Rocketbirds 2 Evolution
- January 26, 2017
- Ratloop Asia
The game is a good experience for those looking to get a new platformer since they seem to be so few and far between. Just don't expect anything substantial besides the great humor surrounding this interesting world.
In Rocketbirds 2: Evolution, Hardboiled Chicken becomes entangled in a penguin plot in "Part 1: The Cockup," while pint-sized budgies form a strike force in "Part 2: The Rescue." Players can engage in side-scrolling shooter action with jetpacks and various weapons, and upgrade over 100 costumes and characters in procedurally generated missions. The two parts can be played in any order and offer cinematic platforming, light puzzle elements, and jetpack action.
Reviews
- The game features an enjoyable blend of action and puzzle gameplay mechanics, with a great soundtrack and humor.
- Improvements from the first game include the ability to aim freely, a greater variety of weapons, and a fun Rescue Mode that adds replay value.
- The multiplayer co-op mode is well-received, allowing for fun gameplay with friends and the option to play solo.
- The game suffers from technical issues such as FPS drops, laggy multiplayer, and unskippable dialogues, making it frustrating to play.
- Many players feel that the storyline and character development are lacking compared to the first game, with some describing it as silly or forced.
- Controls can be awkward and unintuitive, leading to a less enjoyable experience, especially for those expecting the same feel as the original.
- story52 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The story in the sequel has been described as increasingly absurd and disconnected, with many reviewers feeling it lacks the coherence and depth of the original. While the game introduces engaging rescue missions and improved gameplay mechanics, the narrative is often seen as forced and lacking in seriousness, leading to a disappointing experience overall. Despite some praise for character development and voice acting, the conclusion of the story mode is criticized for being anti-climactic, leaving players wanting a more satisfying finale.
“Once again a superb soundtrack and great story plus improved game mechanics (now combat is more challenging but more fun at the same time) and, the best part, deeper character development thanks to a lot more awesome voice acting!”
“Knowing the quality of the first story, there would be no doubt that the second would be as good as the first.”
“Getting the story into an even greater threat by keeping the atmosphere of an action movie was a challenge that the creators of Rocktbirds were not going to fail.”
“The storyline now sounds more like it's one of those stupid TV shows for kids.”
“Besides that, this is a very disappointing game story-wise. It seems to me as if the developers made the attempt at adding depth and complexity to each and every single one of the aspects of the original game, but they went the complete opposite way from the last, which was all about simplicity in puzzles, gunfights, movement, and level progression.”
“My only complaint about this two-part system is that I felt the ending of part two's 'story' was incredibly anti-climactic and felt like a regular level, which is intentional as you can continue playing and upgrading; however, I would have loved to have seen one final epic encounter.”
- gameplay29 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some praising the improvements and new mechanics that enhance the experience, while others criticize issues like slow pacing and poor aiming systems. The sequel introduces interesting dynamics, such as rescue missions and a stacking mechanic, which add depth and replay value. Overall, players appreciate the enjoyable dual-stick shooter mechanics and engaging soundtrack, despite some technical shortcomings.
“The gameplay and soundtrack are very similar to the first game (which is a good thing); the big difference from one to the other is part 2.”
“In part 2, we have a sequence of rescue missions with a different dynamic from part 1, and this gameplay is very interesting and fits perfectly for those who want to play more and more of this beautiful game even after finishing the story.”
“The gameplay and presentation create a unique dual-stick shooter that you won't soon forget.”
“But this time, no coop campaign and the gameplay is really slow.”
“Fps drops, laggy backgrounds, bad aiming and mechanics, even the graphics look bad compared to the first one.”
“Gameplay wise, while the game showcases improvements, the gunplay is simply too dependent on a system that doesn't make much sense, and it isn't explained or implemented in the main campaign mode in a good way.”
- music24 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its "godlike" quality and memorable soundtracks, particularly from "New World Revolution," which enhances the overall experience. The soundtrack complements the gameplay well, maintaining a similar high standard to the first game while adding depth through improved voice acting and character development. Overall, the combination of excellent music and engaging gameplay contributes significantly to the game's fun and immersive atmosphere.
“The soundtrack is amazing and the gameplay is enjoyable, and the best part is that you can play multiplayer alone or rent a duck to help you.”
“A godlike soundtrack by 'New World Revolution', bringing science fiction rock to every moment of the game with fully-fledged boss fights and many different types of enemies will keep you on your toes till the end.”
“Amazing artwork accompanied by a memorable soundtrack that gives the game an overall vibe.”
“The gameplay and soundtrack are very similar to the first game, which is a good thing, but the big difference in part 2 is noticeable.”
“A godlike soundtrack by 'New World Revolution' brings science fiction rock to every moment of the game, enhancing fully-fledged boss fights and a variety of enemies that keep you on your toes until the end.”
“The soundtrack by 'New World Revolution' is impressive, delivering science fiction rock that complements the gameplay throughout.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players noting issues like FPS drops and laggy backgrounds, which detract from the experience. While the new 2.5D art style has been a point of contention—sacrificing the original aesthetic for a more modern look—many appreciate the detailed environments and overall visual appeal. Despite the initial adjustment to the new style, the artwork and accompanying soundtrack have been praised for enhancing the game's atmosphere.
“Amazing artwork accompanied by a memorable soundtrack that gives the game an overall vibe.”
“Good controls, lighthearted humor, nice artwork - winning combo in my book.”
“FPS drops, laggy backgrounds, bad aiming and mechanics; even the graphics look bad according to the first one.”
“It was hard to get used to the new art style because I did like that from the first one, but you get used to it.”
“The art style is the same from the first game, but switched to a 2.5D perspective; a mix of lighthearted humor and serious atmosphere in very detailed environments.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized as lighthearted and enjoyable, featuring a mix of lowbrow jokes and humorous dialogue that complements the fast-paced gameplay. While some users note that the humor may not be particularly deep, it adds to the overall fun and charm of the experience without becoming overwhelming. The combination of engaging gameplay, a great soundtrack, and amusing elements creates a winning formula for players.
“Fast-paced action throughout the lengthy campaign with humorous dialogue.”
“Good controls, lighthearted humor, nice artwork - a winning combo in my book.”
“Just don't expect anything substantial besides the great humor surrounding this interesting world.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability through a separate co-op story mode with procedural levels, diverse weapons, and an upgrade system that encourages players to unlock various characters. However, some users feel that despite these features, the overall experience may lack depth, leading to a mixed perception of replay value.
“A separate, replayable co-op story mode featuring procedural levels, more weapons, and the ability to earn and spend credits for general upgrades.”
“Tons of characters to unlock and the upgrading system enhances the replay value of this already awesome game.”
“An addictive blend of 2D action and puzzle gameplay mechanics; the rescue mode adds hours of replay value, and the dark sense of humor is spot-on.”
“It's a relatively lengthy but disappointing experience with little replay value.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Rocktbirds effectively blends lighthearted humor with a serious tone, creating a dynamic experience reminiscent of an action movie. The transition to a 2.5D perspective enhances the detailed environments while maintaining the art style from the first game, contributing to a compelling narrative backdrop.
“The art style is the same from the first game, but switched to a 2.5D perspective; a mix of lighthearted humor and serious atmosphere in very detailed environments.”
“The art style is the same from the first game, but switched to a 2.5D perspective; a mix of lighthearted humor and serious atmosphere in very detailed environments.”
“Getting the story into an even greater threat by keeping the atmosphere of an action movie was a challenge that the creators of Rocktbirds were not going to fail.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and restrictive, echoing complaints from the original title. While the puzzles remain simple, the process of completing them has become more cumbersome, with every action feeling unnecessarily complicated and frustrating. Overall, the grinding experience detracts from the enjoyment of gameplay.
“The process in which you complete this, and progress through the level seems a lot more restrictive and tedious to complete.”
“One of the main complaints I had with the original game was how every single tiny action that you would make in that game would have to be annoying or tedious to perform, everything from controlling elevators to shooting (which was restricted to straight shots without any sort of freedom for verticality or aiming in any other way for that matter) to simply even moving your character.”
“The original game's puzzles were simple, and I liked them as such; surely the process in which you complete them was tedious, but it was comprehensible at that.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game features significant improvements in character development, enhanced by increased voice-acting that adds depth to the characters. This, combined with a compelling story and improved game mechanics, contributes to a more engaging and enjoyable experience.
“Once again a superb soundtrack and great story, plus improved game mechanics (now combat is more challenging but more fun at the same time), and the best part, deeper character development thanks to a lot more awesome voice acting!”
Critic Reviews
Rocketbirds 2: Evolution Review
In the end, Rocketbirds 2: Evolution is just not much fun. It's a relatively lengthy but disappointing experience with little replay value. The controls are blunt and clumsy, the humour is often witless, and the puzzles are at times so basic that there's not a lot of satisfaction in solving them. While there is a lot of potential on the surface, Ratloop may have wanted to sit on this egg a bit longer before it hatched.
50%Rocketbirds 2: Evolution Review – A Funny Ride
The game is a good experience for those looking to get a new platformer since they seem to be so few and far between. Just don't expect anything substantial besides the great humor surrounding this interesting world.
70%Review: Rocketbirds 2: Evolution
An Exercise in apathy, neither solid nor liquid. Not exactly bad, but not very good either. Just a bit 'meh,' really.
50%