Shuhei Yoshida, former president of SIE Worldwide Studios and head of PlayStation Indies, has a new favorite indie game on Steam — Ooo. Known for his sharp eye for promising titles from small studios, Yoshida’s opinion carries weight in the gaming community. His latest endorsement adds Ooo to the list of creative indie games he believes deserve more attention.
Earlier in 2025, Yoshida correctly predicted the breakout success of Blue Prince and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which became two of the year’s biggest indie hits. His praise for Ooo therefore signals that the game may be another hidden gem in the making.
Released on August 7, 2025, Ooo is a 2D retro puzzle platformer with Metroidvania elements. In a recent Twitter post, Yoshida called Ooo a “very clever puzzle-action game” and strongly recommended it to fans of creative design. The title’s free demo is already available on Steam, giving players a chance to try before buying.
A very clever puzzle action game, highly recommended 🙂 https://t.co/YPMeJ6PXjR
— Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp) August 9, 2025
Ooo’s gameplay stands out for its explosive-based puzzle mechanics. Instead of relying purely on precision platforming, players use bombs to open paths, uncover secrets, and solve environmental challenges. According to developer Nama Takahashi, the game is filled with hidden routes and rewards creative experimentation. The visual style and gameplay inspirations recall classics like VVVVVV and Super Meat Boy, but with a stronger focus on ingenuity over reflexes.
Currently, Ooo is 20% off until August 14, bringing the price down to around $8 USD. After the sale, it will return to its regular $10 USD price. Fans who enjoy the game may also want to check out Takahashi’s earlier hit, ElecHead, another retro puzzle platformer with Overwhelmingly Positive reviews on Steam. While ElecHead explored puzzles through electricity, Ooo focuses on explosions — both games showcasing the developer’s talent for turning simple mechanics into memorable gameplay experiences.
With Yoshida’s endorsement and its inventive design, Ooo is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most intriguing indie releases.