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Poi

PC (Microsoft Windows), Super Famicom • 2017

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Quick resume

Poi is a 3D platformer featuring two kids on a grand adventure to unravel the mysteries of the Milky Way Globe. Explore uncharted lands, compete in challenge levels, meet quirky characters and defeat comical creatures on a journey to become a Master Explorer.

Global score

91/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Casual, Indie, Puzzle

Pros

  • Nostalgic and charming 3d platforming
  • Large open levels with secrets and collectibles
  • Smooth and responsive controls
  • Good value with many hours of content
  • Engaging exploration and challenges

Cons

  • Boss fights are weak and uninspired
  • Some camera and hit detection issues
  • Repetitive level re-entry after each objective
  • Limited combat and enemy variety
  • Story is simple and minimal

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players freely explore large open levels with multiple paths and objectives, choosing their own routes and play style."

  • Competence
    3

    "Platforming requires skillful jumping and movement; some challenges and speedrunning leaderboards provide tests of ability."

  • Competition
    2

    "Leaderboards for challenge levels and speedruns encourage comparison but competition is not the main focus."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report habitual play, returning to collect items and complete challenges; new game+ mode extends playtime."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Game is single-player focused with no cooperative multiplayer or teamwork elements."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players explore and discover secrets, but level design and objectives follow classic collectathon formulas with limited creation."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control over others; interactions are solo and non-confrontational."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players enjoy immersive, whimsical worlds and nostalgic exploration as a form of stress relief and fun."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and nostalgia rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Exploration and trying different routes to objectives encourages some experimentation within established mechanics."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around discovering secrets, collectibles, and new areas in open 3D worlds."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some character customization via costumes, but mostly players use predefined characters and styles."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Players inhabit a whimsical, cartoonish world with imaginative characters and scenarios, evoking classic platformer fantasy."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Minimal social interaction; focus is on solo play and individual achievements."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop platforming skills and learn level layouts; some progression through unlocking new worlds and abilities."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and active platforming; not suited for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional social interactions."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements present."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate collectibles, unlock new worlds and abilities, and complete challenges to progress."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Generally a lighthearted, easygoing experience with some moments of challenge balanced by relaxing exploration."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Colorful visuals and music provide sensory enjoyment, though not highly intense or overwhelming."

  • Status
    1

    "Leaderboards and achievements provide some recognition but social status is not a major motivator."

  • Story
    2

    "Simple narrative provides context for exploration but is light and secondary to gameplay."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Some planning and problem solving in platforming and exploration, but mostly straightforward objectives."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Mild excitement from platforming challenges and exploration, but no intense suspense or risk."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for price with many hours of content and replayability."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Combat is minimal and simplistic, mostly jumping on enemies; focus is on platforming rather than violence."

  • Survival
    -3

    "Low risk gameplay with no significant threat or resource management."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026