PICO PARK: Classic is a cooperative puzzle platformer developed and published by TECOPARK. Despite its simple appearance, the game offers several unique features. Up to ten players can join a level simultaneously – something quite rare for co-op puzzlers. Another standout feature is the TecoGamePad app, which allows players to use their smartphones as controllers when there aren’t enough physical ones available.

The gameplay is simple yet challenging. You take on the role of small, cute characters and work together to solve puzzles across various levels. The goal in each stage is to collect all the keys required to open the door to the next area. Teamwork is essential – some paths only become accessible when players stack on top of one another, activate switches or move blocking elements together.

PICO PARK: Classic currently has around 1,800 reviews on Steam, with only 75% rated positive. One unusual complaint concerns the game’s extremely loud startup volume, which can’t be adjusted in-game. Additionally, PICO PARK is strictly a co-op experience with a high potential for frustration. The puzzles require precise coordination, and a single mistake from one player can quickly undo the entire group’s progress.

PICO PARK: Classic remains permanently free – but not on purpose

Since its release in 2016, PICO PARK: Classic has been available for free. Following a major update in September, it was supposed to return to being a paid title – but that plan was blocked by Steam’s guidelines. In an official post on October 5, the developer explained with a touch of humor that once a game switches from “paid” to “free,” there’s no going back. As a result, PICO PARK: Classic Edition will remain permanently free – unintentionally, but much to the community’s delight. On a side note, the game is also Steam Deck Verified (the device currently sells for around $440 on Amazon).

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As a child in the 90s, my Gameboy was my steady companion. After school, the PlayStation was fired up. When I finally got my first PC, I was completely hooked. My passion for gaming has never waned since. For me, writing for Notebookcheck means reporting on topics that are really close to my heart – in addition to gaming, I also like to write about e-mobility, photovoltaics and innovative gadgets. When I’m not sitting at my computer, I’m probably on water rescue duty on the Baltic coast or trying to counteract the downsides of my geek life – namely sitting for long periods – at the local swimming pool.