Given the sheer volume of quality shmups in the Switch eShop, I don’t envy developers trying to bring their games to market to try to compete, especially ones where it’s their first such release. For genre fans I’d wager most people will find the majority of elements in Birdcage to be somewhat familiar, even if the way they're combined or work specifically may vary. Given the fact that once you enter the proper game the action tends to come at you pretty fast, I really appreciate the fact that before you get started you’re at least given a fair tutorial, something not everyone takes the time to include.

Unlike many titles in the genre out there, this is a more technique-driven affair, and that both works to its advantage and can sometimes be a stumbling block. While you won’t have the ability to change ships or your weapons system, you crucially will be able to alternate between a higher-speed spread fire and one that’s more focused forwards but slows you down. Throw in your power sword that is able to absorb certain bullets, cut away at enemies, and get launched at specified targets, and there’s actually quite a flow that you’ll end up developing in certain sections of the game’s stages, even if in the moment things can and will go wrong. 

What I do appreciate about the game, is that it doesn’t feel like most of the time a set strategy is the way to go, it seems to leave room open for experimentation and though sometimes there’s clearly a better way to go in certain situations, the option to choose and improvise to a degree is appreciated. By that same token though, it feels like the sword is a better suggestion for variety than an essential tool, and while it’s certainly usable, its use also often left me feeling too vulnerable compared to shooting everything from a distance. Regardless of any concerns though, this is a flashy (maybe too much so if flashing lights give you problems) and pretty fast-moving shooter that may lack in originality but at least tries to compensate with smooth and often satisfying play.