I've had Owlboy in my Steam Library for a while now, but only just decided to play it. In part, because I wanted to see if it was a good title for my Best games to play on Steam Deck article.
I think this game is an example of just why the Steam Deck needs to exist. It plays and feels like a console title, and in particular, like it was developed with the Steam Deck in mind (It wasn't, btw)
That is, despite the game being a PC game, and the Steam Deck, technically being a gaming PC.
You see, there were often calls for certain Steam games, like Dead Cells, for example, to be ported to the Nintendo Switch. Valve I think must have heard this, and created the Steam Deck as a result.
Owlboy has now, unsurprisingly, been ported to the Switch, as well as the PS4 and Xbox One, making it available for every major platform. Steam subscribers get it on PC, Mac and Linux, as well as Steam Deck, making it excellent value for money.
Owlboy, is clearly a labour of love by its developers, the pixel art is just magnificent, all the way through.
It looks and feels like a retro platformer, only with a more open world feel, but it's central narrative is still linear.
You play Otus, a mute Owl - Boy. Your only innate skills are flying, grabbing objects and throwing them, but your skills can be augmented by what, or who, you carry with you.
It's very narrative driven, with lots of puzzles along the way, though nothing too difficult or show-stopping, this is a game for everyone, both it's story and difficulty are geared towards the casual gamer who just wants a fun ride.
The setting is beautiful and varied, starting in the village at the beginning, but veering off into other places as the story progresses.
The game is designed for the typical gamepad, and the Steam Deck's native controls, but there's also provision for Mouse and Keyboard play for those who want it, though I'm sticking to the console style control as I'm only playing it on Steam Deck.
Highly recommended!
Buy it on switch or PS4 here