An indite and colorful dive into Persian mythology... 30 Birds, a poetic adventure game developed by Ram Ram Games and Business Goose, awaits you this November 28, 2024 on PC and Mac via the Steam platform. Published by ARTE and co-produced with RTBF, this game inspired by Persian mythology offers a unique experience combining exploration and puzzle-solving in a singular graphic universe. The Nintendo Switch release will be announced at a later date.
The game's creators, Coline Sauvand and Laurent Toulouse, explained to us at Paris Games Week that 30 Birds draws its inspiration from a project initiated ten years ago, after a trip to Istanbul. "This project began 10 years ago, after a trip to Istanbul. To share our journey, we created a logbook inspired by Persian miniatures," they explain. This project evolved into a video game with artistic overtones, imbued with the pictorial tradition of the 15th century and the mystical poem The Conference of Birds.
Players take on the role of Zig, a detective, and her sidekick Hoop, in a world inspired by Persian art and Middle Eastern culture. They explore the Lantern City, an aviary populated by eccentric characters, to find Simurgh, a giant bird goddess who has disappeared. The game stands out for its entirely hand-drawn visual style, blending 2D and 3D, as well as its eclectic soundtrack with ska, dub and reggae influences.
Our test of 30 Birds:
A game we first discovered at Paris Games Week, then tested afterwards on Steam. Graphically speaking, the game is very beautiful. The choice of AD has a lot to do with it, with its drawings and shimmering colors. The story, for its part, is very complete, and the missions proposed to save Simurgh, though simple, really add substance to the story. It's a lovely way of highlighting Persian mythology, accessible to all.
In terms of gameplay, the game is easy to get to grips with, so that as many people as possible can play. You'll be able to walk, run and rusher through various spaces to progress in 3D on the map (representing a lantern), while visiting places such as the Central Square, the University, the Park and the Grand Bazaar. Mini-games, which are also easy to complete, ask you to pluck a bird, play music and play cards. It's well done, and adds an extra layer of gameplay to the mix.
It's also a pleasure to listen to the dialogue, which is peachy at times, and adds depth to the story. All in all, 30 Birds is a fine homage to Persian mythology, and a good indie game as we like them, breaking the mould of the classic console game. A must for the curious!
Featuring a variety of puzzles, original interactions and artistic challenges, 30 Birds invites players to evolve in a universe that is both poetic and mysterious. Through its puzzles and exploration, the game pays homage to Persian cultural heritage, while offering a unique playful and visual experience.
