Bird Week (Japan)

In the NES game Bird Week, players take on the role of a mother bird with the noble task of building a nest, hatching eggs, and raising her chicks. The game uniquely blends elements of survival and management.

Each level typically begins with the mother bird needing to gather materials to construct a nest. Players will fly around the screen, collecting branches, dry leaves, or any suitable materials. Once the nest is complete, the mother bird will lay her eggs. The subsequent phase involves incubating the eggs and waiting for them to hatch into adorable chicks.

Once the chicks are born, the player's primary mission shifts to finding food. You must fly everywhere, searching for worms, berries, or small insects to bring back to the nest to feed your growing brood. This requires agility and keen observation skills. However, the life of the mother bird and her chicks is far from easy.

The surrounding environment constantly presents numerous dangers. Predators such as snakes, cats, other birds of prey, and even humans will attempt to attack the nest or snatch the young chicks. Players must actively defend their home by chasing away or attacking enemies. This usually involves quick flying and pecking at them. If not protected in time, chicks can be captured or die, impacting game progress.

Bird Week may also feature a day-night cycle, influencing the availability of food and the appearance of enemies. The ultimate goal is often to raise a certain number of chicks or survive for a specific duration. The gameplay is simple yet engaging, focusing on survival instincts and maternal love.