I enjoyed Pikuniku by Arnaud De Bock and Devolver Digital. From the start, it blends absurd puzzles with smooth platforming. As a result, users call it “silly,” “cute,” and “quick.” Its physics-based controls reward precise timing, and I saw a deep state conspiracy twist that hooked me. Although a few achievements feel missable, replaying the short campaign fixes that. As a pro gamer, I value tight input and clever level design.
I dove into every nook of Pikuniku’s four to five hour campaign. In particular, I loved finding secret items and hidden challenges. Users mention humorous dialogue as well as small areas to explore. However, one critique is that some collectible bananas vanish if you skip a puzzle. Fortunately, you can always restart a level to catch them. Overall, this game by a small indie studio highlights how big worlds grow from small teams.
I sprinted through Pikuniku’s world to find odd characters and secret areas. Meanwhile, the rope in co-op mode adds fun chaos. I discovered Easter eggs linked to Devolver Digital’s past titles, and their quirky publishing style shows. Because of this, I see players making videos about this indie gem. It matches my love for open-ended exploration and surprise story turns.
I clocked Pikuniku in under two hours solo. Thanks to its simple physics, I optimized jumps and slides. Additionally, the map’s short size helps plan routes. I used a glitch to skip a late-game puzzle, which streamlines runs but needs practice. I tag my streams with “#PikuSpeed” to share times. Moreover, the slight missable achievements force perfect runs, which I adore.
The one-button grab and low-gravity jumps feel intuitive. In co-op mode, the rope shifts puzzle strategy, and it rivals games like Human: Fall Flat in creative physics.
I cataloged each puzzle type—push blocks, long jumps, rope swings—and found that every area tests a new mechanic. Importantly, the indie engine keeps performance stable on PC and Switch.
I loved environmental switches that change path flow, while hidden tunnels reward curious players. In fact, it reminded me of Fez’s playful secrets.
Timing the grab-release jump boosts speed runs. Since the game’s open segments let me skip backtracking, I’d compare it to Celeste in precision.
The plot starts light, yet it quickly turns political. I saw witty dialogue along with unexpected betrayals.
Developer Arnaud De Bock said he aimed for “delightful subversion.” Consequently, characters range from friendly vegetables to shady officials.
Each NPC has drama, so I felt invested in their struggles. The world feels lived-in.
The story adds urgency, though I skip cutscenes in speed runs. Still, the writing is good.
The crisp 2D art uses bold colors, and it runs on a custom Unity build.
I loved the fluid animations as well as expressive faces. The art team drew on classic cartoons.
The playful palette feels fresh, while background details hint at a deeper dystopia.
No frame drops on Switch docked or handheld, which is crucial for smooth runs.
The soundtrack mixes upbeat tunes with tense motifs.
I noted strong environmental sounds—rustling leaves, clanking machines.
The music shifts when conspiracy scenes appear. It heightens drama.
I timed runs to song loops. No audio stutters.
The main pudding-like hero stays silent but expressive.
Each side character gets a mini arc. Even the guards feel human.
I loved the hamsters under city tiles—they rebel in secret.
I skip dialogue, but I respect the cute designs.
Puzzles scale smoothly. You learn mechanics before harder tests.
I hit a spike on rope puzzles. A hint system would help new players.
I struggled with timed jumps, but I learned through trial.
Perfect runs need practice. The difficulty curve suits speedrunners.
Short chapters make replay easy. I tried alternate paths.
Collectibles and co-op modes boost playtime.
Hidden secrets invite another tour.
I chased leaderboard times. The missable trophies lure me back.
Pikuniku stands out with its playful art, smart physics puzzles, and fun co-op rope mechanics. It shows how small indie studios like Arnaud De Bock’s team create big experiences. Fans of absurd comedy and clever level design will love it.
Fans of quirky and challenging games will enjoy titles like Untitled Goose Game, where you cause chaos as a mischievous goose, and Human: Fall Flat, a wobbly physics puzzler with fun local co-op. Exploration lovers can dive into Fez, a 2D platformer hiding a clever 3D twist, while precision players will appreciate Celeste for its tight controls, emotional storytelling, and appeal to speedrunners and achievement hunters.
