If you are searching for something completely out of left field to add to your library of PC games, Pikuniku is an absolute must-play. Published by the always-eccentric Devolver Digital, this absurdly colorful puzzle-exploration title looks like a child's drawing come to life, but it secretly hides a surprisingly witty and hilarious undertone. It is the perfect palate cleanser if you are feeling burnt out on heavy, hyper-realistic shooters or massive hundred-hour RPGs. You play as a wobbly, faceless red blob with long legs, awkwardly kicking your way through a vibrant world that is just as charming as it is completely bizarre.
Storyline
At first glance, the plot seems super simple and innocent, but it quickly spirals into a hilarious, light-hearted rebellion against a giant corporate monopoly. You wake up in a cave and immediately get labeled as a terrifying beast by the local village. After clearing your name by helping the townsfolk out, you discover that the seemingly benevolent Mr. Sunshine is using his massive corporation to harvest the island's natural resources in exchange for throwing "free money" at everyone. It is up to you and a quirky cast of weird locals to form a makeshift resistance, uncover this ridiculous capitalist conspiracy, and save the day in the most absurd way possible.
Gaming Experience
The actual gameplay is where Pikuniku brings endless laughs, largely thanks to its wonderfully wonky physics engine. Getting around the world involves rolling into a ball, swinging from ledges, and, most importantly, kicking absolutely everything in sight. Whether you are solving light platforming puzzles, playing a weird game of watermelon basketball, or just annoying the local NPCs, the controls feel delightfully goofy and responsive. Aside from the fantastic single-player adventure, it also packs a dedicated local co-op mode with custom levels. Tackling these two-player puzzles with a friend usually ends in hilarious, completely unintentional sabotage, making it one of the most relaxing and genuinely funny PC games out there right now.
