a PS+ game because I almost bought it when it was released. Bonus points from nice music.… Full Review »
  2. TheQuietGamer
    May 28, 2015
    8
    It's a vague game. When it throws you into it's world(s) it does so without any explanation as to what your goals are or how you are supposedIt's a vague game. When it throws you into it's world(s) it does so without any explanation as to what your goals are or how you are supposed to complete them. The thrill of discovery is actually a pretty big driving point on the experience. Once the overall objective becomes clear you can set goals for yourself and have more fun exploring the unique worlds the game has to offer. Even then though you have to figure out how to complete your goals and that is also part of the fun.

    However I won't lie and tell you that the game's lack of direction isn't frustrating at times. Completing the goals in order to progress to the end often just requires random experimentation. You can interact with the environments in a number of different ways. Only one way will contribute to your overall objective. Some of the solutions can seem kind of random. Especially the larger ones. Some hints or clues as to what you are supposed to do in each world would have been pretty helpful. Completing some of them just comes down to blind luck.

    However that doesn't mean the game isn't fun. Quite the opposite actually. Exploring it's world and hitting that eureka moment is a blast. The charming visuals and excellent soundtrack that reacts to your interactions only add to it. There's a lot of charm here. The gameplay experience mostly consists of playing as a flying snakelike creature who can have the inhabitants of the world ride on him and fly over things or bump into them to make them do something. Depending on the world though unique changes occur. Each word also has it's own unique them and puzzles.

    This is the type of game I recommend if you are looking for something new. The overall rather cryptic nature of it may turn off some, but those looking for something original and fun will enjoy it. Provided they are ok with a whole lot of vagueness. Figuring things out for yourself is a big part of the game.    … Full Review »
  3. Szczurzasty
    May 9, 2015
    3
    Game is colorful and can be funny for some 5 minutes. Minimal game play tends to be irritating, as is the lack of information, goal and sense.Game is colorful and can be funny for some 5 minutes. Minimal game play tends to be irritating, as is the lack of information, goal and sense. Just some surreal colours and trying to pass it as an 'experiance' - but Ptolus was much better at it.… Full Review »
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