Owlboy Introduction:
Owlboy, developed by the independent Norwegian studio D-Pad Studio, is a platform-adventure video game. Notably, its creation spanned an extended development period starting in 2007 and culminating in its release in November 2016.
The game's protagonist, Otus, possesses the ability to fly and transport objects during flight. These objects serve various purposes, primarily functioning as ranged weaponry, projectiles, and tools for solving puzzles. As the narrative unfolds, Otus gains companions who accompany him on his journey, each wielding a distinct weapon with unique attributes.
The setting of Owlboy takes place in a realm above the clouds, where a catastrophic event has severed the once-connected islands below. Players control Otus, a member of a humanoid owl-like race called the Owls. After his village falls under attack by marauding pirates, Otus embarks on a quest to thwart them and uncover the forgotten truths of the Owls.
Gameplay:
The story unfolds within the floating settlement of Vellie, composed of numerous islands and inhabited by both humans and owl-humanoid beings. Adjacent to Vellie lies the airborne city of Advent, serving as the capital. Unlike their untamed counterparts, these owls require the assistance of an owl cloak to achieve flight. The regions surrounding Vellie and Advent contain remnants of ancient owls' reign, including relics and temples from a bygone era.
The game commences with Otus, a mute character, undergoing training by his mentor Asio to become an owl. Equipped with an owl cloak from Asio, which grants flight, Otus faces ostracism due to his clumsy nature. This leads to a period of despondency, alleviated by his self-proclaimed friend Geddy, a human and guardian of Vellie. When pirates assail Vellie, Otus and Geddy embark on a mission to save their village and, by extension, their world. Along the way, they amass allies, including the reformed pirate Alphonse and Twig, a former associate of the pirates. Their struggle against the pirates unveils the ancient owls' truths, compelling them to rectify their past errors.
The inspiration for Owlboy stemmed from various sources, particularly the creator's fondness for Nintendo games. The game's core mechanics draw from the Super Mario Bros. 3 Tanooki Suit, albeit with a reverse approach. Similarly, the designer's curiosity about the flying mechanics of the Kid Icarus series in 3D and the potential of the upcoming Wii console led to the decision to opt for a 2D design.
Final Words:
Initiated in 2007, the game's development spanned almost a decade, marked by restarts and concerns over fan expectations. The creator also grappled with personal challenges, including long-standing depression. While primarily released for Windows computers, D-Pad Studio contemplated console releases. The Nintendo Switch version arrived in February 2018, with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions delayed. The game garnered attention at PAX events, culminating in a November 1, 2016 release date announcement at PAX 2016.
Owlboy received acclaim from gaming media. Kotaku's Luke Plunkett, in 2013, anticipated its eventual release, praising its charming art style reminiscent of a Genesis version of Wind Waker. VG247's Dave Cook lauded the pixel art platformer's aesthetics. Rock, Paper, Shotgun's Nathan Grayson noted the prolonged development but drew parallels to Fez's journey.
Upon release, Owlboy garnered generally positive reviews on Metacritic. IGN's Chloi Rad awarded it a 9.3/10, highlighting its diverse Metroidvania-style gameplay and endearing cast of unconventional heroes. The game achieved sales of 100,000 copies.
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