GNOG Detailed Opinions

Steam Curator

Overview

GNOG was one of those games that slipped under the radar for me. I had heard of it, but I forgot about it. It wasn't until I picked up a Double Fine bundle from Humble Bundle that this one found a home in my library.

The developer describes this title as a tactile 3D puzzle game. I have enjoyed all the games I have played published by Double Fine. Does this one stack up to that esteemed reputation? I feel that it does. Overall, it's charming and fun.

Gameplay

In GNOG, the player solves different puzzle box-like objects. Flipping around the box is necessary, as there are elements to the solutions on both sides. There are nine stages to solve, and each one has a different feel to them when it comes to puzzles.

Objects in the boxes can be manipulated and interacted within a variety of ways. These puzzles in the boxes feel like an advanced bop-it toy. Players will have to twist, pull, and push interactable objects to try to solve the puzzles. There are no real hints given, and there are red herring objects around that can also be manipulated. I did not find this to be significant since I enjoyed interacting with all the items the game has to offer.

GNOG is VR compatible. Since I do not own a VR headset, I played this game with a mouse. Some of the interactions that involve rotation can be a bit ineffective when it comes to using the mouse. Clicking and dragging left and right to rotate an object feels archaic for this genre. If the mouse moves out of the interaction zone, the puzzle loses progression. Then the puzzle mechanic must be restarted. It feels like it would be much better a click and hold to rotate the object until it is in the correct spot design was implemented. Despite this minor issue, the puzzles are fun.

Graphical Design

Each GNOG head presents a different theme and is inspired, according to the developers, by real-life toy designs. No box feels like the other, as they are all unique in design. Aesthetically GNOG is very vibrant. All the colors pop in each stage, and it adds to the overall charming feel each box has.

There are tons of widgets and objects in each box. It only adds to the detail and intricacies of them. If this game surfaced in the 90s, there most certainly would have been a toy line.

Music & Sound

The soundtrack has a synth mixed with a bit of bass feel to it. It also does an excellent job of fitting the theme to each stage. The soundtrack is responsive to the puzzles you are solving. It helps you know you are going in the right direction with its changes, which is nice since there isn't an actual hint system in place.

The sound design is also well done. None of the interaction noises get annoying or overstay their welcome. The noises also blend in well with the music and add to the immersion of the presented theme.

My overall experience

The game is short and bite-sized. Most of the stages can be completed within a ten-minute time frame bringing the overall game to around 90 minutes. Some of the achievements are missable, which gives reason to dive back into this one a second time.

The puzzles are enjoyable. Some of them require a bit of directionless exploration. This brute-force method doesn't appeal to all puzzle fans, but I enjoyed it. The soundtrack and theme set the mood in each stage, and it made each box feel unique. I ended up doing this one a few puzzles at a time for a nice coffee break like experience throughout my day.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ pros ♥

+Simple and cute puzzles

A nice variety of cute interaction items to solve puzzles with

+Vibrant Colors and Theme

Each box feels unique with its design and color format.

+Sound Design

The sound design steps you in the right direction as far as completion and adds to the theme presented in each stage.

(っ>▬<)っ x cons x

-Short

*Not a significant con, as more puzzles may have taken away from the charm the game has.

Some inefficient interactions

*This can make some puzzle elements a bit frustrating

Wrap Up

GNOG is a game that would best to pick up on sale. It is cute and fun. Since it is short, you can easily sit down with it for an evening session. There is a stage selection after clearing for achievement cleanup.

I enjoyed my time with this. However, it is a kind of one and done game for me. The lowest recorded sale is 75% off, and it's certainly worth that low price if only to see the cute and charming aesthetics the title has to offer.

𝕀𝕗 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝔼𝕟𝕛𝕠𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕋𝕣𝕪

Assemble With Care