Indie Game World Rating: 8/10

A Short Hike, developed by Adam Robinson-Yu and released in 2019 is a relaxing, exploration-focused adventure game that invites players to take on the role of young bird named Claire. This open-world “cozy game,” has been praised for its lighthearted tone, simple mechanics, and beautiful art style. Its pixelated, low-poly aesthetic is softened by a pastel color palette.

Having downloaded the game to relax after a stressful day of work, the fast movement speed and abrupt shifting of the camera took a few minutes to get used to – as did the lack of auto-equipping and the sharp bursts of the speech bubbles. If you’re looking for a game like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossings, we warn you that the pace of exploration in this game may be a bit fast for you. That said, once we got used to these elements, we still found the game to be “cozy,” and an all-in-all an enjoyable experience. Let’s dive into some of the specifics of A Short Hike:

A Short Hike Story Synopsis and Thoughts

The game begins with Claire visiting the island of Hawk Peak, where her goal is to hike to the top of the mountain to make a phone call to her mom. Along the way, players are free to explore the island’s many varied environments, including forests, beaches, and rivers. While the main objective is to reach the mountain’s summit, the game encourages players to take their time, talk to other characters, and uncover hidden secrets.

The story is minimalistic, but in the end quite meaningful. This “enjoy the journey” message transforms into a surprisingly powerful metaphor when you finally do reach the summit and call your mom. We won’t give anything away, but we encourage you to keep this thought in mind, sometimes the smallest missions can have the biggest impact on your life.

Gameplay and Mechanics

We found the game’s reward system, though simplistic, to be surprisingly satisfying. There’s only one real goal: gather feathers so your abilities improve. While, on the surface, that might seem boring or uninspired, every feather you find allows you another level of exploration. This makes the overarching fetch quest worth while.

Although the objective and title would have you think the gameplay is going to be overly linear, the gameplay is actually open-ended. Players are encouraged to explore at their own pace. The island is full of small quests, puzzles, and challenges, but there is no combat or high-stakes conflict. Instead, players can engage in activities like: 

• Exploring: Discover hidden areas, secret treasures, and fun NPCs scattered throughout the island.
• Hiking and Gliding: Claire can climb, glide, and fly across the island, making exploration both fun and fluid.
• Collecting: Players can collect various items like feathers, which serve as a resource for gliding longer distances, and money, which can be spent on fun accessories or useful items.
• Interacting With NPCs: Meeting the colorful cast of characters on the island, each with their own mini-stories or tasks to complete.

Along the way, you fish and play minigames with new found friends. Although the minigames are not necessary to the main objective, they add to the game’s fluidity. While some gamers might be upset with A Short Hikes runtime – the game only takes 2 hours play – there’s enough exploration and variation that you can give it multiple playthroughs and have a unique experience each time. 

Effective Visuals and Soundscapes

The game’s art style is simple yet charming, with a soft, vibrant look that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The environments are diverse but always feel cozy and welcoming. The music, composed by Mark Sparling, complements the atmosphere perfectly, with a soothing and atmospheric soundtrack that adds to the overall sense of relaxation.

We found the soundscapes to be excellent: the wind through the mountains, the rustling of trees, the soft swoosh of gliding, all work to perfection. The sound engineers managed to make an engrossing, yet relaxing sound environment. 

A Short Hike: Short, Sweet, and Charming

A Short Hike received critical acclaim for its charming design and uplifting tone. It’s been praised for offering a meaningful, no-pressure experience that is both joyful and meditative. While some gamers might be turned off by the game’s low stakes, remember that the game’s title is literally A Short Hike. We didn’t have any expectations of a momentous storyline. 

Overall, this game provides an easy entry point for players of all ages. It’s the perfect choice for those in the mood for a peaceful, non-stressful game. Just be warned, the ending might make you tear up.