Mini-Devlog #6: Game Features and Options

Giannis and Barry here today to share a little more information about what you can expect from the full BIRDCAGE release.

Let’s take a look:

Steam post image

GAME MODES

Story Mode

Story Mode is the main attraction of BIRDCAGE. In Story mode you’ll be treated to the full BRANCH Era experience, including Cutscenes, in-game chatter, Optional and Boss CALLS. In this mode, you will also unlock stages as you complete them, allowing you to retry previous stages or continue the game from where you left off.

Arcade Mode

Arcade Mode is the way to go for those seeking the arcade, no-frills, score-chasing experience. Arcade mode strips out all story content, so you’ll be able to focus on mastering your run through the stages.

Score Attack

Score Attack is a quick, score-chasing side mode, inspired in part by the Caravan shmup tradition. In this mode, it’s just you against the timer and the randomly-spawning waves of enemies. Try to attain the highest score before the timer runs out!

FEATURES

Difficulty Settings

The game can be played at Easy, Normal, or Hard difficulty. Here’s a quick breakdown of the specifics of each setting.

• NORMAL: The main mode around which BIRDCAGE was built and balanced. It is tuned to be challenging and should keep you engaged even if you’re experienced at arcade shooters.

• EASY: A milder tuning meant for newcomers to shoot ‘em ups and those who want to ease into the BIRDCAGE experience. EASY Mode features the following gameplay adjustments:

  • ALTERED PATTERNS: Bullets are slower and the patterns are less dense.

  • SHIELD REGENERATION: In Easy mode the HALCYON is equipped with a SHIELD which will automatically recharge over time.

  • AUTO-HYPER: Additionally, Easy mode enables Auto-HYPER -- if the HYPER gauge is filled when you take damage, HYPERBLADE Mode is automatically triggered, consuming the gauge but saving you from taking the hit.

• AdjustedHARDFor those who seek an additional challenge. Bullets are faster, patterns are more intense, and you can expect more of an opposition from the enemy, but scoring multipliers are also increased.

6+ stages

BIRDCAGE takes place over 6 Stages, with a few... extras thrown in at higher difficulties.

12+ bosses

Each stage features at least one Mid-Boss and one Stage Boss. If you played the -Dryad Ecophene Module Object- demo, you might be familiar with EXALT, STRAHL, ARCHE and ANAXIBIA.

2 Playable Ships

After certain conditions are met, you’ll be able to play through BIRDCAGE as either the HALCYON or the CEYX. Both ships are equipped with a Wide/Focus Shot and HYPERBLADE Mode, however they differ in their special weapons and agility.

The HALCYON is fast and nimble, allowing you to maneuver as needed to get up close and personal to the enemy with the SWORD. The SWORD can also be used as a projectile, allowing you to inflict more damage from a safe distance.

CEYX, on the other hand, moves more slowly but is equipped with HOMING Missiles, which will seek out enemies all across the screen. Another ace up CEYX’s sleeve is the GRAZE Missile system: fly close enough to enemy bullets to fire off rapid barrages of homing missiles!

2+ Endings

The ending you get on clearing a run of the game will vary according to the Difficulty you’re playing on.

Tutorial

BIRDCAGE features an interactive tutorial to help new players become acquainted with the basic mechanics of the game. Follow along as your Flight Instructor, STRAHL, walks you through the basics of combat.

Training (Stage Select)

If you want to train against a certain boss or perfect your approach at a certain stage, you can do so via the Stage Select in Training Mode. From this menu you can select the Stage you want to play, as well as the checkpoint you want to start from: Stage Beginning, Mid-Boss, or Boss.

Database

During play, you’ll collect an in-game currency called NEURO. This can be spent in the DRYAD Memory Database, a lore compendium containing important information pertaining to the world, characters and ships of BIRDCAGE.

Leaderboards

In BIRDCAGE, when you successfully complete a run in Story, Arcade, or Score Attack modes, you can record your Score locally and online via the Steam Leaderboards.

Steam Achievements

Unlock a variety of Steam Achievements by fulfilling certain conditions – some might be secret!

SETTINGS AND OPTIONS

Window Borders

Additional Window Borders can also be unlocked from the DRYAD Memory Database, allowing you to further customize your BIRDCAGE experience!

Sword Behavior

There are two SWORD Behavior settings in the game:

• RECOMMENDED: This is the intended BIRDCAGE experience and, as the name suggests, the recommended setting. The SWORD will automatically rotate to target the nearest enemy and if needed, the right analog stick can be used to aim the sword at will.

• RESTRICTED: This is a secondary behavior mode, for those looking for a different experience. The SWORD will aim in the direction the HALCYON is moving, and its angle can be locked by pressing either Shot button.

Photosensitivity

This setting can be used to tailor the visual experience for those who want it. The following settings are available:

• REDUCE FLASHING: This will remove the more intense, full-screen white flashes.

• REDUCE SHAKING: This will remove screen and UI shake.

• REDUCE BOTH: A combined option, removing both of the above.

Please note: BIRDCAGE is still a game that features rapidly scrolling images and bright colors. The above options are available to tailor your experience but may not make the game completely comfortable for all players.

Analog Deadzone

Use this setting to adjust the sensitivity of your gamepad’s analog sticks.

Remapping

You can tailor your control mapping to what best suits you.

Forthcoming Japanese Localization

日本のプレイヤーの皆さん！ ローンチのタイミングでは日本語はサポートされませんが、2026年、コンソール版『BIRDCAGE』リリースに続いて、完全ローカライズ版のリリースを予定しています！ぜひご期待ください。

A message for our Japanese players! While Japanese language won't be supported at launch, a full localization will arrive in 2026, following the console release of BIRDCAGE! Thank you for your patience.

We hope this overview gives you an idea of the content and customization options available in the full game.

Thank you for reading, and don't forget:

BIRDCAGE releases on Steam November 18th!

See you soon,

-PB Team