*Let me start by saying that I don't think a game like this needs to have a score. I have no complaints (other than the fact that I can only experience it for the first time once), so if you're wondering why it gets a 10, it's not because it's a flawlessly designed game, but because it's a beautifully told story that I didn't have any problems with*
One would be hard-pressed to explain what it is about a Bird Story that makes it so worthwhile. The gameplay is near minimalist as games can be, the graphics are simplistic and unassuming, and the short, one-to-two-hour story is told entirely without dialogue. Yet, in spite of its (debatable) shortcomings, this is an experience that I wholeheartedly recommend, thanks to the genuine nature of the game's narrative, which successfully blends elements of comedy and drama so effortlessly that it will have you laughing one minute, and (possibly) tearing-up the next.
Aiding the game's overall emotional impact is a musical score so achingly beautiful that it alone might move you to tears. Kan Gao (the creator of a Bird Story and founder of Freebird Games) illustrated his skill in creating moving musical scores with To the Moon (and before that, if you want to count his freeware titles) and the score he's crafted for a Bird Story, while differing in many ways from To the Moon's, plays just as important a role to the overall experience, arguably more so, considering that without dialogue, extra care had to be taken in order for the music to accurately reflect the emotion of each scene, based entirely on visual cues, and Gao pulls it off without a hitch.
I cannot stress enough that this is a game that won't appeal to everyone, despite how much I loved it. Much of the narrative's strength comes from how relatable (to you or someone you know) its various elements are, and considering that this game is essentially nothing but story, if these elements don't click with the player, I can't say they wouldn't be justified in wondering why they paid $5 for this. That being said, if there's any part of you that can relate to being the awkward kid in class, or someone that loved playing in the rain while everyone else just stared at you like you were nuts, or ever brought a lost or weak animal home to try and care for it, then you should, at the very least, give this one a look.
Add. For my money, the music alone is worth the price of admission, so if you're curious, pick up the soundtrack bundle for the game.
*from my Steam review*