It’s not uncommon for Indie games to fly under my radar. During the week I saw a video about A Short Hike, a very chill exploration game. A Short Hike was released in 2019 on PC and Mac, Switch in 2020 and November 2021 for PS4 and Xbox One. So better late than never?
There is a very basic story. You play as Claire, a young bird staying with their aunt. Aunt May is a ranger at Hawk Peak Provincial Park, and you are staying there.
![Hard to get a call with no phone reception](https://www.johnhqld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220110-A-Short-Hike-Hard-to-get-a-call-with-no-phone-reception.jpg)
On your first morning, it is revealed that you are waiting on a phone call, but there is no reception. Aunt May suggests you try the top of Hawk Peak to get reception. Travelling to the peak is not only a short hike (see what they did?) but a family tradition.
So Claire sets off to climb the peak.
During the day, you meet various people and discover different things. Gameplay-wise, these are A Short Hike’s versions of side quests. Story-wise, they fall effortlessly into things a child exploring would do.
![Meeting people around the park](https://www.johnhqld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220110-A-Short-Hike-Meeting-people-around-the-park.jpg)
There are no time limits to curb your exploration. No combat to worry about, and only very basic platforming. A Short Hike is definitely a game to sit and enjoy for an afternoon.
Even taking it easy, you will most likely reach Hawk Peak within two hours. Returning to Aunt May ends the day with a nap, but you can reload to continue to explore. For the main story, there is nothing new to discover, but Hawk Peak park is large and fun to explore.
![Hawk Peak has been climbed](https://www.johnhqld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220110-A-Short-Hike-Hawk-Peak-has-been-climbed.jpg)
In many ways, A Short Hike is a condensed chill experience akin to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The pixel art style may not be for everyone but adds to the charm. I didn’t realise you could ‘smooth’ the style until after finishing the game. This may appeal to people that are anti-pixel style art.
For around AU$10 depending on the platform, A Short Hike is a no brainer choice for a relaxing way to spend time. It has a bit of everything for most people, barring combat and precision platforming.
![Mini-games and adventures await](https://www.johnhqld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220110-A-Short-Hike-Mini-games-and-adventures-await.jpg)
For me, it was a cute experience that allowed me to explore and chill after a long week. Playing on PlayStation, there are trophies that I am considering completing. It could be A Short Hike is my first Platinum of 2022!