The protagonist of Of Bird and Cage is Gitta Barbot, a 25-year-old woman struggling with drug addiction. The narrative explores her difficult past, and the player’s choices determine her future. Facing the antagonist, Bres Lupus, players must navigate a spiral of anxiety, and physical and psychological violence. Decisions made throughout the game influence the storyline and ultimately determine whether Gitta seeks revenge or forgiveness. The experience is underscored by an epic heavy metal soundtrack throughout its approximate two-hour playtime.
Of Bird and Cage offers a distinctly unique experience. The game explores themes that are as harrowing as those found in traditional horror titles. However, its power lies in its depiction of realities that are all too possible. The premise, inspired by Beauty and the Beast, is compelling. However, control and gameplay present some challenges…
The graphical fidelity of Of Bird and Cage appears somewhat dated. As an indie title, it is understandable that the game lacks the budget of a AAA production. However, a simpler, stylized graphical approach might have been a more effective choice. Opting for a retro aesthetic could have been a strong alternative to attempting realistic 3D characters. The current execution can be distracting and detracts from immersion.
Another challenge in Of Bird and Cage lies in its somewhat unwieldy game mechanics, making avatar control difficult. Furthermore, the game provides minimal guidance regarding objectives, leading to player frustration and aimless wandering. While the intention to allow players to forge their own path is appreciated, the inclusion of subtle hints or an optional guidance system would have significantly improved the experience.
In conclusion, Of Bird and Cage presents a unique and intriguing concept. The soundtrack, composed by Arnold Nesis and featuring members of Guns N’ Roses and Epica, is a strong asset. However, the game’s overall impact is diminished by its graphical limitations and somewhat clunky mechanics. While the core concept is compelling, it ultimately falls short of a full recommendation.
Capricia Games provided a review code for this analysis. Content providers do not influence our editorial assessments.
