Pico Park – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Pico Park

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2016

75%

WISE Score

The adorable friendship-testing co-op game where cute cats and communication breakdowns collide in the best way possible.

Pico Park

game

2016

75%

WISE Score

The adorable friendship-testing co-op game where cute cats and communication breakdowns collide in the best way possible.

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Where to Play

PC/Steam

Screenwise Verdict

Pico Park is that rare multiplayer game that's genuinely built for cooperation instead of competition. It's not revolutionary—the graphics are basic, the concept is straightforward—but it absolutely delivers on creating moments where you and your friends are all shouting at the screen trying to coordinate a synchronized jump.

The 'destroy your friendships' reputation is earned but overstated. Yes, you'll have moments of 'NO, WAIT, GO LEFT!' chaos, but that's the point. It's like Overcooked for platforming—stressful in the moment, hilarious in retrospect.

The big caveat: this is useless if you don't have other people to play with. But if you've got siblings, friends over, or a family game night crew, it's a solid pick that won't break the bank and delivers genuine laughs. Just maybe don't play it with the one friend who rage-quits easily.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 6-14 as a group activity, though teens and adults genuinely enjoy it too for party game nights. The controls are simple enough for younger kids, but the coordination required means you need players who can communicate and adjust strategies on the fly.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Cute, colorful aesthetic with simple cat characters. Core gameplay is built entirely around cooperation and communication—you literally can't progress without working together. The 'destroy your friendships' reputation comes from the fun chaos of coordinating, not from toxic mechanics. Models teamwork and problem-solving, though the frustration factor can lead to some heated moments between players.

Imaginative

Each of the 48 levels introduces unique cooperative gimmicks—rope swinging, bridging gaps with bodies, synchronized jumping. The puzzle design requires creative thinking about how to use your team as tools. However, it's more about clever execution than open-ended creativity. You're solving prescribed puzzles, not building or exploring freely. Still, the 'aha!' moments when you figure out a solution are genuinely satisfying.

Safe

No in-game purchases, no loot boxes, no online chat with strangers. Users interact only with people physically present or friends in a private session. The simple pixel art is completely age-appropriate with zero concerning content. The main 'safety' consideration is that it can generate real frustration and yelling when coordination fails—but that's couch co-op, not a digital safety issue. Clean, straightforward, no dark patterns.

Enriching

Genuinely builds communication skills, spatial reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving. Players must articulate strategies, listen to teammates, and coordinate timing. The physics-based puzzles require planning and execution. That said, it's not deeply educational—it's more about having fun together than building lasting skills. The entertainment value is high for groups, but solo play is impossible (which is the point). Good for social bonding, less for individual growth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Forces genuine teamwork—you'll actually have to talk to each other and coordinate instead of just mashing buttons
Simple pixel art and cat characters make it instantly approachable for all ages
48 levels of clever cooperative puzzles that feel satisfying when you nail them
Zero monetization nonsense—buy it once, play with up to 8 friends, done
Creates hilarious memories of chaos and near-misses that you'll laugh about later

⚠

What to Watch For

Absolutely requires multiple players—there's no solo mode whatsoever, so don't buy this for a kid who plays alone
Will generate real frustration when someone mistimes a jump or goes the wrong way (but that's half the fun)
Best with friends who can handle a little friendly yelling and laugh it off

Conversation Starters

"What was the hardest level to coordinate? What made it click when you finally figured it out?"
"Did anyone emerge as the 'leader' giving instructions, or did you all figure it out together?"
"When things got chaotic, how did you get everyone back on the same page?"

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