Chicken Journey makes “Why did the chicken cross the road?” into a video game. Developed by loonyware, this 2D platformer lets you become the chicken. A philosophical chicken, no less, with an inclination towards jumping on moving platforms. This gem of a game is lighthearted and accessible. There are no enemies, but our chicken must parkour and puzzle-solve to complete her mission.

I played Chicken Journey’s demo at six in the morning before my 9-5, and boy was that a surreal experience. Flapping around the village and talking to birds while half-asleep made me feel like I never woke up. The demo introduces us to the chicken’s home, a village of poultry, as well as the game’s base mechanics.

The Age-Old Question…

The chicken wakes in her village, suddenly struck by that age-old question: Which came first? The chicken…or the egg? Thus, she begins her journey to discover the answer to this query. She travels across the village, to the mayor. Along the way, the chicken can chat with her fellow poultry, from the goth chickens to the goose bartender. She can even take a sand bath, because personal hygiene is important.

The mayor, despite his infinite wisdom, does not know the answer to your query. He begins to consult an ancient tome, which will take a long time. While the mayor researches, our chicken is sent to help the villagers. She learns from her neighbors that A) five chicks are missing, and B) the well is seemingly haunted. Our chicken dives into the well to solve these two mysteries.

Don’t Get Fried

Chicken Journey’s gameplay is your typical 2D platformer: Running, jumping, and puzzle solving over vats of acid. By the way, the well contains a surprising amount of acid/lethally toxic green liquid. I did indeed die many times through no fault of the game; I’m just a fool that doesn’t know my limits. Nor when to jump. The saves are blessedly generous.

Five chicks are hiding throughout the well in the most inconvenient spots they could find. On the chicken’s first adventure, she has to maneuver boxes, time jumps on moving platforms, and strategically raise/lower the acid to navigate the well. One by one, the chicken discovers the chicks, who helpfully teleport themselves back home.

Once the chicken discovers the mystery of the well (I was NOT expecting that twist), she once again consults the mayor on his findings from the tome.

Well, the thing about tomes is, they’re often quite thick, so the mayor is unfortunately still reading. Thus ends the demo, but never fear. The full game is available, promising a cheerful adventure to solve that age-old question and finally put our chicken’s ponderings to rest.

Chicken-y Charm

The dialogue! The art! The vibe! Many 2D platformers that I’ve encountered are going for an emotionally intense, tragic tone. Chicken Journey is a nice contrast to that. The dialogue is funny, the art is bright, and the game is challenging enough to be fun, but not keyboard-smashingly hard.

Again, I did kill the chicken many times. On accident, I promise. Full disclosure, I am just bad at platformers, but I completed the levels after some practice. Let that be a testament to my fellow 2D platform-averse people: If I could do it, so can you. Chicken Journey offers a fairly relaxing platforming experience, but it’s difficult enough to be pleasantly engaging. If you’re still unsure, give the demo a try and see for yourself.

Chicken Journey was reviewed for Wholesome Games Celebration, 2025. It is currently available on Steam for $9.99.