Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Edge Magazine
    Dec 6, 2018
    70
    This may be Onion Games' most conventional release to date, but still Kimura finds a way to bend the rules. [Jan 2019, p.122]
  2. Nov 6, 2018
    70
    Black Bird is a wonderful, sad, strange, funny, cute and bizarre shooter that can’t quite make its gameplay match the quality of everything else.
  3. Oct 29, 2018
    70
    Black Bird is a unique little shooter that only gets better as you play it more and uncover its secrets. Its vintage-style art direction is charmingly melancholy, and its strange soundtrack only adds an extra layer of quirkiness to proceedings. It’s very much a score challenge game, though, meaning players expecting a wealth of things to see and do may be left feeling underwhelmed by its meagre four stages - especially when you consider the rather high price tag. This is very much a case of quality over quantity, and as long as you’re up for repeat playthroughs, you’re in for a wonderfully bizarre treat.
  4. 70
    What I’ve played of Black Bird I’ve enjoyed; it’s just somewhat disappointing and primarily a high score chase with some hard-to-obtain bonuses. I wish there was more to it, or at the very least that it was a little more forgiving. The style of Black Bird is masterful as the mixture of the peculiar soundtrack, dour pixel art, and elegantly simple gameplay makes for a fun yet fleeting experience. It’s just over too soon for everyone except shoot-’em-up savants.
  5. Dec 22, 2018
    60
    Onion Games has developed a weird game. It is quite strange because it manages to create addiction, since it offers a different approach. The rest of its sections do not stand out in the eShop.
  6. Oct 30, 2018
    60
    Aside from its distinct graphics and hilarious music, Black Bird is basically a copy of Sega's classic shooter Fantasy Zone. I wish Onion Games went further to make it a more original experience.
  7. Oct 30, 2018
    50
    It's a shame Black Bird is so shallow, because the core action is so appealing. The lighthearted atmosphere and sharp controls make it a joy to wreak havoc on the unprepared people and the difficulty hits a nice sweet spot where it provides a good challenge without ever being frustrating. I would have gladly spent more time in this sepia-toned world if there were more stages and more strategy, but with such meager offerings, I'd fly right by Black Bird.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Jun 19, 2019
    5
    I do see the reviews saying, that black bird is a great game. But I dont see it this way. I spent no more then one hour on the game, maybe II do see the reviews saying, that black bird is a great game. But I dont see it this way. I spent no more then one hour on the game, maybe I was supposed to play it longer, but after that time I had a strong feeling of a lost hour of my life. It is possible, that you will like it. Not sure how old must you be to be the perfect audience, but...
    https://youtu.be/oF5gPs7iFvE
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