Game: Just crow stuff
Genre: Action, Adventure, Puzzle, Simulation
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows), PS4&5 and Xbox)
Developer | Publisher: Unbound creations
Age rating: EU 7+ | US Everyone 10+
Price: US $19.99 | UK £16.99 | EU €19.99
Release date: 14 August 2024
A verification code has been provided, thanks to Unbound Creations.
Just Crow Things: Silly, uplifting fun
Just crow stuff is a quirky game where you take on the role of a mischievous crow and explore sprawling levels full of opportunities for chaos and fun. Developed by Unbound Creations, the same team behind Rain on your paradea game where you play a mischievous cloud and solve puzzles. Just crow stuff carries the same lighthearted, positive energy. If you’re looking for a game that will put a big smile on your face, this is definitely one to keep an eye on this summer.
A day in the life of a crow
The plot of Just crow stuff is as simple as it is charming. You play as an unassuming crow who begins the game with a fancy new pair of sunglasses. Your coolness is put to the test, however, when three evil crows swoop down, steal your sunglasses, and declare you “not cool enough to be a crow.” Determined to prove your worth, you embark on a journey around the world, helping NPCs and, of course, causing plenty of crow-like mischief along the way.
Although the plot is minimal, the game is full of unforgettable charm. The colorful 3D presentation will no doubt appeal to young gamers and the young at heart. Throughout your adventure, you’ll encounter a variety of quirky animals, from a social media-obsessed peacock to a mess-loving hedgehog to a magpie who thinks she’s superior to the crows. Even the main protagonist, the crow, is instantly likable despite never speaking a word. Instead, you can customize the pitch of her crow calls and outfit her with various unlockable cosmetics. Seasoned gamers will also appreciate the subtle references to various gaming franchises hidden throughout the game.
Smooth controls, endless mischief
The controls in Just crow stuff are intuitive and easy to understand, making the game accessible to players of all skill levels. The game starts with a simple, active tutorial that teaches you the basics: flying, picking up and using items, and even pooping on unsuspecting NPCs. For those who need a gentle reminder, control prompts can be displayed at the bottom right of the screen.
The flying, which you’ll be doing most of the time, feels fluid and responsive, allowing you to whiz through levels quickly. The freedom of movement combined with the crow’s ability to interact with the environment in playful ways creates a delightful sense of mischief that’s hard to resist.
Building your crowdputation
The game features 10 large, varied levels where your main goal is to complete a variety of tasks to build your “crowputation.” This is done primarily by completing missions for NPCs. When exploring a level, a clear yellow ring indicates a new mission, and once activated, the mission objectives appear as a checklist on the left side of the screen. If you need a little help getting started, you can pull up a map to get an overview.
The missions are delightfully varied. Some are simple errand missions, like transporting items to specific locations, while others involve solving simple but unique puzzles, like breaking ice cubes in space, taking photos of suspicious objects, or scaring someone out of a mansion. Then there are the missions where you just cause chaos, which usually involves the crow’s infamous ability to poop on things. These moments are sure to get some laughs, especially from younger players or those with a playful sense of humor.
In addition to these missions, you can collect Crowputation by completing short time trials that require you to fly through rings and sometimes aim at specific objects to make a well-placed pileup. While time trials aren’t for everyone, the game allows you to adjust their difficulty, making them more accessible for those who don’t like the pressure of racing against the clock.
To progress to the next level, you just need to collect 100 Crowputation points. However, I often found myself exploring every nook and cranny of each level, driven by the sheer joy of the experience. One of the game’s greatest strengths is the variety in level design. You start in a picturesque town, but soon explore a setting reminiscent of ancient Egypt, the moon, and even a level that pays homage to the developer’s previous work (which I won’t spoil here).
Two standout levels include a fantasy world where you must choose between two warring factions, resulting in three possible endings to the scenario, and an expansive level with islands you can fly between, which feels like the most expansive and immersive environment in the game. I could have spent an entire game on this level alone.
A few crow nasties
No game is without mistakes, and Just crow stuff is no exception. For me, the main issues were minor glitches. Occasionally, I encountered missions that couldn’t be completed because an NPC fell out of the playfield or an important item disappeared. While these glitches were annoying, they were easily fixed by reloading the level later. Interestingly, the developers seem to be aware of these quirks and even make a running joke about bugs in the game. The game’s performance is generally fine, but I did notice that the game would sometimes slow down in handheld mode when things got a little too hectic.
Contents
The game features 10 uniquely designed levels, all designed so that you can complete them at your own pace. I took my time and beat the game in under five hours, but I never felt bored or wanting to continue. Every moment was a pleasure. The incentive to replay levels is to discover hidden cosmetics and complete each mission. After completing Just crow stuffYou can revisit levels in Sandbox mode, where you can spawn items and get up to your own mischief. While I didn’t feel a strong desire to try this mode, I can imagine it being a lot of fun for creative players.
Conclusion: Crow-spectacular fun
Just crow stuff is another fantastic work from Unbound Creations. The controls are easy to learn, making the game accessible to all ages, and the overall experience is pure enjoyment. Whether you’re soaring through the skies or causing crow-like chaos, the game will keep you entertained from start to finish. It’s worth noting that the casual nature of the gameplay may not be to everyone’s taste, especially those looking for a more challenging experience. However, this is a game that’s meant to be fun, make you laugh, and maybe even serve as a way to share that experience with a loved one.
I am incredibly happy with the time I spent playing Just crow stuffand I can highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, uplifting game.
Final verdict: Two thumbs up
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