Review | A Short Hike
In A Short Hike you play as Claire, a young bird who’s going to Hawk Peak Provincial Park with her Aunt May (I am only now getting the reference…) for a small tranquil holiday.
Claire, however, is anxiously awaiting a very important call and she soon finds out there’s no reception in the park aside from the very peak of Hawk Peak, after what Aunt May reassures it’s only a short hike.
On the way to the summit you’ll encounter a varied cast of interesting characters you can help, each with their own small stories and development. The reason it reminds me of Night in the Woods, besides the look of the animals, is because of the quirkiness that the characters show through their dialogue and actions. You can also find hidden treasures, become the champion of the newest hottest sport ‘beachstickball’, or race people with your “parkour skills”.
I don’t know about you, but I'm a huge fan of the NBSBL(National Beachstickball League).
The story is very subtle but also quite moving. It doesn’t seem like there’s much story in the game at first, it’s more about the experience of the hike, but you find out more about Claire as she talks to each character. Towards the end of her short journey, you find a lot more about her story and motivations all summarized in a few powerful minutes. This game doesn’t just tell Claire’s story though, each character also has their own personality. The wandering artist’s story of self-worth and realization resonated with me the most.
The gameplay mainly consists of platformer mechanics, with climbing featuring at the core of the game. It’s all very reminiscent of Breath of the Wild with the stamina bars being replaced by golden feathers. There are a total of 20 feathers you can acquire, each allows you to either a flap of Claire’s wings to make you fly up a little, or to run or climb a little longer. While in the air, Claire can also glide to wherever she wants to go. The controls are very smooth and satisfying and I couldn’t help gliding everywhere, regardless of if there was a quicker way of reaching where I was going. Another core part of the game is the items you can use on the island, with each letting you do a number of different things. Think of the items from Animal Crossing, what other games would let you use a shovel to hit a rock instead of a pickaxe?
How can you resist the urge to use these updrafts and fly around?
The charming visuals are probably the most notable thing about the whole experience. They remind me of a DS game, even if that wasn’t the intention. They’re low poly and low resolution. Having grown up with those games, these graphics are extremely nostalgic to me and it’s nice to see what I can only assume to be a tribute to that era. Despite the purposefully ‘dated’ graphics, the game has a lovely aesthetic paired with beautiful scenery and a particularly pleasing autumnal palette.
May and Claire enjoy a crackling fire and each others company while you read a review for a video game on the internet…
The soundscape of the game is also very apt for this relaxing trek, from the nice and calming music to the ambient sounds, everything falls into place as it should. Different songs in each area also makes everywhere feel unique.
Overall this game is a delight if you’re looking for a nice relaxing afternoon hike without having to go outside and would like the ability to fly. The lovely atmosphere is all it takes to suck you in and finish the unfortunately too short game in only one sitting.
Oh, and keep an eye out for easter eggs and references.
PROS:
Nice graphics and music
Well written dialogue
Wearable hats and accessories
“Champion of beachstickball” looks good on any resume
CONS:
Not enough hat and accessories
Nothing behind waterfalls, very disappointing.
Most characters don’t tell you their name, and it’s hard saying that my favourite character is “that one racoon that goes all over the map”
A Short Hike has been nominated for the Annual Independent Game Festival Awards amongst other great titles from the last year. If you loved this game as much as I did, consider voting for it here. Find more about the IGF here.
