A Short Hike: Coze, Adventure game with real life lore

Released in 2019, "A Short Hike" is over 7 years old yet it continues to attract fans as a mainstay of the cozy, casual genre. The game originally started as a personal art project by Adam Robinson-Yu. Today, "A Short Hike" has an "overwhelming positive" rating with over 99% of 14,000+ reviews being positive.

"A Short Hike" is a single player game and there is a Slots feature where players can save individual progress. The game begins with the introduction of Claire, your character, and her Aunt. Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit to get cell phone signal.

You’re introduced to other characters as you hike the mountain at your own pace. There are a number of small mini games you can play - beach stickball that's actually challenging, foot race also challenging, and boat racing.

You can explore the island any way you like all the while knowing the main goal is to get to the top of the mountain. Try taking a dive off the mountain peaks to soar above the forests and ocean. Chat with the other hikers you meet along your route. Listen to the original game soundtrack by Mark Sparling that progresses dynamically as you explore the wilderness. There are opportunities to help other hikers and your aunt but you can’t be a push over, your main goal is to get to the top.

As time went on, I was less willing to hear stories about politics or a missing headband as I became more focused on the main goal. The responses from other hikers are a bit harsh and sarcastic but I appreciated the conversation because it is also a nod to real life experience.

You realize the task is not so simple as you try to climb steeper and steeper cliffs. You will need special feathers to level up. Getting them is also not straightforward but that’s part of the fun!

Playing "A Short Hike" at first is a break from the hustle and bustle of real life, but it is also a lesson in the value of having social connections and experience nature, both of which challenge us in ways that support and surprise us.

Links:

Developer's website: Adam Robinson-you: https://www.adamgryu.com/

Unique sound track by Mark Sparling available on bandcamp https://marksparling.bandcamp.com/album/a-short-hike-original-soundtrack