The Many Pieces Of Mr. Coo | PS4

Let me preface this review by saying that I've never in my life seen a game quite like "The Many Pieces Of Mr. Coo". It's one of those games that are so abstract in appearance that all is not made clear from the start, but definitely has a hidden meaning locked away in the sum of it's parts. In hindsight surrealism seems to be this point & click adventure's key selling point above all else. That, and whatever underlying message might be hidden within. I will say this ... I can see hints of creationism, the fall of empires, and even subject matter hinting at the prison that is bread & circuses. All centered around this small yellow cartoon character named Mr. Coo who loves apples, and bit of craziness on the side. 

Unlike any point & click adventure before it "The Many Pieces of Mr. Coo" plays out much like a dynamic cartoon on rails. One that strays from the usual side scrolling formula in a more 3D manner. As you interact, and click on set pieces within each given frame as well as Mr. Coo, himself, you'll trigger animation transitions that further the cinematic story that is constantly unfolding with little pause. The game begins with Mr. Coo dreaming of an apple, and being presented with a wrapped present by a mysterious set of hands. A present which, when opened, cascades into a series of flowing and evolving imagery based events that comes together in the form of otherworldly beings, and places that seem to reflect a hodge podge of ideals congregating together in oddly meshed fashion without a single coherent theme. 

There's deserts, a castle interior, the cluttered top of a desk, and so much more that is interconnected in such a way as to allow the player to explore, and tinker with certain parts of it to create the reactions needed to progress. These reactions are what guide Mr. Coo along initially, and help him piece together his butchered body later on. Culminating, at the the finale of it all, in an inconclusive conclusion that ends with a "To Be Continued" animation sequence. Getting to that end though is the journey one must experience for themselves to truly appreciate the genius behind the masterpiece.

The Verdict ...

There were a few initial thoughts racing through my confused and bedazzled mind as I saw what "The Many Pieces of Mr. Coo" had to offer. The most prevalent of those thoughts were of the animation style. It came off as being a hybrid of the old Pink Panther cartoons, and something Ralph Bakshi and R. Crumb might dream up. Even the soundtrack was reminiscent of those older cartoons. I think it's for that reason alone that I was sold on the game from the start. It was one heck of a trip, and I could tell some thought was put into it. The fact that it seems to harbor hidden meaning, and flows so fluidly between the sections of trial & error really impresses me. I'm going to go out on a limb here, but this may very well be my "Game of the Year" pick in 2023. It's right up my alley. The art, the characters, and the seemingly sane insanity of it all hits the nail on the head. I did try my best not to spoil anything, so do yourself a huge favor and don't miss out on this one!!!