- Game: Ogu and the Secret Forest
- Developer/Publisher: Studio Sinkhole
- Review Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: 29th April 2025
Author’s Note: A Pre-Play Code for Ogu and the Secret Forest was kindly provided by Studio Sinkhole ahead of the game’s release to help create this content
Let me introduce you to a fun and adorable adventure game called Ogu and the Secret Forest. You’ll find yourself befriending a variety of different and peculiar creatures as you make your way through the game. Working at unveiling the mystery of the world and its secrets.
The star of the game is, Baby Ogu, and you’ll be playing through over two-hundred different 2D hand drawn levels. This story drive adventure will also take you through a variety of favourite gaming elements including puzzles, farming, action as well as a variety of mini-games.
Now, you may actually recognise Baby Ogu from elsewhere. In fact, they are best known as one of the popular characters found in KakaoTalk, a Korean messaging app. Usually found in the likes of in-app cosmetics, Sinkhole Studio Inc and Moonlab Studio wanted to bring to life the adorable character through Ogu and the Secret Forest.
A Journey to the Adorable Unknown
Ogu and the Secret Forest has previously released on Steam in 2023 in an early access phase. Just over a year later, the game left early access and was released in full at the end of July 2024. Since then, the game has seen multiple updates, including two major ones, that have also been influenced by player feedback. As a result, and in partnership with SHINSEGAE I&C, Ogu and the Secret Forest is launching on Nintendo Switch on 29th April 2025!
Curious to find out more? Have a look at the game’s trailer below!
Cute & Adventurous First Impressions
Finally, I found the time to sit down and jump into Ogu and the Secret Forest. With a quick little download, it was soon into the game and starting to familiarise myself with my new surroundings.
Ultimately, I wanted to capture my first impressions from my first few hours with the game before coming back at a later date to share a more in-depth look at the game.
Upon starting the game, I grabbed my hat and butterfly net, had a quick talk with my Dad and then set off on an adventure. What this adventure entailed, I wasn’t too sure just yet. However, when you first start your journey, you can choose one of two ways to play. One way which is the standard normal gameplay experience, and the other is as Baby Ogu. Choosing Baby Ogu means you don’t risk the chance of a game over and is perfect for those who just want to take in everything in. For this initial play through, I chose to play as Baby Ogu.
As you start to venture out into the world, the game will teach you how to use your butterfly net, traverse the world with different movements and other exciting in game features. You’ll make friends, who’s skills will also come in handy on your journey, learn to draw and also where you can draw and learn skills for Ogu that will help you on your way.
After making my way out of the Baby Ogu’s hometown, I started to explore every possible inch of the world that I could. I was on the lookout for butterflies and insects to collect. I also discovered, by mistake, that hitting certain objects around the world would cause them to break. In return, revealing coins and resources to help me on my way.
I’ve also had a chance to try my hand at a handful of the many puzzles that are a part of the game. Each one a challenge in their own right, but also fun to take the time to figure out how to progress for each one.
Overall, my first few hours with the game have been fun. I’m enjoying what I’ve played so far, as well as what’s to come. The game has a lovely cosy feel to it, lets you progress at a good steady pace and has such an adorable hand drawn art style! I’ve run into a handful of monsters so far, but nothing that Ogu’s trusty butterfly net hasn’t been able to handle so far.
I’m looking forward to playing more of Ogu and the Secret Forest and discovering, well, uncovering the mysteries and secrets that surround the game. Of course, I still have plenty to explore and do, but honestly can’t wait to get further into the game.
Ogu and the Secret Forest launches on Nintendo Switch on 29th April 2025 and is also available via Steam right now!
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