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. Gamezilla!
    93
    The unique movement issues seem to add to the game, instead of detract from it, forcing you to learn a new set of mechanics instead of relying on the same old run and jump techniques that most platformers seem to rely on.
  2. Play Magazine
    91
    Demonstrates exactly the kind of pure, playful, unadulterated fun that got me into video games years ago. It's innovative platforming at the top of its game. [Sept 2003, p.72]
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  3. Nintendo Power
    90
    Gamers who like platformers served sunny-side up will be utterly won over by Billy's upbeat energy and infectious music. [Nov 2003, p.150]
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  5. Games Radar
    86
    If you're after a completely new experience and don't mind putting up with a few flaws, Billy's your egg-rolling boy. [NGC]
  6. GameNow
    83
    The mechanics of egg rolling, egg bouncing, and egg hatching are so well done and fun to execute that they infuse the whole omelet - er, game - with deliciousness. [Oct 2003, p.50]
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  7. Nintendojo
    82
    As mentioned before, the bosses look amazing, but each one is completely predictable and easy as cake.
  8. GMR Magazine
    80
    Makes no mistakes, and while it lacks Sonic's flash, it's a better game. [Oct 2003, p.73]
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  9. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    Despite Billy Hatcher's redundant missions, the gameplay itself is excellent. Eggs are Billy’s lifeline in this game - fortunately; they are fun to play with. Well-mapped controls make rolling around feel natural and approachable.
  10. GamePro
    80
    Despite the novel ideas, Billy is, at its heart, a fairly normal platformer...but with Sonic Team at the helm, you really can't go wrong.
  11. eToychest
    80
    In fact, the only thing that Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg has in spades other than cuteness is aggravation. Honestly, this is the electronic equivalent of that puppy that tears your sneakers to shreds yet is so adorable that you cannot help but love it.
  12. Armchair Empire
    79
    Billy Hatcher may never catch on as a marquee Sega character, but his debut is a somewhat fun game on the cartoony side of weird.
  13. GameZone
    78
    Billy Hatcher's only significant flaw is its lack of a lengthy quest. If the game were more challenging it would probably seem a lot longer. Still, you're gonna have a blast with this one.
  14. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    78
    Many a "Sonic" fan will get a lot out of this. I just wanna see Sonic Team break some ground. Maybe next time. [Oct 2003, p.160]
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  15. GameCube Europe
    78
    There’s a great deal to collect and unlock in Billy Hatcher, so if you enjoy rolling eggs around you can keep doing so for quite some time after you’ve finished the game.
  16. IGN
    77
    Beneath its chicken suits and fluffy animals it has some satisfying challenges, a decent measure of depth, and a very fun multiplayer mode.
  17. GameSpy
    75
    Worth checking out for platform and Sonic Team fans, but is likely too difficult and glitchy for more casual players.

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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