Woodo

A gentle diorama puzzle adventure invites players to assemble charming wooden scenes piece by piece while following a warm, nostalgic story. Its relaxing pace and cozy atmosphere make it an easy game to unwind with. I wood recommend this game to everyone.

While its construction and play are relatively simple, cozy, and satisfying, I also appreciate some smart design that shows an earnest effort on the part of the developers.

I am well aware that we are right in the middle of one of the busiest periods in video game history, but I can’t recommend Woodo enough. It’s a short, beautiful game, both visually and narratively, filled with adorable characters and stunning dioramas that are incredibly satisfying to piece back together. It’s a terrific first game from Tiny Monks Tales, and if the plan is to develop more games with similar vibes to Woodo, then I will be there day one for whatever comes next.

By combining different facets of an assortment of peaceful activities — colouring-in, jigsaw-puzzling, Lego-building and more — Woodo hits on a formula for pure relaxation. Its gorgeous presentation, both graphics and sound, makes it irresistible to interact with. There’s a lot of repetition involved in getting into the zone, and sometimes I wished the storytelling would get out of the way and lean into the unspoken feelings that the dioramas convey without a voiceover. However, none of that was enough to snap me out of its cosy spell.

Woodo is a warm blanket - a puzzle experience for players of all ages that tries to shake up the formula despite its simple structure. Just be aware that it is a 3–4 hour adventure with little replay value, and the camera can sometimes get confused between the object you are trying to focus on and the rest of the diorama.