#adamgryu

OCR04909: A Short Hike: Adventures Ahead - Gaspode

[See You At The Top]

Happy Halloween! I found this wonderful, charming little game the other day thanks to a tweet from Henry Faber. Made by adamgryu, it's called Mayor Bones Proudly Presents: Ghost Town's 999th Pumpkin Festival! and you can download it on itch.io, pay what you want!

A Short Hike

A Short Hike, developed by Adamgryu, is a charming and relaxing exploration game that encourages players to discover the joys of a small island at their own pace. Its meditative design makes it perfect for casual play, combining freedom, collectibles, and gentle challenges.

Level Design and Gameplay

The level design is very good! The open exploration of the island and the collection of golden feathers allows players to navigate the climbing and flying challenges at their own pace. Each area of the island feels thoughtfully constructed to reward curiosity and experimentation, creating a satisfying sense of freedom.

Sound and Atmosphere

The sound design is excellent and plays an important role in navigation. Distinct tunes for each biome help players orient themselves and enhance the relaxing vibe of the island. The audio perfectly complements the exploration and adds a sense of warmth to the experience.

Controls and Character Movement

The character controller is intuitive for both keyboard and controller users. The simple controls let players focus on exploring and enjoying the island without frustration. A minor issue is accessing the inventory through the pause menu rather than in-game, which can briefly interrupt immersion.

User Interface and Clarity

The UI is well made. Feather icons are clearly visible, helping players track their collectibles effortlessly. Dialogue boxes are easy to read, and the instructions are straightforward. Players are given the goal of reaching the island’s peak early on, leaving the rest of the experience open for leisurely exploration. The auto-rotating camera is helpful at times, but can be slightly inconvenient during endgame flight sections.

Visuals and Character Design

Character design is simple, cute, and effective! The island is populated by cheerful animals, each with personality, which helps immerse players in the world. A particularly clever touch is the main character’s cape, which integrates with the stamina system and changes color when stamina runs low.

Story and Player Experience

The story is straightforward and easy for most players to empathize with. Additional stories told through side quests and interactions with characters enrich the experience, giving the island a lively and engaging feel. I had fun exploring the map, completing quests, and enjoying the calm, meditative atmosphere.

Replay Value

Would I replay A Short Hike? Yes! Casual players can enjoy revisiting the meditative experience, exploring the island, and completing quests at a relaxed pace. Hardcore gamers may find less replay value, as the game is not built around challenging gameplay.

Final Thoughts

A Short Hike is an adorable, relaxing game that gives players freedom to explore and enjoy charming quests at their own pace. Its characters are distinct and engaging, and the overall experience is peaceful and immersive. Minor issues, such as inventory access and camera control, do little to detract from the game’s charm.