The world of a pigeon is a complex one and a fascinating one. From delivering messages in the First and Second World Wars, being referenced biblically, to even being able to remember a certain amount of images for long periods of time. But have you looked at a pigeon and thought about what it would be like to be a pigeon just for a day and asked the question, how hard can it really be? Yes, a pigeon’s life may look simple from one’s perspective, but, in fact, they are pretty smart. But does developer Maestro Pivetta & Studio Seufz and publisher VRKiwi show us what it’s like to live life and let our inner pigeon shine? Let’s find out with VR Pigeons on PlayStation VR.
VR Pigeons is a casual arcade pigeon simulation where you play the role of a pigeon and bob your head while trying to get all the bread you can before the other pigeons try and make your life a pigeon pandemonium. So before you release your inner pigeon, there are a few things that you will want to be aware of. First, stretch your neck. I say this as you will be bobbing your head, just like a real pigeon, in order to move around. So if you or someone you know has had or will have any neck issues or surgeries, please be cautioned to take it slow. Second, if you have children, a significant other, family, or friends, feel free to record them being one with the pigeon life. And finally, just have some fun. With that said, let’s continue…
When starting VR Pigeons, you begin as a pigeon that has no name. Feel free to use your name or pick a pigeon-like name that you feel will truly represent you in pigeon life. You can either stand or sit, just make sure that you are comfortable and as you are in a room and can see the tip of your beak, you will need to peck at the piece of bread in front of you. And when I say peck, I mean, move your head back and forth so you can peck at all the pieces of the bread. But the important rule here is making sure you move your head in a smooth rhythm. You don’t have to go wild and you don’t want to gain an injury trying to become a pigeon legend. Just keep bobbing your head in the direction you want to go and before you know it, you will be moving and grooving, pigeon style. Plus, you can receive a very easy trophy just by reaching the door to start the game.
The object of the game is to get as many pieces of bread within the time limit. Once you get all the pieces of bread, you need to get to the next spot, but keep in mind that Granny will be throwing you the bread and other items. But as those pieces are being thrown, other pigeons will try to grab them and some become defensive and you give you that cold pigeon eye stare. There are different items that you can try to get as well such as adding more time on the clock, for example, that can become very helpful when you are one part of the rooftop and need to get the other piece of bread that Granny has thrown to a different part and time is about to run out. But also, there are shortcuts you can take to get to different parts of the rooftop, which does help in the last seconds when time is against you and you are trying to reach that high score.
Each level gives you new attempts at trying to reach the goal. There will be times when you need to get to a higher part of the rooftop and will have to use the air from the vents to get you higher. It can be tricky at times as you are trying to move and either not fall off the rooftop or have a pigeon or pigeons trying to knock you off like you are in the wrong pigeon hood. Just try to be on the lookout for those shortcuts.
Let’s talk about the graphics and sound. The graphics here are simple and easy to make out. Seeing the outlines, which sort of makes it look like smog, of other buildings in the distance makes it feel like you are surrounded by the city. Seeing Granny throwing the different items while you are just trying to live the bread life of a pigeon gives a comforting feeling like she really does care for all. The sound is simple and easygoing except when you unlocked a new level and that horn can be a little loud for those with sensitive ears. Hearing the sounds of the city below, the other pigeons just adds to the immersion.
There are a few things I would love to see. First, more levels. At this time there are just a handful of levels to play in. It would interesting to see different rooftops from different countries. Second, unlockables. It would also be interesting to be able to unlock different parts of the pigeon to have like superior wings or a beak. And finally, multiplayer. Having the ability to become a pigeon with all of your friends with different modes would not only add to but lead to a very comedic time.
VR Pigeons doesn’t take itself too seriously and gives you the opportunity to just be something different. In life, there is a tendency to pass judgment on what we don’t know without fully understanding why. We all have the ability to form our own opinions without the influence of others if we would all take the time to learn. And with life being as short as it is, shouldn’t we all take the time to unwind a little and just try and peck our way through so we can have a better understanding of it all?
VR Pigeons is out now for the Oculus Go and for the Quest/2 via Oculus App Lab on the Oculus Store and PlayStation VR. A review code was provided.
To learn more about Maestro Pivetta, please visit his site. To learn more about Studio Selifz, please visit the site, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram. To learn more about VRKiwi, please visit their site and make sure you like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, follow them on Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
In case you missed the trailer, please enjoy. Until next time, I am going to embrace more of the pigeon life.
