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What’s it like to feel love for the first time? To become head over heels for another, and become enamored with the beauty they see in life, too? The Day I Became A Bird is a short, simplistic game based on a children’s book that explores these experiences. Ingrid Chabbert, the author of the book, and Guridi, the illustrator of said book, along with Passion Animation which crafted a short based on the book, along with Developer Hyper Luminal Games Ltd and Publisher Numskull Games help bring the story and its lightly emotional narrative to life within the game’s approximately 60-90 minute runtime. I knew going in that I would be in for an experience that wouldn’t have me relying on keen gameplay senses, but more on soaking up every ounce of comforting, goosebump-inducing adolescent reminiscing I could gather. When the game has you tearing up and smiling as you reach its precipice, you know it’s been worth it.
Leaving the Nest
You’ll play as Frank, an awkward young boy who, through a fortunate biking accident, winds up with Sylvia gracing his presence from afar as she enjoys the company of birds in a nearby tree. He’s instantly taken in by her visage, and falls in love, as one does at such a young age. The problem that befalls him is that Sylvia doesn’t seem to notice him. What’s Frank to do then? Why, become what she seems to love more than anything in the world: a bird. Indeed, the game, like the book, is filled with feathery friends. Sketches, feathers, puzzles, and levels themselves feature artistic birds that slowly dominate the world and mind of Frank, like they do Sylvia. It's a relatable tale that takes a more humble and compassionate turn towards the lovee than the lover, which I very much enjoyed.
Pretty Pleasant Playing
The gameplay revolves around completing basic tasks whilst picking up a certain amount of feathers in every level, and driving Frank towards his goal of eventually crafting a bird costume to catch Sylvia’s eye. Each chapter, of which there are four, features a more narrative section where you explore a few small areas of Frank’s daily life, including classrooms, parks, and his room, amongst others, along with a short “jigsaw” puzzle that provides a beautiful little art piece that illustrates the point in the story you’re at. In addition to those sections, there is a sort of “driving” section that has you able to move around the screen to collect feathers or go through rings. I liked these parts for their unique use of the illustrated style and twist on the normal gameplay within the rest of the chapter. I was unable to grab or go through some of the rings at points depending on if they went towards the edge of the screen, but every action in the game comes without consequence for failure, so it wasn’t that troubling in the end.
The warmth and peace that come with playing through The Day I Became A Bird will depend on the player, of course, but I came away from it thinking about it fondly for the next few days. Frank’s sincere desire to surround himself in Sylvia’s love of birds, and his unafraid attempt at gaining her gaze, even at the teasing of his classmates, was especially moving. It tugged at a heartstring and feeling that I hadn’t seem so poignantly presented before. Whether young or old, there’s nothing more truly loving that wanting to be a part of someone else’s joyful life in the way they can appreciate the most. This may be a game that can be completed with your child or with a significant other nearby, but everyone can take something from it by the time you’re finally face to face with Sylvia.
Beautiful Plumage
The visuals speak for themselves, as the style is well-defined in its palette of artfully storybook-like colors that feel like you’re playing within the pages of a book itself rather than a game. Everything has its place and purpose, and there’s just enough shown on the screen to keep it interesting and engaging without feeling too busy or overstimulating. I hadn’t heard of the book before playing, but after finishing the game, I went looking for the book and artbook to continue to enjoy more from the artist and production studio. You’re also able to play the game however you want, with accessibility options that make the short tasks you’ll need to complete a bit easier or more obvious to see, if you desire or need that. Some of the levels are more interesting and populated than others, but overall, the style and pacing drives a story that almost everyone can relate to in one way or another.
More Than a Lark
One of the highlights that I haven’t mentioned up until now is the audio that’s layered expertly throughout the entirety of the experience. You’re treated to a mainly piano-driven score that ebbs and flows through melodic interludes and swelling moments of the story, whisking you emotionally through each day of Frank’s quest for love. Along with the musical backing, there is of course a welcome helping of birdsong and peaceful nature sounds, along with soft, unobtrusive gameplay sound effects that all feel perfectly placed and appropriately light. Just like reading a Children’s book, the entire audio design feels like a big hug that envelops everything in its warmth. It’s one of those soundtracks that I could leave on all day and feel my heartrate steady and blood pressure drop as it played.
In Conclusion
The Day I Became A Bird had me stuck as a sniffling, happy mess by the time I reached its end. It isn’t trying to be more complicated than its source material, but instead allows that tale of young love to flourish and fly just like its protagonists. At $19.99, I’d say it’s a bit of a pricey experience for the playtime, but it’s supporting truly human art and the quest for bringing universal, nostalgic feelings to the forefront. You won’t have a hard time completing the game, but you will have a hard time forgetting how it felt to.
Review Key provided by the Publisher | The Day I Became A Bird is available on Steam, Switch, and Playstation
