Owlboy Demo

Flying machines are still a rather new invention, but considering the fact that people have managed to go from crude wooden constructions to spaceships in a matter of decades, we can already say that we have mastered the concept. On the other hand, people always wanted to fly on their own, preferably without an outer shell made of steel to encumber them, so maybe we are still not there yet.

Owlboy is a retro-inspired platformer with adventure elements and quite the unusual set of gameplay mechanics, especially when you consider the fact that you are basically free to fly around as much as you want. Naturally, things are not as simple as they appear at a first sight, but you can at least explore new ways of doing things and depart from the classic Super Mario-inspired platformers.

There is even an interesting story to follow along the way, as well as some nice characters you get to meet and socialize with. As it happens, you play the role of Otus, an apprentice and one of the last of his exquisite race of flying humans resembling owls. When his village is attacked by a band of pirates, he must take matters into his own hands and face the dangers in order to rescue his friends and family.

Although most of the game evolves in a classic platformer manner, there are some adventure elements thrown into the mix, as well as interesting puzzles you have to solve in order to unlock the way further. Since Otus can literally pick up people and carry them around, you might sometimes have to do so in order to get friends out of trouble, which is both fun and challenging at the same time.

The visual quality is something special as well, because although the game uses a retro graphics engine, the art is wonderful and the environments look amazing. The main character animations are also spot on, not to mention the special effects when it comes to explosions or various other unusual circumstances. You can also enjoy a very nice soundtrack at the same time, although it somehow tends to stay in the background too much.

While Owlboy still has a few things to refined and polish before it can be released, the game should do quite well for itself, especially if the entire thing is as fun as these first few stages. Not only that, but although the flight idea might not be entirely original, it is brilliantly implemented and it makes the experience that much more exciting.