30 Birds Review — Hoopoes and Hippies

30 Birds is one of the most interesting and artistic games I’ve played recently. This narrative-driven puzzle game emphasizes its art and inspiring mythology, making it undeniably unique and captivating. If you enjoy dialogue-heavy games, point-and-click adventures, puzzles, or even rhythm games, 30 Birds cleverly combines all these elements and should be your next purchase.

At the heart of 30 Birds is Zig, a 13-year-old detective sent to the magical Lantern City—a lavish metropolis made entirely of lanterns by the bird god, Simurgh. After 50 years of dreaming, Simurgh is about to awaken with an important message. However, just before waking, she’s kidnapped by the Scientist. To save Simurgh, Zig must unite 30 mystical birds whose song can bring her back and stop the Scientist.

The first thing you’ll notice is 30 Birds’ incredibly unique art style. Inspired by Middle Eastern art, the game is a work of art, with every character, background, and frame a phenomenal dedication to this timeless style.

More than just static beauty, 30 Birds’ animation is mesmerizing. I was in awe of Zig’s movements, especially her running and stopping. The fluidity of her transitions and her creative movements and postures are small examples of the dedication to the enchanting visuals.

To say that the style of 30 Birds invokes a psychedelic feeling wouldn’t be totally wrong either. The atmosphere evokes a spiritual shop, full of crystals, smudge sticks, and mushroom stickers. The game’s music, instruments, and music festival setting enhance this vibe. Combined with the Middle Eastern spiritualism, these elements create a dreamlike, otherworldly environment, deepening the magic and mystery.

Music is huge in 30 Birds’, both in setting and mechanics. Thanks to the music festival, music and music production are not just atmospheric but also crucial for gameplay. Many puzzles (thoughtfully designed and never too difficult) involve Zig playing a synthesizer or other instrument. The music theme adds a modern hippie or alternative vibe to many areas and characters. It’s a fresh, interesting choice that contributes to the game’s relaxed feeling.

One of the most striking aspects is how 30 Birds translates its setting into the playable geography. Lantern City is built from floating lanterns, with inhabitants drawn on their surfaces. This translates into gameplay, with Zig running across and around the lanterns.

Everything is on a 2D plane, with locations scattered across the lanterns. When entering an area, you’re transported to a smaller, adjacent lantern, serving as the interior. Looking through a window and seeing a character, knowing they’re actually on a different lantern, is surreal. It’s a delightfully weird, charming idea.

It functions a lot like The Plucky Squire, another game I reviewed this year with a similar concept, though I would say both games handle the feeling of “3D navigation on a 2D plane” differently, both games feeling unique and true to their own concepts.

30 Birds is an enchanting and imaginative experience that effortlessly blends art, mythology, and puzzle-solving into something truly special. The game’s striking visual style offers more than just an aesthetic pleasure—it immerses players in a timeless and dreamlike world. With its unique setting and attention to detail, 30 Birds stands out for its artistry and its ability to transport players to a thoughtfully crafted world.

If you’re looking for something fresh, with clever puzzles, a beautiful world, and moving music, 30 Birds is a must-play.

Try Hard Guides received a PC review code for this game. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles on our Game Reviews page! 30 Birds is available on Steam.