Developer: EastAsiaSoft, POLYGON BIRD
Publisher: EastAsiaSoft
Platform: Switch (2), PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Tested on: Switch 2
BIRDCAGE – Review
And now for something completely different, at least as far as EastAsiaSoft is concerned. Over the last couple of months, the publisher has mostly focused on visual novels with AI-generated illustrations and cheap, bite-sized puzzle games. It has been a while since we last saw a meatier game appear in their lineup. Thankfully, BIRDCAGE not only breaks that trend, but it appears to be a couple of notches above what we’ve come to expect from EastAsiaSoft (no offense, Love Chemistry). This arcade-style bullet hell shmup does come with an increased price tag compared to those previous releases though. Does the higher price tag effectively translate into a game that feels worth it?
Story
Bullet hell games typically aren’t the most fleshed out when it comes to story, so we were pleasantly surprised when we found that BIRDCAGE really puts in an effort. The story centers on a conflict between the organisation SELENE, which controls both Earth and the Moon, and a group called the RADON Daughters, who occupy CAGE, a space colony. You are the pilot of the Halcyon, a RADON prototype ship. Or at least, you were, until you woke up with amnesia and a driving urge to take down the RADON Daughters. And what is the “World-Egg”? We won’t spoil what happens next, but we can tell you that seeing the story unfold is a much more compelling driver than just score chasing. BIRDCAGE offers a grimdark, over-the-top sci-fi story that takes more than a little inspiration from the Metal Gear Solid series, with most of the narrative delivered through codec-style transmissions between characters, as well as cutscenes. Additional unlockable bits of lore can be found in the game’s Dryad Memory database, further fleshing out the game’s grimdark setting.
Graphics
Aesthetically, BIRDCAGE draws heavy inspiration from gritty ‘90s anime like Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop. 2D character art and cutscenes are the highlight here, with the in-game 3D visuals falling flat. Granted, there is a reason for this, as BIRDCAGE opts for clarity over visual spectacle: by juxtaposing the simple space environments with brightly coloured bullets, the on-screen chaos never blends into the background. That said, those backdrops remain bland and could’ve done with a little more variety. BIRDCAGE targets and maintains a steady 60 fps, which is fantastic for this genre in particular.
Sound
Composed by Barry “Epoch” Topping, whom you may remember from his work on Paradise Killer, BIRDCAGE’s retro-futuristic synth soundtrack is simply fantastic. The music is energetic and elevates the action. It’s worth a listen if the game itself doesn’t tickle your fancy (and thanks to the power of YouTube, you can do so right now). Put it on, and then continue reading!). Elsewhere, ambient audio and sound design complement BIRDCAGE’s futuristic arcade aesthetic, creating an atmospheric, immersive experience. We would’ve loved it had the game been given the voice acting treatment, especially during those narrative codec transmissions, but alas.
Gameplay
As far as vertical top-down bullet hell/shmup gameplay goes, BIRDCAGE is a solid title, though it doesn’t bring anything new to the table. The game follows the familiar genre formula to a tee: you’ll need to familiarise yourself with dense bullet patterns and learn how to dodge them, manage offensive weapons and aim for those all-important high scores. Your own firing options include a wide but weak spray, a focused narrow shot that slows your ship down, allowing for precise movement and a charge-based Hyperblade attack that wipes enemy bullets and deals massive damage. There is a satisfying learning curve here, as you figure out how to balance aggressive, close range sword play with long-distance shooting.
In true arcade fashion, BIRDCAGE appears deceptively short on paper. The main campaign consists of only six stages, though it’s worth noting that these add up to over a dozen boss encounters. The game’s high difficulty level inevitably translates into multiple attempts as you memorise stage layouts, enemy locations and boss attack patterns. If things prove to be too tough, you can play the game in Easy difficulty, which provides you with a recharging shield, though this does lock you out of seeing the final endgame sequence. Easy difficulty definitely feels like you’re playing with training wheels, though it really helps with gathering the necessary knowledge to tackle the game’s higher difficulties.
Beyond the main Story Mode, which forms BIRDCAGE’s backbone, there are Arcade, Score Attack, and Training modes to get stuck in, with online leaderboard support across modes and difficulties adding incentive to keep playing. The biggest post-game draw is perhaps Ceyx, a secondary ship that replaces the Halcyon’s Hyperblade with a bullet-grazing mechanic. Barely dodging enemy bullets charges and releases homing missiles, catering to a much more defensive playstyle. It all adds up to a much more comprehensive package than that €14.99 price tag would have you think. What the game lacks in innovative gameplay ideas, it more than makes up for in value.
Conclusion
A stylish, high-energy throwback to the arcade shmups of the ‘90s, BIRDCAGE stands out because of its narrative, soundtrack, and gritty anime visuals rather than because of its gameplay. Don’t let a perceived lack of innovation deter you from adding this one to your collection, as this is still a solid genre entry.
No Comments