If you’re a fan of open-world games and aerial combat, The Falconeer is a title worth checking out. Released in November 2020, it offers players the chance to soar through the skies on giant birds, engaging in fast-paced, thrilling air battles. With its distinct art style and creative world design, this game brings something new to the genre.
What is The Falconeer?
Developed by solo creator Tomas Sala and published by Wired Productions, The Falconeer takes place in a mysterious oceanic world called the Great Ursee. Instead of navigating ships or fighting on foot, you ride massive, weaponized birds called Warbirds. As a Falconeer, a sky warrior, you’ll take part in epic aerial battles and explore the dangerous, breathtaking world below.
The game focuses heavily on exploration, discovery, and high-speed combat, all while unraveling a story of warring factions, ancient technology, and the secrets hidden in the depths of the ocean. The unique combination of flying and battling from a bird’s back gives The Falconeer its fresh feel, standing out from the typical shooter or action-adventure titles.
What Makes The Falconeer Special?
Aerial Combat: Combat is a core feature of the game. As you fly your Warbird, you’ll engage in dogfights with other airborne enemies, from pirates to massive airships. The controls are smooth and intuitive, so anyone can quickly get the hang of it. You’ll need to master the timing of shooting, dodging, and using your bird’s agility to outmaneuver enemies.
A Beautiful Open World: The Great Ursee is a beautifully designed world filled with floating islands, towering cliffs, and massive ocean waves. The world’s art style is minimalist but gorgeous, with vibrant colors and dramatic weather effects that make flying across the map feel like an adventure in itself. Each part of the world tells a story through its landscapes and environments.
Engaging Story and Lore: The story of The Falconeer is rich in lore and history. You play through different campaigns, each giving you a different perspective on the Great Ursee’s conflicts. Whether it’s a royal faction protecting its empire or pirates fighting for control of the skies, the game presents a world full of mystery. There’s also an interesting balance between nature and technology that keeps you intrigued throughout the game.
Upgrades and Customization: As you progress, you can upgrade your Warbird with better gear, more powerful weapons, and different abilities. From improving your bird’s agility to packing stronger cannons, there’s a range of customization that lets you fine-tune your bird for specific playstyles. The RPG-style upgrade system adds depth to the game and makes the battles even more satisfying.
The Falconeer Pros and Cons
| Pros+ |
|---|
| Unique flying mechanics: Few games give you the sensation of freedom that comes with aerial combat. |
| Stunning world design: The Great Ursee is beautiful, with ever-changing weather and landscapes. |
| Deep lore and story: Multiple perspectives and factions keep the narrative engaging. |
| Solo developer achievement: Created by a single person, which makes the game’s level of detail even more impressive. |
| Cons- |
|---|
| Repetitive combat: Although fun, the combat can feel a little repetitive after long sessions. |
| Steep learning curve: The controls might take some getting used to for players not familiar with aerial combat games. |
Final Thoughts on The Falconeer
The Falconeer is a unique and visually stunning experience for anyone who enjoys open-world exploration and combat. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially with its slower moments and repetitive combat at times, the overall experience is unforgettable. Whether you’re diving into the Great Ursee’s lore or engaging in heart-pounding dogfights, The Falconeer offers something special for fans of the genre.
If you’re ready to take to the skies and uncover the secrets of this mysterious world, The Falconeer is definitely worth a try. Just make sure you’re prepared to learn some new flying tricks along the way!