Just Crow Things, developed by Unbound Creations, is a quirky, sandbox-style adventure game where players step into the role of a mischievous crow. Released on August 15, 2024, the game places a strong emphasis on humor and chaos, similar to the wildly popular Untitled Goose Game. The player’s main task is to roam through various open-ended levels, interact with objects, and cause mayhem while trying to earn “crowputation” among the other animals.
The game’s charm lies in its playful premise: you’re a crow with a penchant for trouble, tasked with completing objectives such as pooping on unsuspecting humans, stealing shiny trinkets, and helping animal friends in humorous ways. The open-world environments are designed for discovery and exploration, providing players with the freedom to cause mayhem or solve puzzles creatively.
Chaos in Motion and Feathered Features
At its core, Just Crow Things delivers a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and open-world sandbox chaos. The game is divided into 10 sandbox levels, each set in distinct environments, from the scenic French Riviera to bustling New York City. Each level offers a plethora of interactive objects and NPCs (both human and animal) to engage with, encouraging players to experiment and find creative solutions to various objectives.
The crow protagonist is highly customizable, with a range of hats, scarves, and other accessories that can be unlocked or found throughout the game. Customization isn’t just for aesthetic purposes, as different items also offer functional advantages or new ways to interact with the environment. For instance, discovering “poop modes” that modify how your crow interacts with humans and objects adds a whimsical layer to the game’s already chaotic design.
The gameplay is dynamic and fun, leveraging both puzzle and adventure elements. The game gives players freedom, with tasks ranging from simple thefts of shiny objects to more elaborate challenges involving other animal friends. Players can also pick up objects like sticks and rocks to throw at targets or use in puzzle scenarios. These open-ended puzzles add replayability, as they can be solved in multiple ways, depending on the player’s style of mischief.
Visual Flair and Feathered Charm
One of the standout elements of Just Crow Things is its art direction. The game embraces a colorful, cartoon-like aesthetic that perfectly complements its lighthearted tone. The environments are vibrant and detailed, with each of the 10 unique levels having its own thematic flair. For instance, the French Riviera is depicted as a quaint coastal town full of interactive opportunities, while New York presents a bustling urban jungle with different types of chaos to unleash.
The crow and other animal characters are designed to be adorable and expressive, with customization options that add a personal touch to your crow’s appearance. This visual style reinforces the game’s comedic approach, making it more appealing to a wide range of players, including casual gamers and families.
Humor and Chaos
The heart of Just Crow Things lies in its chaotic, sandbox-style gameplay, where humor drives much of the player’s experience. The game embraces absurdity, whether it’s pooping on unsuspecting passersby or using the environment to cause humorous disasters. Many players have compared it to Untitled Goose Game, and with good reason. Both games focus on playful mayhem, with a similarly tongue-in-cheek style. However, Just Crow Things distinguishes itself with its broader level design and more varied tasks.
The humor in the game comes naturally from player interactions with the world. It encourages experimentation, rewarding players with funny outcomes or reactions from NPCs. The addition of poop modes, for example, offers a humorous twist on how players can interact with human characters, leading to laugh-out-loud moments.
Crow-Flow & Player Inclusivity
Just Crow Things is praised for its accessibility and ease of play. It features simple controls that are easy to grasp, making it accessible to a broad audience, including children and casual gamers. The game supports multiple languages, allowing it to cater to an international audience. The interface is intuitive, and players can easily navigate through menus and levels without feeling overwhelmed.
Another user-friendly aspect is the game’s forgiving nature. There’s no penalty for failure; instead, the game encourages players to try different approaches and embrace the chaos without fear of consequence. This design choice allows for a more relaxed gaming experience, suitable for players looking to unwind or engage in some light-hearted fun
Comparison to Similar Games
Just Crow Things is often compared to games like Untitled Goose Game and Rain on Your Parade, both of which share a focus on chaotic animal antics. While Untitled Goose Game focuses more on stealth and puzzle-solving within confined spaces, Just Crow Things offers larger, more open-ended levels with a greater emphasis on exploration and player-driven chaos. In this sense, the game provides a more expansive playground for those who enjoy testing the limits of what they can get away with. Rain on Your Parade serves as another comparison point, offering similar chaos-focused gameplay but with a different thematic approach. Instead of playing as a bird, players control a mischievous cloud, raining on parades and causing general havoc. Both games appeal to players who enjoy humor-based sandbox experiences, but Just Crow Things leans more heavily into its avian antics, with a greater focus on interactions with other animals and environmental puzzles
Real Talk
Just Crow Things delivers a whimsical and chaotic gaming experience, perfect for players seeking light-hearted, sandbox-style fun. Its charming art, humorous gameplay, and open-ended puzzle design make it a standout title in the casual adventure genre. While it may not cater to players looking for deep narrative or structured progression, its playful chaos and creativity provide endless entertainment for those who enjoy experimentation and humor in their games.
FINAL RATING: 95/100