Taking a popular browser-based game and re-creating it for a game console can be tricky, especially when that game console is the Sony PlayStation 3. Will the console make the game’s graphics and animation look cheap? Will gameplay be hindered by the game’s browser origins? With Rocketbirds: Harboiled Chicken, Ratloop Asia has taken their hit online game Rocketbirds: Revolution and created a fun, although extremely violent, game available exclusively on the PlayStation Network.
Rocketbirds: Harboiled Chicken
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Ratloop Asia
Release Date: October 18, 2011
ESRB Rating: M for Mature (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language)
Price: $11.99 (Available exclusively for PlayStation 3 on the PlayStation Network)
Release Date: October 18, 2011
ESRB Rating: M for Mature (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language)
Price: $11.99 (Available exclusively for PlayStation 3 on the PlayStation Network)
The Rambo-esque Hardboiled Chicken is essentially a one-man army fighting the fascist Penguins (led by Putzki) ruling Albatropolis, to help free his fellow Roosters and Chicks. This platform shooter is much more than a 2D side-scroller, with clever puzzles and lots of weapons, including “brain bugs” that help you control soldier penguins in order to solve some of the puzzles. The plot is somewhat simple, kill any penguins that stand in your way to finding and killing Putzki. This involves running and crawling (or rolling, actually) through air ducts and hallways inside buildings and zeppelins and flying in your jetpack to take out enemies during aerial combats. The animation is simple yet not too cheesy, and my only problem with gameplay was the slow response time when Hardboiled activates a switch as well as the time it takes to aim grenades and brain bugs, which becomes pivotal near the end of the game.
What really sets this game apart are the in-game music video segments featuring music by the alternative rock group New World Revolution. The animation here is very good (although often resembles a motion comic), but the songs are catchy, and the music videos help to advance the story as well as make great background music while playing the game.
A co-op option is available where players assume the roles of combatant chicks, but unfortunately, it is only for local play. It would have been nice if an online co-op was available.
Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken may not be to every one’s taste, but for less than $12.00, it is a welcome addition to your PlayStation 3 collection.
Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken may not be to every one’s taste, but for less than $12.00, it is a welcome addition to your PlayStation 3 collection.
