If you ever get stuck on a game, I highly recommend spending an evening or two with Cloudy, the star of Rain on your parade. It’s one of the cleverest, funniest and most unique gaming experiences of recent years and an absolute credit to the creative minds at Unbound Creations.
But now the same team is back and has once again delivered an absolutely clever, extremely funny and totally unique experience. This time they are doing it with Just Crow Things. Is it a must-play? Well, you will certainly leave this game with a huge smile on your face and if it was in a world without Balatroit might even have been the best indie game I’ve played this year. As it is, second place isn’t bad.
Just Crow Things is – unmistakably – a Unbound creations game. This may sound strange, since they have only developed one console game before, but this should certainly be considered a standalone sequel to Rain on Your Parade. Visually, it is just as epic, it has the same fun setting and – most importantly – it is a great gaming experience. Is it as unique as the first game? No, not quite, but it’s really not far off.
Crowy, a young crow with big plans, goes on a quest. But as she sets off to find enlightenment, her cool sunglasses are stolen by a nefarious gang. This leads to a story that focuses on recovering said glasses and a whole lot of other things. Does this seem like I’m avoiding the narrative? Well, I am. But there’s a good reason for that, because the story being told really deserves to be experienced without any spoilers beforehand, if only so you can experience the Easter eggs and subtle references for yourself.
What you need to know is that in Just Crow Things you’ll go on all sorts of adventures with Crowy, across various self-contained levels, as you complete missions and races, earning points and unlocking more levels. Each of these is – frankly – a brilliant little playthrough, each extremely unique and cleverly put together. With certain aspects running across all levels to tie things together and tell stories, it’s extremely fun to enjoy what Unbound Creations has put together.
Navigating the levels is a breeze. Of course, Crowy can fly, soar high, swoop down, and cause chaos at will. Whether he’s pooping on unsuspecting passersby, grabbing food to propel the poop further, picking up and moving environmental structures, or something similar, Crowy is really easy to control. Occasionally, you’ll find that higher structures get in the way at times, but for the most part, it’s all good. At worst, it’s definitely possible to land with your feet on the ground and run around.
There are several missions, side missions, time trials and more throughout the levels, most of which are played out through fun little conversation topics. And this is where tools and items come to the fore: a leaf blower, a blowtorch, paint scattering and more. The beauty of Just Crow Things is the fact that you rarely learn anything. What rather than messing around and seeing what happens. This is really fun and attracts even those who normally prefer some structure and purpose in their gaming experiences.
Completing levels offers new hats, skins, and unlockable items, with more items scattered both around the land and the connecting, clear map, so it should take a couple of hours to fully complete, but when you add in a New Game+ as well as a sandbox for you and Crowy to mess around in, it’ll be a while before any signs of boredom appear here.
There are many positive aspects that Unbound Creations has to offer Just crow stuff. But don’t think this is the perfect game. There are odd text issues and occasionally old Crowy will get stuck in parts of the scenery trying to free his wings. And it has to be said that the serene flying mechanics do occasionally get a little awkward, especially in the levels with multiple high-rise buildings or trees; Crowy will jump from pillar to post as they try to get through safely.
If we are picky, Just Crow Things is a bit to too short for our taste, the “New Game+” and “Sandbox” modes seem a bit tacked on. We would have much preferred a few more levels to play through and would have liked to have seen more of the whole “shitting”, especially the specials associated with it.
But don’t get us wrong, Just Crow Things is a ton of fun. If you’re looking for something unique, fun, or just plain clever, then just like the previous game, you should jump into Crowy’s adventures right away.
Take a few evenings and Just Crow Things will provide you with some great gaming experiences in return. Unbound Creations continues to be on a successful path.
