Video games are a very freeing medium. You can create a traditional gameplay-focused romp, tell a story with big consequences, or do anything in between. The folks at Capricia Productions have teamed with All In! Games to stretch those boundaries even further with Of Bird and Cage, a 2-hour interactive symphonic metal album. Featuring music from various talented artists and a narrative throughline, it's a unique combination that premiered for the first time during The Escapist's Indie Showcase.
Who exactly contributed to the game's vital soundtrack? The Steam store page provides a listing ranging from members of all-time classic bands to video game veterans:
- Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (ex-Guns N’ Roses)
- Rob van der Loo (Epica)
- Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation)
- Casey Grillo (ex-Kamelot)
- Rocky Grey (ex-Evanescence)
- Mike Lepond (Symphony X)
- Kobra Paige (Kobra and the Lotus)
- Davidavi 'Vidi' Dolev (Gunned Down Horses)
- Tina Guo (X-Men: First Class, Journey, Inception)
As for the game part, Of Bird and Cage promises a tight first-person narrative game with multiple endings that's all synced up to the metal music. The content description goes a bit further, revealing that the game is a story about the horrors of Stokholm Syndrome. It also features "alcohol, drugs, hallucinations and (depending on the choice you make in the game) some potential of other very dark and bad scenarios." Considering that it's advertising itself based on symphonic metal, that darker tone seemingly fits perfectly.
If you want to experience what Of Bird and Cage has to offer upon release, you can wishlist the game on Steam and follow the development on Twitter.
Quick Take
There have been a lot of games flying the flag of metal during this week of reveals, but none seem to have quite the musical identity of Of Bird and Cage. Much like Bandersnatch or other FMV efforts, it feels like a game that's trying to combine mediums and reach a new audience, and I hope it finds some success. I'll certainly be listening for more when it's ready for release.
