Ratloop Asia has provided a full-length platformer based on their highly regarded browser-based game Rocketbirds: Revolution!. Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken is based on the ass-kicking hero Hardboiled Chicken, the original Cock of War, who must help to overthrow Putzki, the evil penguin dictator of the regime that has overtaken Albatropolis. Hardboiled’s mission, which he has chosen to accept, involves infiltrating Putzki’s forces, causing as much damage as possible, and eventually assassinating the evil penguin. The single-player campaign spans 15 missions that include locales such as a prison, a jungle, a palace, and even space. There are short cutscenes that propel the story, all of which are hilarious. I laughed out loud several times during the game because of the voice and dialogue of Hardboiled Chicken. Each level has a number of signs to flip, and these act as the bonuses of the game. If each sign in a given level is flipped, it opens up a cool video pertaining to Hardboiled’s past, told through music. The game contains music done exclusively by indie rock artist New World Revolution and works beautifully with the graphical style of the game. The soundtrack, which is available for download on iTunes, really adds an extra layer of depth to the experience Rocketbirds provides.

The campaign, as mentioned, is broken into 15 chapters. The gameplay is similar to traditional sidescrolling shooters. The level designs are open, though, allowing the player to move back and forth between “rooms”. This sets up the puzzle elements of the game, and forces the player to think about the different tools at Hardboiled’s disposal. Speaking of tools and disposal, there are hordes of different evil penguins that need to be exterminated. This can be accomplished using a varied array of weapons, like Uzi’s, pistols, M60’s, shotguns and grenades. All of these need to be used strategically for their different traits, such as rolling behind a riot penguin and shotgunning him in his fat ass. Another tool at the Cock of War’s disposal is Brain Bugs. The Brain Bugs work as a mind control and allow Hardboiled to infect a penguin’s mind in order to flip switches, open doors, or soak up bullets and rockets. These are hilarious to use because each time a penguin gets infected, you’re treated to a quick line of dialogue and a funny animation.

The levels are also broken up by rocket fights involving Hardboiled strapping on a jetpack and taking the fight to the air. These segments help to break up the simple shooting and platforming mechanics of the levels. Dogfights are pretty seamless and challenge the player just enough. There’s nothing in the game more satisfying than looping a missile back to the penguin helicopter that shot it and watching it go down in flames.

The graphics and animations are simple, but textures in the background add a lot of detail to the level designs. Prison areas are dark, dank, and eerie. Jungles are dense, lush, and individual trees can be seen in the background. The style is reminiscent of some of the best cartoon shows of the last ten years, and help to keep the game simple in a good way.

As I’ve said, the music really adds depth to the game. It really is one of the best video game soundtracks I’ve heard. I’m not sure how Ratloop came across New World Revolution, but it works wonderfully. The in-game tracks include “Robot”, “Illuminate Me”, “Lost”, and “The Holy Ones”, among others. Each track explores a different level or aspect of the story. Very seldom does music in a game achieve what N.W.R. has done with Rocketbirds. If there was one major reason to play this game, the music would be it.

R:HC also includes a 10-mission co-op mode with a separate story. Players can select from six Budgies with different abilities and weapons to play the local two-player campaign. The story involves these Budgie commandos on a mission to rescue the General’s daughter from enemy territory. The Budgies always find the General’s daughter, but for some reason they never secure her. The co-op story includes the same humor as the single-player and offers different solutions to different puzzles. The only downfall of the co-op mode is the lack of online support. It would be nice to be able to play a game with some friends on PSN. Four-player support would also be a great addition, but the level designs of R:HC wouldn’t allow for it. Maybe in future iterations?

Prior to Hardboiled Chicken, I had never heard of Rocketbirds. It’s a great game with a great soundtrack and a fun story. There’s really nothing about the game that brings it down. Some gamers may not like the amount of gameplay for the price, especially if they don’t have friends that can join them for a local co-op campaign. This is offset by the replay value and unlocking the cutscenes and music, though. If you don’t play this game, you’re missing out. At the very least, give New World Revolution a listen, either on the N.W.R. MySpace page or on iTunes. This is a solid game that shows why indie gaming is bigger than it has ever been.

Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken is rated “M” and will release October 18th. It will be available as a Playstation Network exclusive download for $11.99.