A new video game, “Pie in the Sky,” allows players to embody an Australian magpie and engage in disruptive behavior towards humans, including stealing food and causing general mayhem. Developed as an “old-school action-arcade game,” the title has garnered attention for its unusual premise and retro aesthetic.
Players assume the role of a magpie tasked with terrorizing the human population and asserting dominance over other creatures. According to the game’s Steam page, the objective is to “menace, rob, and terrify humans,” while visiting iconic Australian locations. The game encourages players to “show no mercy” and rack up a high score through chaotic actions.
The game’s description highlights its focus on stealing food and “swooping people,” behaviors commonly associated with magpies in Australia. “Pie in the Sky is the power fantasy you never knew you needed,” reads a description on the Steam store. The game utilizes graphics reminiscent of the PlayStation 2 era.
Discussions on the Steam Community forum reveal player enthusiasm for the game’s unique concept. One user described the game as allowing players to experience life as an Australian magpie, focusing on stealing food, harassing people, and establishing a nest. The game is positioned as a lighthearted and chaotic experience.
The Indie Brew, an Australian gaming website, describes the game as offering players the opportunity to “visit iconic Australian locations, meet the locals and show no mercy to the humans around you.” The game’s mechanics center around completing objectives and maximizing chaos to achieve a high score.
Metacritic reviews emphasize the game’s core gameplay loop of harassing and robbing humans. The game description on Metacritic states players can “pluck them. Pluck them all.”
