GNOG

GNOG is a casual puzzle game about manipulating toylike robot heads. Each head functions as a small-scale escape room with buttons, dials, and controls the player must tinker with to figure out how they work. The game has colorful graphics and a lot of interactive detail, turning instinctive curiosity into cheerful play.

Each robot head is a self-contained puzzle based on a theme like “frogs” or “candy store.” The front and back of the head contain buttons and dials that the player can manipulate to open one of the sides, revealing a stylized vignette that matches the theme. The vignette features characters, furniture, and other humorous props that the player can interact with by opening drawers, making people move, and so on. Using the controls on the outside of the head can also affect the scene on the inside.

The game features no written instructions, with a focus on intuitive visual design instead. Part of the fun is figuring out both what is actionable and what the win state for each head is. The only hint provided is a thought bubble that sometimes appears over vignette characters, indicating what they want. However, the puzzles aren’t trying to be cryptic, and it’s usually possible to figure out the answer just by fiddling around with the controls.

Both the gameplay and the aesthetics evoke children’s toys to an almost tactile level. With their bright pastel colors and rounded shapes, the robot heads are especially reminiscent of activity cubes for toddlers. The lush electronic soundscape is full of satisfying beeps and chimes, and nearly everything on the heads and in the background either moves, lights up, or makes a noise when you click on it. Also, after solving each head, you’ll be rewarded with an energetic animated musical sequence. GNOG is short but lively, and each level is a unique, creative and joyful experience.

This description was written by Gwen C. Katz and edited by Oriane Tury.