Games to Watch: Owl Boy

Today I wanted to write about a game from indie developer D-Pad Studio, called Owl Boy. I’ve been watching this one for about a year now, after happening upon it while on a retro game binge. The artwork immediately caught my eye, and I was sold as soon as I watched the trailer. When the demo was released I was impressed with the promise the puzzles showed and the overall presentation. Yesterday I took some time to replay the demo and grabbed a few screenshots to share.

You play as Otus, a boy in possession of a special cape that grants him the ability to fly. Within the first minute you are introduced to the first of several companions that Otus can carry while flying. Each companion can shoot their own unique projectiles, aimed and fired with the mouse. Right after that, you run into the store. I was able to purchase a hat that increased my companion’s rate of fire.

It feels like the demo really begins when you enter the Owl Temple. While inside, you are introduced to a number of mechanics that will feel familiar to Zelda and Metroid fans. Occasionally your path will be blocked and you’ll have to solve a simple puzzle to advance. Throughout the temple you discover chests that contain HP increasing flasks. Some areas have falling water that prevents Otus from flying and in turn prevents him from carrying his companion. Not to worry, however, as you can summon you companion by pressing the “R” key once you’re in the clear. There are also sections that have you sneaking around goblins, much like dodging sligs in Oddworld.

Between the stunning sprite-work, classic gameplay and catchy sound track, Owl Boy seems to be a great game in the making. If you miss the glory days of 16-bit, then Owl Boy needs to be on your must play list. The game does not have an official release date yet, but the developer's site says they'll be announcing one soon. Check out the demo for yourself by downloading it at D-Pad’s official site, here http://www.roflgames.com/DPadWebsite/www/index.php