A Short Hike

adamgryu created A Short Hike, an adventure-platformer game where you play as a moody teenager without cell reception in a cute camp ground. Already, the game comes out very relatable.

To start, this was not a very short hike.

The first time I launched up the game was absolutly terrifying. The opening graphics didn't appear at first, just the audio track. Of a car driving. In the rain. While showing nothing but a black screen. Now, as an avid fan of atmospheric horror movies, this is usually part of the soundtrack that comes up right before the first guy dies in the opening scenes! By the time we got to the main menu, I was regretting every decision I have ever made that had lead me to that very moment and wondering if I had accidentally begun playing a horror game. That's, thankfully, not the case.

There's a bit of dialouge to start the game as Claire and her Aunt May, one of the Camp Rangers, are driving to the campsite. Also, just to point out, the part where I realized my character was some form of bird and my thoughts were basically a solid ten seconds of "Penguin! Penguin! Penguin! Penguin!"

So, after spending six hours playing as a penguin named Claire that seems like just enough of a moody teenager on a camping trip to remind me why I, myself, was usually a moody teenager on many camping trips, I fell in love. Between the fun little missions the other campers give you (like Jen, the kid that demands you get them fifteen shells or the racer that needs help finding their lucky red headband), there's actually quite a lot of ground to just run around and explore. Also water, because you're a penguin who can swim. You can also FLY!!

Also! Just the fisher who just gives you a fishing lesson and a rod to keep! I get this is an actual video game, but what in the world??? Speaking of items, though, golden feathers are a pretty big deal. The rock climbing squad says that you'll need to have them when you actually go on your hike, probably cause they help you fly. And, if the signs posted through most of the early parts of the trail are to be belived, flying is a good skill to have when you actually go on the hike.

I still haven't really figured out what the raining is about when you get to the cemetary or the cell towers, not sure if that's just for aesthetic or if there's an actual purpose to it. I have also not figured out what being able to pick up sticks is about. I have like ten sticks in my inventory right now. I don't know what they're for, but I'm gonna keep collecting them. Also the fact that when you're by the cell towers and it's raining there's a suspicious amount of money and pick axes just lying around. I'm sure they have a purpose, and since I already managed to break some things with them, I have a pretty good idea what that purpose is.

That all is to say, though, I have not managed to make it very far in the actual hike yet. Unfortunatly, I am easily distracted by fun adventures and forget that that's something you're supposed to do. But, honestly, just look at this view.

All in all. This is a super cute game. It's also very very chill to play.

And I Love Claire.