Chicks in Trouble Review: Who Left Me in Charge?
Who says cute little games are just for kids? Sometimes I just want a little farm adventure. Find some missing chicks, figure out a few puzzles, and take a break from my usual gaming chaos. Sounds easy enough, right?
In Chicks in Trouble, Mom is freaking out because the chicks are missing, so Dad gets sent out to find them. There you go. Family drama on the farm, and somehow we are responsible for fixing it.
I don't always need a long story to give a game a go. Tell me the babies are missing, hand me a controller, and I'll see what I can do.
Game is available on Steam: Chicks in Trouble
Disclosure: Creamative gifted me a key to try Chicks in Trouble, with no strings attached. These are my own thoughts on the game.
Cute chicks. Actual responsibilities.
The job is to find the missing chicks and figure out how to reach them. You'll explore the farm, solve puzzles, and look for collectibles along the way. There are two campaigns, four mini-games, and an option to play solo or grab a second controller for local co-op.
I played solo, so that's what I'm basing my thoughts on. For my Chicks in Trouble review, I played solo with a controller and those little chicks kept me busy.
I liked knowing what I was supposed to be doing without having to keep track of a hundred different things. Sometimes I sit down to play and just want to get on with it. These chicks need rescuing. Fine. Where are they?
Of course, spotting one doesn't mean you can walk right over and grab it. You still have to work out how to get there. That's where looking around and figuring out the puzzles comes in.
Watch out for those puddles and lightning!
There is more going on here than a bunch of cute chicks standing around waiting for you.
Watch out for the puddles and lightning. Push things around, find some snacks, and look for those keys. They come in handy! Pay attention to what's around you while you're figuring out where to go next.
And those little chicks? Sometimes they wander off. The game lets you know you need to go grab them again. Apparently, finding them once does not mean everyone has agreed to cooperate.
I like those little details because they give you something to do as you work through the farm. You have your main goal, but you still need to look around and figure things out along the way.
If you enjoy seeing something just out of reach and working out how to get over there, that's part of the appeal. I like having a chance to try it myself before being handed the answer. But I did, have to reach out because I couldn't figure out how to get to a few baby chicks! Just remember that while you're busy looking around, something else is happening too.
There is a timer, people
This is the part I'd want to know before playing: you are on a timer. If you don't rescue the chicks in time, you have to start the level over.
So yes, it looks cute. Yes, I think it suits very casual players. But you can't spend forever on the farm while the babies are still missing.
That timer gives you a reason to keep moving. You need to figure out the puzzles and get the chicks rescued before time runs out. And if one wanders off, well, now you've got that to deal with too.
That's why I wouldn't describe this as completely stress free. I mean your babies are LOST! Some people enjoy a timer. Some people see one and immediately feel rushed. If you're someone who likes taking all the time in the world, that is something to keep in mind.
I still think it's a game for very casual play. I just wouldn't confuse that with getting through every part on the first try. You have to pay attention, even with all that cuteness staring back at you.
I think younger players could get a run for their money
As a mom, I can see this appealing to a younger audience. The missing chick story is easy to follow, the farm is colorful, and you have a clear job to do.
But I also think it could give them a run for their money. They have to figure out where to go, work through the puzzles, avoid trouble, and keep an eye on the time. Depending on their gaming experience, that could take a few attempts. As an adult, I had to take all that into consideration.
I wouldn't assume a child will fly through it just because of how it looks. Some kids will love trying again until they get it. Others might want a hand, especially when the clock starts getting to them.
That's where I can see playing together being useful. If you're looking for something to try alongside a child who's getting into gaming, this could be one to look at. You can help them work things out and have a little farm adventure together.
I haven't tried the co-op myself, so I can't tell you how it feels with two players. But I do like that the option is there. Grab that second controller and put someone else on chick duty.
A few extras for when you want a change
Besides the two campaigns, Chicks in Trouble includes four mini games and high scores to chase.
I like having a choice in a casual game. Sometimes you want to keep going with the main adventure. Sometimes you want something shorter to jump into without settling in for a longer session.
If you're someone who likes beating your own score, that gives you another reason to come back. I can also see younger players enjoying another attempt at doing better than they did last time.
For me, the main draw was the farm adventure and rescuing the chicks. But it's nice to have something else to do when you want to switch things up. How much time you spend with the mini-games will come down to whether that kind of score chasing is your thing.
A quick thank-you to the developer
Creamative is a one person developer, and I want to mention something from my experience trying the game.
I got stuck and reached out. He was super fast getting back to me and let me know he'd fixed the issue. I appreciated that. When you run into a problem, getting a quick response makes a difference.
That doesn't change who I think the game is for, but it was a positive part of my experience and worth mentioning. I was happy to be given a chance to try something he'd put so much work into.
My Chicks in Trouble Review: Would I Play It?
If you enjoy very casual games, cute farm settings, and puzzles with a clear goal, I think Chicks in Trouble is worth a look. I can especially picture it appealing to younger players or someone looking for a game to try with them.
Just remember the timer. You're rescuing chicks, dodging puddles and lightning, looking for keys, and trying to keep everyone together. There is a job to finish here.
Adults can enjoy it too. I don't need every game I play to be huge or complicated. Sometimes I want something smaller where I can pick up my controller and know what I'm doing. Or at least know what I'm supposed to be doing. Whether the chicks cooperate is another story.
Sometimes I want Warzone. Sometimes I rescue baby chicks. There is room for both.
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