Pokonyan! is one of those weird little Game Boy gems that somehow sticks with you. You play as this round, squishy cat-thing (honestly, kind of looks like if a marshmallow grew paws) hopping between platforms and solving simple but satisfying puzzles. The first few screens ease you in—push blocks, avoid spikes, collect shiny things—but then it starts throwing curveballs, like teleporters or switches that change the whole room.

The art’s got that chunky, early-GB charm, all bright colors and exaggerated expressions. Pokonyan’s animations are weirdly endearing, especially when it wobbles after landing a big jump. And yeah, it’s nostalgic, but not in a lazy way—the puzzles actually hold up. Just don’t expect some epic story; it’s more about the vibe and those “aha!” moments when a tricky room finally clicks. Perfect for short bursts or if you’re craving something uncomplicated but not mindless.

Also, the music’s way catchier than it has any right to be. You’ll hum it for days.