Pode

 Switch
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Nintenderos
    Jul 1, 2018
    72
    Pode, even though it is only advisable to play cooperatively, is a pleasant experience most of the time. Even so, the inclusion of extremely cryptic puzzles damages the total experience.
  2. Video Chums
    Jun 21, 2018
    71
    Pode is a solid cooperative experience but its frustrating aspects unfortunately hold it back from being a great game. That being said, if you can't get enough cute co-op adventures then you certainly won't regret at least giving it a try.
  3. Switch Player
    Jul 25, 2018
    70
    Pode is a sweet puzzle-platformer about two different beings working together to fulfil their dreams. It can be frustrating at times due to camera problems, but it is a worth adventure to be shared with a friend.
  5. Gamer.no
    Jul 2, 2018
    70
    Pode is a decent puzzle game which allows players of different generations and with different video game backgrounds to have lots of fun together in a warm and mysterious atmosphere. Sometimes the best and most memorable moments in a game are not the ones that happen on the screen, but what happens with the people you play it with.
  6. TheSixthAxis
    Jun 21, 2018
    70
    Sometimes opposites attract, and Pode’s contrasting characters are a great example of that, combining to overcome the game’s environmental puzzles. While it’s a little rough around the edges, Pode is a charming puzzle game whether you play it alone or grab a friend to play alongside you.
  7. Critical Hit
    Jun 25, 2018
    65
    The minimalist art design is beautiful, and its characters are wonderfully expressive and emotive despite their simplicity. There’s an elegance to Pode, that belies its imperfect platforming and frequent frustrations.
  8. NintendoWorldReport
    Jun 22, 2018
    65
    Pode is a visually stunning take on the co-op puzzle genre, but misses the mark when it comes to pacing and execution. It was always an absolute joy to enter each room which was devoid of life, only to leave it booming with vivid colors and patterns. However getting to that point wasn’t always as enjoyable. The slow-paced nature lends itself better for co-op play, but even then it still gets a bit tedious and solo mode ends up being a bore.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 4 out of 24
  1. GBG_Jason
    Jun 21, 2018
    9
    Some of the most memorable moments in games within the past decade surround the environment. If I ask you to tell me about a part fromSome of the most memorable moments in games within the past decade surround the environment. If I ask you to tell me about a part from Uncharted 2, it would likely be a number of things ranging from a falling building with you in it to a crazy train ride. Something like Layers of Fear continually changes the world around you, making it seem alive. While both of these games may be enjoyable without these moments, the environment takes them to the next level. It’s as if it’s another character in the game, and that’s how it should be.

    Pode tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a fallen star (Glo) and a rock (Bulder). The idea is to work together and reach the top of a mountain so Glo can go back to the night sky. Together the two friends will change the way the world around them, one changing the flora of the caves while the other makes rock formations sprout of the ground and walls. Working together is essential, and you can switch between the two on the fly to do what is needed. Of course, the game is meant to be played with a friend, and is much better if you choose to do so.

    When I first saw Pode, I was reminded of the co-op game ibb and obb. It’s not that they look similar, as one is 2D with very simple shapes while the other is 3D with very lush landscapes, but they both featured carefree characters that had to help one another. There are a lot of differences between the two, but perhaps the biggest is that in Pode, both characters have unique features. You can’t interchange roles for puzzles if you’re playing with a friend if it’s too hard for you – well, you can switch controllers, but you get what I’m saying. And just as often as you’ll come across puzzles that require splitting up, you’ll come across a number that require you to work intimately as well. Bulder is able to eat blocks and Glo in a manner similar to Kirby, albeit without the swallowing part. In addition to allowing for Bulder to essentially throw Glo across the room, he can open his mouth and shine the light in a certain direction, which will come in handy early on.

    The world in which you explore is truly something magical. This isn’t a game that wants to be photo realistic, but the stylized world is something you have to see in action to believe. Watching the different portions come alive as you walk across them with the different characters brings an odd sense of satisfaction. If you’re playing alone, you can have the two characters walk together and create a larger radius of effect for both their skills through the power of friendship. This eliminates the wasted time of having to explore each room with both characters, although it takes away some of the wonder. Pair the visuals with the sweeping score from Austin Wintory, and this is a truly uplifting experience.

    In all the time loving the world itself, I did find some things that were needlessly frustrating. I’ve taken 3D platforming for granted in recent years, as this is the first game in a while where I’ve fallen time and time again because I couldn’t tell where I would land. Glo is a star, so naturally there won’t be a normal shadow – however, the light that’s emitted is hardly enough to show where you’ll be landing. Strangely, I had similar issues with Bulder – I spent probably about five minutes with the limp leaves near the beginning before I figured out exactly where I wanted to jump without losing my progress. Also, if you’re looking for a super in-depth puzzle game to play with your friend like Portal 2, know that this will probably be better for bonding with your young children. Not only because of the simplicity of the puzzles, but also the aesthetic and overall story. The characters are well animated and have a lot of personality, and I think anyone with a heart will appreciate them.

    Playing through Pode is like playing through a multiplayer version of thatgamecompany’s Flower. You appreciate the beauty of nature and also come to know friendship while exploring the wonders the artists have created. If you’re looking for a game that you can sit down and relax with, single player or with someone else, I definitely recommend this.    … Full Review »
  2. Skurttish
    Jun 5, 2020
    5
    I played this game with my wife from the opening cut-scene to the credits, and we played on a Switch Lite. I would not recommend that systemI played this game with my wife from the opening cut-scene to the credits, and we played on a Switch Lite. I would not recommend that system because of the small screen size. Some levels are very large and we were squinting at the screen to try and tell where our cute little cube or fairy was fluttering.

    Honestly, I would not recommend the game because it was hard to tell where to jump. Often you can’t jump where it looks like you should be able to, and making some jumps to the next area is an exercise in trial and error. At heart, this issue is owing to the angle of the camera; they have dropped the camera low to accentuate the beauty of the plants and crystals as they grow, which we really enjoyed, but if the camera had been higher and looking downward at a sharper angle, the game would have been more playable.

    I wouldn’t recommend it because I think there are better co-op games out there, but I’m still giving it a 5 because despite the issues, we enjoyed working together to solve the puzzles the game threw at us.    … Full Review »
  3. Mintendo
    Jan 23, 2020
    9
    Adorably fun! This is my favorite co-op puzzle platformer for two. The puzzles are satisfying, and the overall experience relaxing, with onlyAdorably fun! This is my favorite co-op puzzle platformer for two. The puzzles are satisfying, and the overall experience relaxing, with only the occasional "how were we supposed to figure that out?' And though the story is sparse, the characters are so charming, it's hard not to be drawn in emotionally.… Full Review »
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