If you've ever wondered what a universe run by chickens would look like, well, buckle up! "Mort the Chicken" gives you a delightful romp through the wacky world where poultry is king, and being a chicken is, apparently, the height of heroism. Our hero Mort isn’t just any chicken, though—he’s a chicken with a mission, a comb-to-whip hybrid, and a heart as big as a barn! Let's dive into this demented little adventure and see if it's worth your precious gaming time or whether it should stay in the coop.
The gameplay revolves around Mort, our hero, jumping, pecking, and comb-whipping his way through various levels, helping to rescue fuzzy little chicks that have been scattered across the land by the dastardly Boolyon cubes (yes, cubes—it’s a thing). Mort can perform acrobatics worthy of a Cirque du Soleil performer, transforming from feathered friend to a perilous whirling dervish in no time. Want to know the secret weapon Mort possesses? It’s his comb—yes, that thing on his head that is usually just for show. Think of it as an extra-long, feather-flinging whip. Take that, evil cubes! Each stage is a puzzle in itself—within every level, players can find various power-ups that may restore health or give Mort some chicken-tastic abilities. The added challenge? Each time Mort gets hit, a helpless chick gets nabbed by those villainous cubes. This dynamic gives the stakes an added, somewhat hilarious, edge. Let's just say every failure is just a tiny bit heart-wrenching as you watch your fruity little friends disappear into the abyss. But don’t worry, they come back… eventually. At least Mort can eat chicken food (don't think too hard about that) to get back in the game. Who knew imaginary chickens could have such a taste for grub?
Let’s tackle the visual experience, which is as vibrant and colorful as a toddler’s finger painting project—minus the chaotic terror of angry parents. The graphics have a charming, cartoonish style that could almost be synonymous with Saturday morning cartoons. Mort himself looks as plucky as ever, with big googly eyes capable of expressing shock, terror, and that classic chicken vibe. The environments, from lush fields to sinister cube-owned territories, are designed to capture your attention, but, just like Mort’s comb, they don’t really stand out. Expect some pixelated nostalgia that brings you back to the good ol’ days of PlayStation graphics that seem best suited for a time when “3D” was still a foreign concept.
So, is "Mort the Chicken" the hidden gem of the PlayStation library? Or is it that weird piece of chicken in the back of your freezer that you’re too scared to look at? It’s a tough call! While it has its moments of comedic charm, consistent gameplay, and a truly strange premise, it also suffers from that typical ‘not quite polished enough’ vibe. It may not satisfy everyone’s craving for platformers—largely due to its quirky design choices and some rather uninspiring controls—but if you’re looking for something to keep you chuckling while cringing, then Mort may just be the fowl-mouthed hero you never knew you needed. However, to avoid devastating real-life chickens in favor of their pixelated counterparts, you’ll want to keep your expectations in check. A score of 4 out of 10 feels just about right for this zany chicken adventure. Who knew rescuing chicks could be so fun? Now if only we could send General Cubicles down the well with a bag of feed…