“A cute, co-operative postal puzzler starring Jeff and Debra, two small kiwi birds working in a whimsical post office. They must jump, flap, peck and butt-slam their way across an interactive landscape of levers, bells and buttons to get those messages delivered on time!”
They carry paper stuck to their bums and it is the best. :)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2021
“An open-world air combat game, featuring fast, brutal aerial dogfights and deep exploration of an incredible fantasy open-world set not only above the clouds, but also amongst the waves and down through the sunken, ocean depths.
“Become the Falconeer and soar through the skies aboard a devastatingly powerful Warbird. Uncover secrets lost to the sea as you join or oppose different factions and clans scattered throughout The Great Ursee. Take advantage of multiple Falconeer classes with individual stats, weapons and warbirds that can be upgraded through winning battles, completing quests, discovering secrets, or applying Mutagens or Chants. Use ocean thermals and energy to dive, dodge, barrel-roll, and twist to gain an advantage.”
While the critic reviews seemed good before launch there seems to be control problems and some UI bugs in the PC version, so definitely a good idea to do some research before purchasing.
Platforms: Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Release: holiday 2020
“A classic film noir type adventure game with dark humour, adult themes and very, very dangerous animals.
“Sonny Featherland and Marty McChicken were once legendary detective partners, but time had passed them by. Sonny is a burnt-out, alcoholic ex-cop, who spends his days in an abandoned hotel, while Marty hides behind the facade of a star-detective, but slowly he’s losing himself. Now they’re back together again on a case bigger and much more dangerous than anything they’ve ever encountered before.”
I received a key for this from the developer and although visual novel/point-and-click stuff isn’t really my thing I decided to give it a whirl because the premise of chickens as police is pretty interesting to me.
I wasn’t planning to play much but I did get a bit sucked into the story and ended up going through the first chapter which took about four hours. There are four chapters I think and I’m a bit of a slowpoke, partially because I lost like 20 minutes trying to get a high score in the target practice minigame. The game feels quite polished mostly because of the art and voice acting (which is almost always great) but I also didn’t really encounter any bugs, except one time I did things out of order and the characters talked about visiting a place they had already been (maybe they were trying to block out the body they had just found).
The questioning/interrogating of characters is probably my favourite bit (choosing the right dialogue options based on your updating knowledge of their personality) especially because I’m not sure what happens if you completely screw it up and getting the “True Detective” stamp at the end is a super satisfying relief after previous anxiety.
The game is mostly about visiting locations, talking to characters, and trying to learn who you can trust while unraveling the mystery. It feels like there might be a lot of depth to the characters, but I’m not far enough in to make a determination on that. The writing overall seems good and the dialogue is pretty decent I think although it misses the mark a couple of times for me as I’m not super into noir.
I’m not sure if I will continue, although I really want to meet Miranda the giraffe, but that’s definitely mostly a factor of the visualnovelness (it’s not a hard-core one but I’m severely lacking in patience at the moment), so if that’s your jam it’s definitely a game to look into.
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release: November 5, 2020
developed by Khalil Arafan, Joram van Loenen, & Yoann Turpin
“The player explores a lush beautiful valley. Home of birds. Using an old binocular and journal you set out to spot the surrounding wildlife, discovering the local species and secrets hidden around the hills, rivers, and lakes. Through listening, observation, stealth, and timing the player strives to collect all species and their behaviors. Collect feathers, find nests and eggs. Endure the weather and uncover the hidden secrets of a Norway inspired scenery.”
[Trailer]
Platforms: TBA
Release: TBA
developed by Pixelnicks | published by Screenwave Media
“Discover the avian world of Eagle Island with Quill and his loyal owl companion, Koji. Explore lush forests, treacherous caverns, and uncover the ruins of long lost civilizations on your way to confront the gargantuan deity, Armaura, in a desperate attempt to rescue Ichiro from her clutches.”
[Buy on Steam] | [Nintendo eShop]
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Switch
Release: July 11, 2019
developed by Victoria Smith
“Explore a surprisingly spacious inner-city apartment filled with far too many pet birds doing their own silly things. Take photos and share them with your internet friends to spread the love around.”
Platforms: Windows
Release: TBA
developed by adamgryu
“Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. Follow the marked trails or explore the backcountry as you make your way to the summit. Along the way, meet other hikers, discover hidden treasures, and take in the world around you.”
This comes out as part of Humble monthly tomorrow, but will release on Steam and itch.io in the summer. :-)
[Wishlist on Steam] | [Visit the Website]
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release: Summer 2019
Just a small bundle of birds. I realise I showcase a lot of animals, more to come!
developed by Little Chicken Game Company | Platforms: Windows, PS4, Switch
“An upcoming Fantasy Aerial Combat game set in an oceanic world, the Ursee. A brutal place where the people survive upon sparse islands and rocky outcrops while traders make their way in tall ships sustaining trade between the rugged people of the Ursee.
‘Decide your place as an airborne warrior mounted upon a noble Falcon. Chose to join the Imperium, a bastion of progress and civilization, or stay true to your heritage and become an honor-bound Falconeer. Sell out for the highest coin as a mercenary, or scour the corners of the Ursee for the lost mechanisms and knowledge the Mancer Order so desires. “
Release: TBA
developed by Outerloop Games | Platform: PS4
“A first-person single-player action adventure. As Ara, learn to hunt, gather, and fight to reclaim her cultural legacy in the lost art of falcon hunting against a force of automated colonisers. Players will explore a strange land while bonding with their falcon and helping the resistance.”
[Visit the Website] | [Blog on Tumblr]
via PixelProspector Release: 2019