Pode

 Switch
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
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  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 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 enjoyableSome 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.    … Expand
  2. inenai
    Nov 19, 2019
    9
    Pode is everything I want as a co-op game. My boyfriend and I had a very good time playing this game. The art style is beautiful and immersive, the gameplay mechanics pretty original, the levels well designed, and most importantly: It was fun to play! We had a genuinely good time beating it. The only bad thing about this game is that it's short, and doesn't have much re-playability oncePode is everything I want as a co-op game. My boyfriend and I had a very good time playing this game. The art style is beautiful and immersive, the gameplay mechanics pretty original, the levels well designed, and most importantly: It was fun to play! We had a genuinely good time beating it. The only bad thing about this game is that it's short, and doesn't have much re-playability once you've beaten it (except maybe if you're a completionist-as it even has some sort of collectibles), at least in the short term. Overall it is a feel-good game, will definitely leave you with a smile. We both remember it fondly.… Expand
  3. TheAdjuster
    Sep 7, 2019
    10
    Some puzzles are obtuse, but if you're in the right mood (relaxed) and your girlfriend/wife loves puzzle games, this is the *perfect* choice for couch co-op.
  4. hsrr79
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    I recently downloaded Pode on my Switch and have played for about 6 hours during the weekend. I was impressed by the elegant-simpleness and quality of the gameplay, puzzles, and graphics (yes, they are impressive!). I played the game with my 5-year old, with my 7-year old and my wife. We really enjoyed the game and co-op dynamics, they are really quite fun. The characters are "quantum leapI recently downloaded Pode on my Switch and have played for about 6 hours during the weekend. I was impressed by the elegant-simpleness and quality of the gameplay, puzzles, and graphics (yes, they are impressive!). I played the game with my 5-year old, with my 7-year old and my wife. We really enjoyed the game and co-op dynamics, they are really quite fun. The characters are "quantum leap cute"! The levels are entertaining, "puzzling", and pleasant to watch (water, rock, snow, plants, glowing icons, secret doors, etc). Overall, this is one of the best family games I have ever played!… Expand
  5. FredSchwen
    Jul 11, 2018
    10
    The environment in this game is simply relaxing and beautiful!
    The graphics and the music are perfect. This is a 3D puzzle game that you played two little characters with different abilities who must unite to succeed in improving their path. I had more fun playing in coop than solo. I recommend this game to amateur puzzle for your game collection
  6. 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 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.
  7. Deadlysinner
    Mar 15, 2019
    10
    Wonderful game with beautiful visuals and soundtrack. My son loves playing Co-op with me, solving puzzles as two interesting and lovable characters. Highly recommend to all.
  8. Micony
    Jul 8, 2019
    8
    Great game to play with a puzzle lover or a friend who isn’t all that into video games. The controls are simple, and the levels are beautifully designed. The downsides to the game is the short length of play and very little story development. Don’t pay more than $20
  9. 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 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.    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 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.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. GameCritics
    Aug 15, 2018
    80
    Overall, I predict that Pode’s problems will come more from external forces than from within the game itself. With 20-30 new competitors flooding into the eShop every week, this charming little puzzler will inevitably have a hard time getting noticed. For those who give the bud some attention, however, a beautiful flower will grow.
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  2. 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.
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  3. Gaming Nexus
    Jul 9, 2018
    85
    Pode is a fun and relaxing puzzle game that starts out simple and becomes more complex as the game progresses and you gain new abilities. While the game is meant for co-op play, it plays just as well single-player, though you will have to constantly swap between Glo and Bulder. Having a second player can also help with solving puzzles as you have a second person helping you out, but alone or with a friend, with its enjoyable art style and relaxing atmosphere, Pode is a puzzle game worth checking out.
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