Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken (v2017.01.25)

Albatropolis runs on propaganda, locked doors, and the ruthless rule of an absurdly militarized penguin dictatorship. Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken is a cinematic 2.5D action-platformer that mixes deadpan animal satire with surprisingly grim conspiracies, casting its tough, silent chicken hero as an assassin sent after the regime’s leader. Its hand-drawn industrial backdrops, animated story scenes, and indie-rock soundtrack give every shootout the feel of a stylized music video. Beneath the jokes about armed birds lies a compact revenge story with secrets surrounding Hardboiled’s history and the forces truly controlling the city.

The solo campaign sends Hardboiled through 15 chapters of side-scrolling gunfights, platforming stretches, and environmental puzzles. Weapons range from pistols and automatic firearms to heavier explosive options, while enemies come in enough varieties to make positioning, cover, and ammo management matter more than simply holding the trigger. Certain puzzles require using a remote-controlled buddy bird to access switches, vents, and areas the protagonist cannot reach, adding a light tactical angle to the otherwise direct action. A separate ten-chapter co-op campaign supports two players as Budgie commandos rescuing the general’s daughter, with six selectable characters and levels designed around cooperation rather than merely repeating the solo missions.

What makes Rocketbirds memorable is its commitment to a bizarre tone: it plays like a grim dictatorship thriller performed by cartoon birds, then backs that premise with polished animation and music from New World Revolution. Unlockable mini-stories and videos broaden the lore, giving completion-minded players reasons to seek out extra material beyond the main missions. The movement and shooting feel more deliberate than in a pure arcade run-and-gun, so it suits players who enjoy cinematic platformers with occasional puzzle interruptions. Fans of Oddworld-style side-scrolling action, Metal Slug’s weapon-heavy combat, or co-op games that thrive on chaotic coordination should find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers get an approachable campaign without demanding genre mastery.