Review By Jacob Hegarty

I have been following the development of Pie in the Sky ever since I first heard about it in a Reddit thread a long time ago. It is an endearing action arcade game that has a design and aesthetic reminiscent of PlayStation 2-era games.

There isn’t a traditional storyline; instead, the gameplay focuses on completing objectives and achieving high scores. The setup and layout are like those found in games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater or BMX titles by Dave Mirra, and I have had an absolute blast playing it.

Controlling the iconic bird is quite straightforward. Using a controller, I found the game easy to navigate. The joystick is used for directional movement, the A button is for flapping, Y is for squawking and interactions, as well as for pooping. The X button is used to swoop, while the B button is used to stop and hover.

The game is divided into multiple stages, each featuring items to unlock and other birds to interact with. Each stage consists of ten objectives that players must complete. These objectives vary, including objectives such as achieving a high score, swooping down on specific guests, collecting letters or items, and even pooping on a certain number of people. Additionally, there are hidden objectives that can be discovered while playing.

In each level, there are two game modes available: a timed mode and a free play mode. Once enough objectives are completed in timed mode, players unlock free play mode, which is useful for finalising their objective lists.

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As someone who loves hearing the magpies around my property, it was a delight to be able to menace the community and have it sing its delightful tune while doing so. There is something fun about dropping a poop on top of an unsuspecting Scooter rider or dive-bombing a cyclist. The screams of abject fear had me smiling from ear to ear with each session.

The game is relatively short; progress can be reset and replayed at any time. I had most of the game completed in around two to three hours. All except the secret unlocks, which, as of right now, I have only managed to complete one of. I have mainly played on my Steam Deck, and the game is running perfectly.

Overall, this game is a great addition to any library; it hits many of the nostalgic notes with its art stylings. The music is beautiful, as are the sounds of the magpies’ squawks. It has been a great addition to my Steam Deck library, and I can’t wait to get back to harassing more members of the community and causing absolute havoc.

(Review code provided to Explosion Network.
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