In this day and age of gaming, it seems co-op gaming is all about the online experience. Except it seems, for those who are determined to not let the genre die and this is where Pode comes in. Pode is a co-op game that shows us that there is still life in co-op gaming and much that can be done with it. Specifically, Pode is based on working together and strengthening friendship instead of competing against each other. The result is a charming game with a lot of heart.
In Pode, you will take control of a fallen star named Glo and a rock named Bulder who go on a quest to help Glo get back home. Both have their own unique abilities and players must use teamwork to utilize both characters in order to progress. Pode is all about the idea of teamwork and this is present both in the gameplay and in the story, showing excellent integration. Every puzzle in the game is solved using teamwork and you and a friend must communicate with each other in order to figure out where to go and what to do. This is similar to Snipperclips in a way, as both require two players working together in order to proceed.
As the game continues, not only will the levels get harder and the puzzles more complex, but the characters will gain new abilities that will allow new ways of solving the puzzles. Of course this again means you and a friend will need to work out the new solutions together, or be stuck on a puzzle endlessly. Pode can be played alone, but it feels lacking without a friend, almost hollow even. This is a game that works best when there are two players, as the theme of the game is friendship and co-operation. When two players have the experience together, they get to see firsthand just how well this is implemented.
I just want to add that Pode has amazing visuals that go beyond what was expected of such a game. This is an indie game that is full of surprises, and while I was expecting a quack and done with experience, I instead found a game that really spoke to me. Pode is about Team building among real people and is a good way to show just how important friendship can be to everyone. I highly recommend this one.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided