Pecker [Review]
Get your mind out of the gutter! A Pecker is a small bird-like creature with a flexible beak that can extend and launch the bird like a slingshot. It makes for an unusual way for a flightless bird to get around. Pecker is a unique 3D platformer where you play as one of these adorable birds. It’s reminiscent of a section in Mario Odyssey where the player captures a bird that can extend its beak and launch itself to higher surfaces using the bendable appendage. Pecker takes that concept and turns it into its own world filled with things to explore and puzzles to solve!
Pecker is developed by Fonteinsoft UG and published by Bold Head Interactive. The game is still in early access so any glitches I mention are only to help point out what needs to be worked on and not a critique of the game itself. I did come across a few glitches, like starting split-screen co-op at the beginning of the game causes the second player to become stuck and cannot break out of his egg. I also noticed that enemies would freeze if I managed to hit them.
With the game being in early access it makes sense that there are a few unpolished issues like the ones I’ve mentioned. But that doesn’t mean the game doesn’t have potential. It is a very fun multiplayer title and I’m so happy to see that they’ve included couch co-op as not many new games (or PC games) even think about it. It can even go up to four players, and each player can make their bird a different color to help with any confusion on who’s who. It also has a very big open world, so making it co-op was a great choice as everyone can run off and explore in any direction they wish without any limitations. Of course, you can stay on the intended path and make your way to the next level by using the game's interesting platforming or by completing puzzles. Usually, you are required to launch yourself upwards. Like scaling a 90-degree angle by doing nothing but catapulting your little bird body up the side. There are also moments when you need to extend the beak to twist or pull a lever that allows you to get to the next section.
If that isn’t your cup of tea, you can also ignore literally everything and do what you want! It’s especially fun in co-op as someone can go through the level normally while you play around and explore. There are small collectibles and trinkets throughout the world if you need any convincing to go out and explore. Be careful though, you do have health so taking too much damage or falling off a ledge will cause you to spawn back at your most recent checkpoint. And some checkpoints are few and far between which might cause some frustration if you realize you have to go through a good majority of the level again.
The only thing I would say the game truly needs work on (other than any glitches or broken elements) is the music. While the music isn’t bad, the loop is. It seems to just stop abruptly in the same spot every time before you are forced to listen to silence before the music starts up in the same way once again. While the game needs some polishing and is still in Early Access I think Pecker should have a 6/10. Once further updates are added to the game I will be re-reviewing it. Pecker is currently available on Steam.