Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg

 GameCube
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 23, 2003
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 37
  3. Negative: 2 out of 37
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  1. Next Level Gaming
    72
    The decent graphics, fun soundtrack and addictive egg collecting make this a game worth a play if you are a fan of the Pokémon franchise and the action-platform genre.
  2. netjak
    71
    The control, along with a small number of other poor design decisions, takes the game from being a blast to being an expensive bundle of frustration.
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  3. Edge Magazine
    70
    It's impossible not to feel disappointed with a title that, to judge by it's opening, ought to have competed on an even footing with "Super Mario Sunshine." Instead it's an uneasy compromise between the splendour of the early levels and the inadequacies of later missions. [Dec 2003, p.88]
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  5. Eurogamer
    70
    A fairly meaningless but devilishly addictive platform game that isn't afraid of, ulp, hatching a few new ideas amongst the rank and file and giving you options.
  6. Total Video Games
    70
    If you're looking for something fun and enjoyable to play then Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg’won’t disappoint, just don't go hoping for a radically new or innovative experience.
  7. Game Informer
    70
    This same tedious design also applies to the uninspired boss battles - which mostly just consist of running around, dodging attacks, and hitting whatever giant monster with and egg when he comes to a standstill. [Oct 2003, p.129]
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  8. Firing Squad
    70
    The bizarre story and cheery atmosphere are all trademarks of Sonic Team. The trademark razor-sharp controls, unfortunately, did not make its way into Billy Hatcher.
  9. GameSpot
    67
    "Cute" is the most appropriate way to describe Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, though "frustrating" may also come to mind as you make your way through the game.
  10. Into Liquid Sky
    67
    While not perfect, Billy Hatcher is good fun. If you were expecting the title to have Sonic's breakneck speed, you might need to look elsewhere. Also, the game's extremely high in cute factor, so much so that some older gamers may be turned off.
  11. Deeko
    65
    The camera is poor, which drives the value of the title right down the tubes, the graphics are of Dreamcast quality, the sound and music is simply appalling and the gameplay is skittish at best.
  12. NTSC-uk
    60
    Charming, that certainly covers it. One damned charming game from start to finish. It's not perfect, it's not flashy, but it is a real adventure of discovery, and there are plenty of extras to keep everyone happy.
  13. games(TM)
    60
    While Sonic Tean has obviously gone to some lengths to try and make Billy Hatcher play differently to Sonic, the fact that the game still suffers from many of the problems that plagued the original Sonic Adventure on the Dreamcast shows that the develpoer still hasn't mastered the basics of 3D gaming. [Dec 2003, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Cincinnati Enquirer
    60
    The egg-rolling and egg-hatching game-play mechanics, while a clever concept, get stale after a while. Except for new environments and a different "boss" enemy at the end of each level, no new game-play elements are introduced after the first hour.
  15. GamingWorld X
    60
    The play mechanic of rolling an egg around, which is quite similar to that of Hasbro Interactive’s "Glover" for the N64, is neither kooky nor original enough to warrant such an amazing lack of depth and variety.
  16. G4 TV
    60
    There's a good bit of game here and some occasional flashes of brilliance, but it's sweeter than a chocolate and butterscotch sandwich and could have used a few more months in the incubator.
  17. Gaming Age
    58
    The game falls apart sooner than later in the game’s progression. While I may have seemed a bit harsh, it’s not that I thought Billy was a bad adventure; just not one I’d ever take again.
  18. GameCritics
    50
    Developers looking to break into the platform genre these days have to go above and beyond the standard requirements while completely nailing the technical side at the same time, which is no easy feat. Billy Hatcher is a perfect example of a title that fails on both counts.
  19. Cheat Code Central
    50
    Gameplay is everything and wondering around with a giant egg in your possession is anything but fun.
    All this publication's reviews
  20. Game Revolution
    50
    Nothing truly stands out besides the Technicolor palette. The polygons are simplistic, the animations are typical and the worlds are environmentally lackluster. It just seems uninspired.

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Best GameCube Game of 2003
26
#26 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
14
#14 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 40
  3. Negative: 1 out of 40
  1. billywws
    Jun 27, 2015
    10
    This is my favourite game of all time. The characters are adorable, but at the same time awesomely cool. What other game could make a chickenThis is my favourite game of all time. The characters are adorable, but at the same time awesomely cool. What other game could make a chicken suit look cute and cool? The game is incredibly fun, the controls are smooth, although you might need to get used to them at first. But when you do... oh man the amount of fun you'll have! The egg-rolling mechanics feel natural and it is very satisfying to kill enemies. The graphics are beautiful, perhaps it doesn't hold up much today for the technical side but in terms of style, it's wonderful! There's also some anti-aliasing put in, runs at 480p and at 60FPS with rare instances of framerate drops. The only thing I could say is a problem is that the story could have been fleshed out more, and the ending was a bit of a slap in the face (because it was too short), and the physics could glitch out a bit at a few times. This game REALLY deserves a HD remake, or even better, a sequel. Come on, Sonic Team, make a new Billy Hatcher game!… Full Review »
  2. GamecubeLover
    Jul 25, 2016
    9
    Billy Hatcher does get hated for what ever reason? The game is addictive and fun. Sure there are some flaws here and there but they are minorBilly Hatcher does get hated for what ever reason? The game is addictive and fun. Sure there are some flaws here and there but they are minor and there is more pros than the cons.… Full Review »
  3. DuskDungeon
    Jan 8, 2016
    9
    The game is very unique in what it does. Its a different game were they took something as silly as a boy in a chicken suit and turn it intoThe game is very unique in what it does. Its a different game were they took something as silly as a boy in a chicken suit and turn it into something great and fun.

    The whole mechanic you have to deal with with the eggs and the different creatures you get to hatch is what makes this game something worth trying out, not to mention its obvious charm and unforgettable music that to this day I still remember, and its been years since I last played the game.    … Full Review »
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