In a world where chickens can lay bombs instead of eggs, humanity's understanding of poultry has been turned on its head. 'Bomb Chicken' bristles with the absurdity and charm of concept that only a game from the quirky developers at Nitrome could deliver. Grab your controllers and tighten your seatbelt; this is about to get egg-straordinary!
The premise is as delightful as it is ridiculous. You take control of a chicken who, after partaking in some suspiciously blue sauce (thanks BFC, the in-game satirical fast-food giant), suddenly gains the power to lay bombs. Unlike your average jumpy platformer, our avian hero can only ascend by laying bombs beneath its feet, creating a stack that it can then stand upon. It’s a physics-based puzzle that will have you racking your brains more than a calculus exam. Each bomb takes a couple of moments before it detonates, meaning you’ll spend plenty of time hopping about, laying bombs, and dodging the ensuing explosions. It’s truly a site to behold when multiple bombs combust, often leading to chain reactions that feel just as gratifying as scoring an extraordinary combo in a traditional arcade brawler. You'll encounter over 29 levels filled to the brim with puzzles and enemies that will test your bomb-laying skills. With cleverly executed mechanics such as switches that need constant pressure or sliding doors activated by running over keycards, the gameplay does an excellent job of keeping players on their toes. En route, you’ll have to outsmart various foes, including workers of the BFC and local angry natives, all while navigating precarious environments like mine factories and Mayan ruins. And let’s not even get started on the joy of collecting gems strewn about like confetti amidst the chaos. However, the chimney-red reality awaits—take one hit from any enemy or environmental hazard, and your chicken is toast! Time to bake some more.
Visually, 'Bomb Chicken' shines with charming pixel art that captures the essence of classic 8-bit games. The vibrant jungle backdrops, animated enemies, and detailed environments pay homage to the nostalgia we all adore, all while retaining a fresh and modern flair. The art balance between cuteness and chaos is also perfectly represented in the delightful animation of the chicken and its explosive antics. Each bomb's detonation is a vivacious affair, colorful and vibrant, leaving no dull moments when dropping your payload. If you’ve ever wanted to see what happens when a chicken gets trapped in a factory with a million explosives, your prayers have been answered!
Overall, 'Bomb Chicken' is a hilarious romp through puzzle-platforming heaven that stays true to its unique concept from start to finish. While some players may leave hungry for more due to its short length—seriously, what’s a gamer without their daily dose of hours spent glued to the screen?—the adventure is worth taking for its engaging gameplay and retro aesthetic. Nitrome has baked a clucking great title that is sure to delight gamers of all ages, and if you’ve got a Switch, this game should be at the top of your list. So, what are you waiting for? Get clucking and start dropping those bombs!