{{Short description|2025 video game}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox video game | title = Öoo | image = Öoo Cover.jpg | developer = Nama Takahashi | artist = Hachinos | composer = {{ubl|Tsuyomi<ref>{{Cite web |title=Page of the soundtrack on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/3705180/oo_Original_Soundtrack/ |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |language=en}}</ref>}} | platforms = {{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}} | released = {{Collapsible list | title = {{nobold|7 August 2025}} | '''Windows''' | {{Video game release|WW|7 August 2025}} | '''Nintendo Switch''' | {{Video game release|WW|3 March 2026}} | '''PlayStation 5''' | {{Video game release|WW|11 March 2026}} | '''Xbox Series X/S''' | {{Video game release|WW|18 March 2026}} }} | genre = [[Puzzle-platform]] | modes = [[Single-player]] }}
'''''Öoo'''''{{efn|Takahashi has stated that while there's "no official pronunciation" of the name, he suggested the game's name to be prounounced phonetically as [øu].<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=namatakahashi |number=1953046309646287230 |title=Only 2 days left until "Öoo" releases💣 We've received many questions about how to pronounce the title While there's no official pronunciation, feel free to refer to this video as a guide:}}</ref>}} is a 2025 [[puzzle-platform]] [[video game]] developed by Japanese [[indie game|independent developer]] Nama Takahashi.<ref name=KT/> Players place and explode bombs to traverse a [[two-dimensional|2D]] [[side-scrolling]] world in creative ways. Takahashi stated the game was created as a means to explore and experiment with creating a puzzle 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==
[[File:Öoo Gameplay.jpg|thumb|right|Gameplay screenshot]]
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.<ref name=INV/><ref name=KT/> As the game progresses, the player collects a second bomb, allowing them to jump higher.<ref name=KT/> Checkpoints allow the player to return to a previous point if they become trapped or die from touching hazards, including spikes.<ref name=KT/> 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.<ref name=KT/>
==Development==
''Öoo'' was developed by Japanese independent game developer Nama Takahashi,<ref name=KT/> who previously developed the game ''[[ElecHead]]''.<ref name="EG" /> The game's [[pixel art]] was created by artist Hachinos.<ref name="EG" /> 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".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gamersocialclub.ca/2025/08/01/five-questions-with-nama-takahashi-developer-of-elechead-and-ooo/ |title=Five Questions With Nama Takahashi, Developer Of ElecHead And Öoo |last=Jones |first=Harry Glynn |date=1 August 2025 |website=Gamer Social Club |access-date=15 November 2025}}</ref> A [[game demo]] was released for [[Steam (service)|Steam]] Next Fest in June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://buried-treasure.org/2025/06/next-fest-june-2025s-buried-treasures/ |title=Next Fest June 2025's Buried Treasures |last=Walker |first=John |date=12 June 2025 |website=Buried Treasure |access-date=15 November 2025 |archive-date=9 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009185435/https://buried-treasure.org/2025/06/next-fest-june-2025s-buried-treasures/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Öoo'' was released on the [[Nintendo Switch]] on 3 March 2026, with the [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]] versions releasing later the same month on 11 March and 18 March respectively. The console versions were published by AMATA Games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2026/03/puzzle-platformer-ooo-now-available-for-switch-coming-to-ps5-on-march-11-xbox-series-in-march |title=Puzzle platformer Ooo now available for Switch; coming to PS5 on March 11, Xbox Series in March |work=Gematsu |date=3 March 2026 |access-date=3 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=your ingenuity is the key to clearing every stage! "Öoo" officially launches today on The Xbox Series X{{!}}S and Xbox Play Anywhere versions, brought to you by AMATA Games! |url=https://amata.games/en/news/ooo_20260319/ |website=AMATA Games |date=March 19, 2026 |access-date=March 30, 2026 |quote= ... as of today, March 18, The Xbox Series X{{!}}S versions officially out.}}</ref>
==Reception== {{Video game reviews | OC = 100% recommend<ref name="opencritic">{{Cite web |title=''Öoo''|accessdate=May 9, 2026 |website=[[OpenCritic]] |language=en |url=https://opencritic.com/game/19080/-oo}}</ref>{{efn|Based on 7 reviews}} }} Several critics named ''Öoo'' as one of the best titles of the year,<ref name=KT>{{Cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/ooo-review-metroidvania-puzzle-platformer-nama-takahashi-2000616880 |title=In This Stunning Metroidvania, You're Only Held Back By Your Own Imagination |last=Walker |first=John |date=11 August 2025 |website=Kotaku |access-date=15 November 2025 |archive-date=16 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916193339/https://kotaku.com/ooo-review-metroidvania-puzzle-platformer-nama-takahashi-2000616880 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=PG>{{Cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2025-goty-contenders-game-of-the-year-dark-horses/ |title=14 games that should be 2025 Game of the Year contenders |last= |first= |date=31 August 2025 |website=Polygon |access-date=15 November 2025 |archive-date=5 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005221906/https://www.polygon.com/2025-goty-contenders-game-of-the-year-dark-horses/ |url-status=live }}</ref> comparing it to titles including ''[[Animal Well]]'' and ''[[Celeste (video game)|Celeste]]''.<ref name=PG/><ref name=EG/> Critics praised the [[puzzle video game|puzzle]] game design. Many appreciated how the game required players to experiment with mechanics to find solutions,<ref name=EG/><ref name=KT/> 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".<ref name=AV/> The game's short length and focus on its key mechanics were praised.<ref name=KT/><ref name=AV>{{Cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/bombs-away-ooo-is-an-oblique-bite-sized-magic-trick-of-a-game |title=Bombs Away: Öoo Is an Oblique, Bite-Sized Magic Trick of a Game |last=Taveras |first=Moises |date=19 August 2025 |website=The A.V. Club |access-date=15 November 2025}}</ref> John Walker of ''Kotaku'' said the game's lack of upgrades or additional bombs focused on demonstrating "imagination for how [the bombs] can be used in ever-more interesting ways".<ref name=KT/> ''Inverse'' similarly observed that the game's "genius puzzle design" introduced new mechanics and solutions "with just two buttons and not a single word".<ref name=INV>{{Cite web |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/ooo-steam-indie-puzzle-game |title=Öoo Is A Puzzle Platforming Masterpiece You Can Finish In One Sitting |last=Bea |first=Robin |date=13 August 2025 |website=Inverse |access-date=15 November 2025 |archive-date=11 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251011172220/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/ooo-steam-indie-puzzle-game |url-status=live }}</ref> Kris Holt of ''[[Engadget]]'' commended the game's "thought, care and detail" behind the game's design.<ref name=EG>{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-brilliant-puzzle-platformer-enter-the-gungeon-on-mobile-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110042847.html |title=A brilliant puzzle-platformer, Enter the Gungeon on mobile and other new indie games worth checking out |last=Holt |first=Kris |date=16 August 2025 |website=Engadget |access-date=15 November 2025 |archive-date=7 December 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251207222550/https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-brilliant-puzzle-platformer-enter-the-gungeon-on-mobile-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110042847.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Praise was also directed to the game's visual and audio design,<ref name=KT/> with ''Inverse'' praising the "cheerful and clean" art and the use of theme variation in the game's soundtrack.<ref name=INV/>
The [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''Öoo'' for [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design|Outstanding Achievement in Game Design]] at the [[29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gameinformer.com/2026/01/08/the-29th-dice-awards-nominees-have-been-revealed-clair-obscur-expedition-33-and-ghost-of|title=The 29th DICE Awards Nominees Have Been Revealed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 And Ghost Of Yōtei Lead The Pack|first=Wesley|last=LeBlanc|work=[[Game Informer]]|date=8 January 2026|accessdate=10 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.interactive.org/contact/29th_annual_dice_awards_winners_revealed.asp|title=29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Winners Revealed|website=[[Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences|AIAS]]|date=February 12, 2026|accessdate=February 12, 2026}}</ref>
== See also == * ''[[ElecHead]]''
==References== {{notelist}} {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://namatakahashi.notion.site/oooo}} * {{mobygames|id=/246099/ooo/}}
[[Category:2025 video games]] [[Category:Puzzle-platformers]] [[Category:Single-player video games]] [[Category:Video games developed in Japan]] [[Category:Indie games]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch games]] [[Category:PlayStation 5 games]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]