Pigeons, those perpetually head-bobbing birds with a rhythm only they can comprehend, have found their stage in Headbangers: Rhythm Royale. Picture this avian extravaganza where pigeons compete to the beat, each flaunting their customisable feathered flair. It’s a whimsical world of headbanging and harmonies, where the silly meets the sublime, and you can’t help but get caught up in the infectious energy of these groovy pigeons.
It is stupid in all the best ways, and such good fun that you’ll keep justifying “one more go” for hours. With more than 20 mini-games, and rounds only lasting a few minutes each, the gameplay loop is quick, diverse and satisfying even if you don’t qualify in the current match-ups. With catchy music and engaging games, the time flies.
The mini games remind me a lot of the Nintendo DS’ Rhythm Heaven/Paradise (but with considerably less dumpling guzzling), which can only be a good thing. Rhythm games have taken a strange turn in recent years, with Metal: Hellsinger – an intense musical first-person shooter, and Hi-Fi Rush making notable waves; but the simplicity, the joy, and the downright fun of those games find a new home in the antics of headbanging pigeons, providing a comforting return to the roots of rhythm gaming. In a sea of musical complexity, sometimes the simplest beats are the ones that resonate the most.
Amidst the flurry of feathers and beak-beats, a few mini-games emerge as beacons of rhythmic joy. You have “Oui Votre Majeste,” where pigeons meticulously mimic the regal king’s movements in a grand palace. It unfolds as a Simon Says race of beak pecking, stretching, and twirling, where a single misstep can swiftly eliminate you from the competition. Another gem, “Piano Mezzo Forte,” transforms each pigeon into a musical maestro, orchestrating a delightful cacophony of coos perfectly synchronised to famous piano pieces which might change between games ensuring you don’t learn the timing and keeping things simultaneously fresh and challenging.
Yet, my absolute favourites are undoubtedly the pulse-quickening challenges of “Faster Than Sound.” This high-noon showdown thrusts you into a musical beak-to-beak duel, requiring a keen ear to discern a specific cue amidst a barrage of musical sound effects. Quick reflexes are paramount as you strive to outdraw your opponent. Equally thrilling is “The Perfect Shot,” where rhythm meets precision, tasking players with snapping spinning dolphins on a specific beat against the backdrop of a radiant sun.
As everyone is bound to develop their cherished preferences, you’ll inevitably find yourself yearning for the reappearance of your favourite mini-games, each contributing to the game’s dynamic and unpredictable charm.
While simplicity is key, there are also drop boxes to acquire quicker than your opponents, which may provide you with buffs and boosts, or present you with banes affecting your competitors. All may seem to be going well until a giant dinosaur stomps into your line of vision, requiring you to switch from visual cues to audio in order to maintain your spot in the qualifications for the next round. On the other hand, these banes may also affect the audio, making things much more difficult, for example, in the games requiring you to pick out specific musical genre or instrument sounds.
Engaging in these battles isn’t just about the thrill of victory; however, it’s also about reaping the rewards that come with being a true Headbanger Master. With the inclusion of a dynamic battle pass, players unlock an array of entertaining taunts and whimsical sound effects that can be wielded against opponents, adding a dash of personality to the showdowns. Yet, the spoils of the battle pass extend beyond mere auditory delight. Pigeon customisation takes centre stage, offering a treasure trove of outfits, embellishments, and accessories that can be mixed and matched to create a pigeon that is uniquely yours. These customisation options not only let you flaunt your individuality but also serve as visual badges of honour. A flamboyant ensemble might just indicate that its wearer has soared through more rounds and unlocked options that others are yet to obtain, adding an extra layer of competition to the lively and customisable world of Headbangers.
Whether you’re conquering challenges, revelling in rhythmic absurdity, or embracing the thrill of a perfectly timed headbang, each moment is a feather in your cap, a unique note in your avian opus. So, as you spread your wings and venture forth, remember that in the realm of Headbangers, the journey is as harmonious as the destination, and the melody continues with every flap and flourish of your feathered avatar. Season 2 has just dropped, and it’s very ‘coo’ indeed.