Couple of thoughts on: A Short Hike

Occasionally I stumble across the games that I find really hard to review. Sometimes, it’s because I can’t think of how to even talk about the game, no matter if I liked it or not. And sometimes, like in case of A Short Hike, it’s because I just can’t think of any definitive “verdict” to it, if I can or cannot recommend playing it.

This game should be all up my alley – it’s all about exploration, simple but cute stories of unique characters and a nicely put together world, yet after playing it the biggest reaction I can get out of myself is “yeah, it’s nice”. Sure, there are some annoyances with how perspective works, when it conflicts with some mini-games and mini-tasks you can do and sure, the lack of a proper map might be confusing to some more than it was for me. But it’s not like I have any huge complaints about the game. It’s just that I can’t think of good reasons to want to play it either.

Just like a nice chill pop tune, some cute but otherwise generic art, mildly tasty foods or just your average “day when things went fine and nothing much happened”, A Short Hike is just there, at the back of your mind when it happens. And completely gone when it’s done. It’s nice.