Öoo
Öoo is a 2025 puzzle-platform video game developed by Japanese independent developer Nama Takahashi. Players place and explode bombs to traverse a 2D side-scrolling world in creative ways. Takahashi stated the game was created as a means to explore and experiment with creating a puzzle a game that oriented around a single gameplay mechanic. Upon release, the game received positive reviews, with critics praising the game's complex puzzle design, use of open-ended experimentation to find solutions, and short length.
Gameplay
Players assume the role of a caterpillar whose segments are made out of bombs. Players cannot jump, which requires them to place bombs with A and explode them with X. Exploding bombs allows players to traverse the game world in various ways, including by launching the player vertically or horizontally, or temporarily destroying walls. As the game progresses, the player collects a second bomb, allowing them to jump higher. Checkpoints allow the player to return to a previous point if they become trapped or die from touching hazards, including spikes. To progress, players also need to collect and deliver fly-like creatures to frogs that block their path. The game features hidden areas and passages. Without in-game text or tutorials, many of the behaviours of the bombs and the pathways to progress are not signalled to players, requiring them to experiment or backtrack with what they have learned in the game to progress.Development
Öoo was developed by Japanese independent game developer Nama Takahashi, who previously developed the game ElecHead. The game's pixel art was created by artist Hachinos. Takahashi stated the game's concept came from practical and personal motivations, aiming to "thoroughly experiment with a single mechanic", whilst also allowing "for a wide range of gameplay experiences while keeping the development workload manageable". A game demo was released for Steam Next Fest in June 2025.Reception
Several critics named Öoo as one of the best titles of the year, comparing it to titles including Animal Well and Celeste. Critics praised the puzzle game design. Many appreciated how the game required players to experiment with mechanics to find solutions, with Moises Taveras of The A.V. Club stating the game is "constantly teaching the player to throw away what they believe to be the conventions of platforming logic, and think outside the box in order to make breakthroughs". The game's short length and focus on its key mechanics were praised. John Walker of Kotaku said the game's lack of upgrades or additional bombs focused on demonstrating "imagination for how can be used in ever-more interesting ways". Inverse similarly observed that the game's "genius puzzle design" introduced new mechanics and solutions "with just two buttons and not a single word". Kris Holt of Engadget commended the game's "thought, care and detail" behind the game's design. Praise was also directed to the game's visual and audio design, with Inverse praising the "cheerful and clean" art and the use of theme variation in the game's soundtrack.The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Öoo for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design at the 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.