I want to thank RedDeer.Games for the review key to this title.

Not all games need to have combat, epic stakes, or drama. Sometimes you just want something with a simple concept. Something with low stakes that is fit for all ages. Pilo and the Holobook is a cute adventure game that fits this role nicely despite some annoyances.

The game starts in the XOP-642 star system in the lab of Professor Chiron. You are Pilo, a fox-like being who works as an assistant. The two of you are on a mission of scientific discovery. To investigate new worlds, Professor Chiron provides a holographic book that scans new objects and records them in the form of stickers. During your observations, Pilo comes across a mysterious polluting substance called Tar. The game is thus about continuing your travels while finding out more about both the worlds encountered and the Tar.

The core gameplay loop revolves around the collection of new objects for your Holobook. While walking around, objects can be scanned for new stickers to add to your book. A certain amount and type of stickers must be found in each area to complete the book. Certain special stickers have special slots in the book as well. Some areas have small environmental puzzles, which can be solved using certain stickers in the holobook. The player must also use the same means to discover more about the Tar and help creatures affected by it.

Graphically, the game uses a beautifully hand-drawn and cel-shaded art style reminiscent of a cartoon. There are bright cartoonish colors that go well with the sci-fi meets mild fantasy aesthetic.

The sounds and music are generally ambient tracks that use gentle instruments and set a cozy, low-stress feel for exploration. There is no voice acting, but conversations have muffled noises to indicate a character is speaking.

This game can be played with a keyboard and mouse or any Steam-supported controller. The developers heavily recommend some sort of controller. In my own experience, I found this to be good advice, as walking is bound to the mouse, which is also used to select objects for the holobook. Using a controller instead binds movement to the analog controls and binds the book highlight to a separate key.

Stability is pretty good. This title will run natively on both macOS and Microsoft Windows. It will also run on Linux via Steam Proton. This title is rated as Playable on the Steam Deck. Do be advised that there is a warning that there may be some resolution issues, as the game is noted to not resize the screen automatically and thus may need to have some manual tweaks. Finally, this is not an overly long game; it could be beaten in a day or two by any player reasonably skilled in puzzle games.

While this is a simple game, I do have some criticisms. While most of the game is essentially collecting a digital scrapbook of sorts, some of the puzzles have some very obtuse hints. For example, to make one scannable object show up I had to open the book at a very specific place to make a scannable object appear.

Morally, there is very little to complain about. There is no violence, harsh language, or sexual content. This is set in a cutesy science fiction universe and has no occult influences. The goal of the game is to explore and find new things in various locations.

Overall, while this is not my sort of game, it's still got a cute aesthetic and is safe for all ages. Technically, some obtuse puzzle solutions aside, it's solid. Morally, there is nothing objectionable. If you want a cute chill-out game or something for a young child, then this title is recommended.