The King's Bird Reviews

The King's Bird is ranked in the 40th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Digital Chumps
Thomas Boyd
Top Critic
8.2 / 10.0
Mar 7, 2018

The sound and art design, while done before give unique spins that make the world all the more rich in detail. While the story is nothing to write home about, only a handful of other small issues really caused me any annoyance or trouble while playing, and I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who needs a good stress reliever or an excuse to unwind at the end of the day.

Read full review

GameSpace
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Jun 12, 2018

I rather enjoyed The King's Bird. There is definitely a magic to it and a draw that I found compelling, and found it was just as enjoyable to watch as to play as you find yourself drawn into the actions and struggles of whoever is playing, sharing in the "oohs" and "ahs" as they come oh so close or pull off an unexpectedly complex maneuver.  Taking turns as a family has turned out to be a very enjoyable family activity.

Read full review

ACG
Top Critic
Buy
Aug 23, 2018
The King's Bird Review "Buy, Wait for Sale, Rent, Never Touch?" video thumbnail
3.5 / 5.0
Aug 23, 2018

While there are clearly some efforts to distinguish from other platformers of an allotted, check-list fashion on a visual/world-building sense, the inevitable blurring-together of seen-before sparse storytelling and relative simplicity in appearance mean that The King's Bird doesn't quite excel as a complete package.

Read full review

GameSpot
Top Critic
5 / 10
Aug 23, 2018

The lovely aesthetics and graceful movement in A King's Bird are undercut by a too steep difficulty and imprecise controls.

Read full review

6 / 10.0
Aug 23, 2018

The King's Bird captures a freewheeling spirit in its aerial platforming but doesn't do enough to leave a mark with anyone but the most hardcore.

Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Aug 23, 2018

The King's Bird blends a beautiful design with superb and fluid mechanics to get a platformer that is just wonderful. A mix of parkour and aerial momentums that will show an amazing exhibition of movement and colors.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

55 / 100
Aug 24, 2018

Rich gameplay concepts and lush aesthetics caged by suffocating level design and a weak story. The constant clash between free, flowing movement and repetitive, often claustrophobic levels puts a damper on the entire experience.

Read full review

90 / 100
Aug 30, 2018

The King's Bird is another indie platform that you have to aim to play at some point. With a different and funny gameplay, a powerful graphic aspect and a spectacular soundtrack, it fulfills in all senses. Make it your own.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

3.5 / 5.0
Aug 31, 2018

The King’s Bird is a beautiful, daring platformer that lacks a strong narrative.

Read full review

82 / 100
Sep 2, 2018

The thing is, flying is hard. Getting serious air is a challenge, and when you hit the ground, the singing stops. But I didn’t want it too. I wanted to hear the beautiful improvised music. And so I wanted to fly. And therein lies the brilliance of The King’s Bird. Through its minimalist silhouettes, you get a cliched tale of oppression and freedom. The simple haunting music sets a tone. Platformers are one of the oldest genres of video games, and while this one controls differently, it is still a classical platformer at heart. But you want to hear the protagonist sing. You want to fly. She wants to fly. And in video games, there’s nothing more powerful than the moment that the player and the character’s desires become one.

Read full review

3 / 5.0
Sep 2, 2018

If you enjoy a challenging platformer, The King's Bird will test your limits. Even if you don't, it is at least important to note what the indie title is able to accomplish with its physics. Still, a lacking progression system, threading the needle difficulty, and bad camera work currently hold The King's Bird back from being a great game, and it is instead merely a good one.

Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Sep 3, 2018

An excellent platformer that is as beautiful as engaging and challenging. It has some flaws,like its sometimes imprecise controls, but as a whole, is an entertaining experience.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

67 / 100
Sep 15, 2018

There are a few issues holding The King's Bird back from being a true standout hit, but those who like their platformers to be a bit avant-garde, should be able to appreciate this virtual ride, along with speed run enthusiasts.

Read full review

TheSixthAxis
Steve C
Top Critic
7 / 10
Oct 3, 2018

When things are going well, The King's Bird is a wonderful and fluid experience.

Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Feb 12, 2019

You play the game as a very nimble young woman capable of some pretty impressive wall-jumping acrobatics but also with a limited ability to glide and fly...

Read full review

78 / 100
Feb 12, 2019

As N++, Super Meat Boy and other games alike, The King's Bird focuses on control and gameplay over story. Gain "momentum" and use it to glide and rush through the levels it's the key to complete the game and conquer the online rankings. It's a challenging experiencie, f you're the kind of player that loves speedrunning gaming.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

6 / 10.0
Feb 12, 2019

Perhaps The King's Bird's brilliance shines through on other platforms. Maybe speedrunners will find the level timer an irresistible challenge. I might even Git Gud myself if significant updates round out the edges, but for now, I'd recommend something a bit more polished.

Read full review

6 / 10
Feb 12, 2019

WORTH CONSIDERING - The King’s Bird could have been something truly special, but middling controls, average level design, and infuriating difficulty will leave many giving up on it well before the ending. Some will no doubt cherish the challenge, but most would be better served looking elsewhere.

Read full review

6 / 10
Feb 12, 2019

There are moments in The King's Bird where it's easy to lose yourself in the gameplay and striking visuals. Rocketing around colourful stages and indulging in the serene soundtrack is fun, but frustrating puzzle mechanics and little variance in the gameplay taint the experience.

Read full review