### Why Everyone’s Losing Their Minds Over This Metroidvania Gem (And Yes, It’s Worth It)
Let’s face it: the gaming industry churns out releases faster than we can say “bad DLC decisions.” But every now and then, a title emerges from the abyss of mediocrity and actually delivers something worth playing. Enter **”OOO,”** a Metroidvania-puzzle-platformer that somehow manages to combine nostalgia, innovation, and *just enough* frustration to keep us hooked. Oh, and it’s from Nama Takahashi, so you know it’s dripping with indie-game magic. Spoiler alert: this review is going to be slightly sarcastic because, hey, why not?
### What’s the Deal with “OOO”?
First off, let’s establish what “OOO” is not. It’s not your typical “run-and-smash” platformer where you can brainlessly button-mash your way to glory. No, this game actually expects you to *think*. Imagine that. The game is a visually stunning, hand-drawn Metroidvania-style platformer where puzzles are woven seamlessly into the gameplay. Essentially, it’s like “Hollow Knight” and “Fez” had a baby—except this baby occasionally makes you want to throw your controller out the window.
But that’s not a bad thing, is it? Games that don’t coddle players are increasingly rare, and “OOO” doesn’t shy away from making you work for your progress. Every level feels like a small victory and every puzzle solved? A triumphant middle finger to your own brain for doubting you.
### Highlights of “OOO” Gameplay
Here’s where things get juicy. Let’s break down the gameplay elements that make “OOO” a standout (and occasionally infuriating) experience:
– **Hand-Drawn Visuals**: The art style is so gorgeous, you might be tempted to just stop and stare. It’s like playing a moving painting, except the painting actively wants to mess with you.
– **Puzzles That Don’t Hold Your Hand**: Gone are the days of painfully obvious hints. In “OOO,” you either figure it out or you don’t. Simple as that.
– **Seamless Exploration**: The Metroidvania structure means you’ll constantly be doubling back to new areas with fresh abilities. It’s the gaming equivalent of realizing you’ve been opening jars wrong your whole life.
– **Challenging Combat**: While the focus is on puzzles, don’t think you can sleepwalk through the combat. The enemies require timing, patience, and, occasionally, a sacrifice to the gaming gods.
### Pros & Cons
Because every game has its ups and downs, here’s a quick breakdown to save you from the mental gymnastics:
**Pros:**
– Stunning visuals that belong in a museum (or at least your desktop wallpaper).
– Intellectually challenging puzzles that make you feel smarter than you actually are.
– Smooth, rewarding gameplay loop that keeps you coming back for more punishment.
**Cons:**
– The difficulty curve might be too steep for casual gamers who just want a relaxing experience.
– A few puzzles feel like they were designed purely to troll players.
– Combat, while solid, sometimes feels like an afterthought compared to the puzzles.
### Is It Worth Your Time?
Absolutely. “OOO” doesn’t just fill the Metroidvania void in your soul—it redefines it. It’s the kind of game that sticks with you long after you’ve put down the controller, mostly because you’ll be replaying those puzzles in your head at 3 AM. If you’re a fan of challenging, visually stunning games that don’t insult your intelligence, “OOO” is a no-brainer.
### Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, “OOO” is a testament to what indie developers can achieve when they dare to think outside the box. It’s frustrating, it’s beautiful, and it’s absolutely worth your time. Just make sure you have a spare controller handy—because you *will* want to throw it at least once.
For more Metroidvania goodness, check out our review of “Hollow Knight”—another indie darling that proves small studios can pack a big punch. And if you’re looking to dive into even more mind-bending puzzles, why not revisit our piece on “Fez”?
### Call to Action
What are your thoughts on “OOO”? Have you played it yet, or do you plan to? Drop your opinions in the comments below, or share this article with a fellow gamer who loves a good challenge. And don’t forget to subscribe for more sarcastic takes on the latest tech and gaming trends. Until next time, happy gaming!
