A Short Hike

 Switch
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 201 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 175 out of 201
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 201
  3. Negative: 10 out of 201

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  1. Redfeather
    Aug 23, 2020
    10
    I can't recomend this game enough. Everything about it is beautiful and charming. Obviously not very long and a price tag matching the amount of time it took me to complete it, but I would have gladly paid double for the experience. An absolute jem, I look forward to anything else coming from the developer's.
  2. G_Ram
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    This game is simply incredible. Such a beautiful experience. The visual style is lovely, the characters and writing are full of humour and personality. The island is varied and interesting. Its a short experience but worth the small price. I have just 100% completed it and loved every minute of it. I can’t recommend this game highly enough.
  3. Onioncreature
    Aug 20, 2020
    8
    The unique visual style is what first drew me in, but the charming writing, soothing music, and sense of exploration cemented this as an extremely worthwhile game.
  4. Brnlv
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    A Short Hike is a charming comfort-food game in which you play a teenaged bird who must climb Hawk Peak in search of phone signal. Along the way you'll meet a hilarious cast of wisecracking animals who will teach you to climb, race, glide and fish, ask you to find lost property, share rumours and secrets, and more. It can be completed in 2-3 hours, but the game invites you to slow down andA Short Hike is a charming comfort-food game in which you play a teenaged bird who must climb Hawk Peak in search of phone signal. Along the way you'll meet a hilarious cast of wisecracking animals who will teach you to climb, race, glide and fish, ask you to find lost property, share rumours and secrets, and more. It can be completed in 2-3 hours, but the game invites you to slow down and enjoy this game world. Finding every collectible, catching every fish and uncovering every secret could fill ten hours or more, and the summer day atmosphere is so enjoyable that replaying it is a pleasure. A perfect feel-good indie game.… Expand
  5. Oscote
    Aug 25, 2020
    9
    A shockingly entertaining and rewarding game where I rarely went the correct way and was never punished for it.

    Pros: Entertaining, good controls, much more in-depth than I realized that there were 20+ feathers to find and get. The dialogue honestly was making me laugh. Great pick up for less than 10 Dollars. Cons: My only gripe is the camera angles switching on you can really mess    A shockingly entertaining and rewarding game where I rarely went the correct way and was never punished for it.

    Pros: Entertaining, good controls, much more in-depth than I realized that there were 20+ feathers to find and get. The dialogue honestly was making me laugh. Great pick up for less than 10 Dollars.

    Cons: My only gripe is the camera angles switching on you can really mess with the direction you are going in and you can, in one spot, clip the camera into the island and all you see is water where there should be land.    … Expand
  6. Bwnez0
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    A relaxing piece of art with no real flaws other than I just wish it was a bigger game. Still not bored after many hours of just traversing this serene island.
  7. CoolestCritic
    Nov 26, 2020
    10
    The game's pixel graphics really add to the game, creating a 3D experience that I could never recreate. The story is amazing and the beautiful view from places like the top of Mount Hawk are absolutely stunning. The gliding really puts the icing on the cake by giving you the ability to fly and explore. I would recommend this to ALL my friends.
  8. utrzenaklika
    Jan 8, 2021
    10
    This is game - while you play u relax, no stres just you and open world island with characters.
  9. OpinionsOfJinx
    Jan 24, 2021
    10
    My first impression of A Short Hike is that it was incredibly heartwarming. With so much to do in the world, it encourages multiple playthroughs, or for the player to take their time. I loved finding secrets and interacting with the numerous characters throughout the land. The story is short and sweet, with lots of side plots to dive into. If you want a game that will melt your worriesMy first impression of A Short Hike is that it was incredibly heartwarming. With so much to do in the world, it encourages multiple playthroughs, or for the player to take their time. I loved finding secrets and interacting with the numerous characters throughout the land. The story is short and sweet, with lots of side plots to dive into. If you want a game that will melt your worries away, A Short Hike is it.… Expand
  10. JoeyPL5
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    2 hours of absolute perfection. It's like the Great Plateau from Breath of the Wild but with the relaxed peaceful nature of Animal Crossing.
  11. Caetano1501
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    A magical journey in a world that mixes Animal Crossing and Breath of the Wild. The experience is extremely relaxing and rewarding. I was expecting an ok game and was surprised with a hidden gem.
  12. 777Faron
    Jan 27, 2021
    4
    It's highly overrated. The game is not bad by any means, but it's simply way, way too short to deserve all the praise it gets It took me about 2 hours to complete, and I don't feel the urge to play it again, ever. It's unfair that a game like this gets more credit compared to certain other indie games which took several years to develop.
  13. Daisuk
    Sep 21, 2020
    4
    It looks allright, the color palette is nice, flaoting in the air is nice enough, and the interactions between the various characters are quite cool - but overall, this game is just so boring. Nothing really happens. You just follow a trail, and find some stuff here and there - 0 engagement. The camera angle is weird as well, making you fall long distances from time to time. I'm sure gamesIt looks allright, the color palette is nice, flaoting in the air is nice enough, and the interactions between the various characters are quite cool - but overall, this game is just so boring. Nothing really happens. You just follow a trail, and find some stuff here and there - 0 engagement. The camera angle is weird as well, making you fall long distances from time to time. I'm sure games like these has its audience, but this certainly wasn't for me.… Expand
  14. EmCza
    Aug 26, 2020
    10
    10 out of 10 is a too low. One of the greatest adventures available on Switch
  15. TheLinkgirl
    Oct 18, 2022
    6
    A short hike is good. It's relaxing, and has some enjoyable exploration. While I don't believe it's the most rewarding experience, there is a certain charm that oozes from it. It isn't anything special, but it is a fun time.
  16. lucinhagamer
    Aug 26, 2022
    0
    this game is very ugly and repetitive. the gameplay is very boring. a looking cheap game.
  17. drlowdon
    Feb 6, 2022
    7
    A young bird, known as Claire, heads arrives at a large nature reserve to stay with her aunt for the summer. Expecting an important phone call she’s informed the only place to get reception is at Hawk Peak, the highest point in the park. Having never been to the summit before she decides to hike to the summit.

    Allowing players to explore the game-world at their own pace and interacting    A young bird, known as Claire, heads arrives at a large nature reserve to stay with her aunt for the summer. Expecting an important phone call she’s informed the only place to get reception is at Hawk Peak, the highest point in the park. Having never been to the summit before she decides to hike to the summit.

    Allowing players to explore the game-world at their own pace and interacting with the various inhabitants is an unusually relaxing gaming experience, and even with little in the way of challenge and a short (3-4 hour) running time, I couldn’t help but be won over by A Short Hike’s charms.    … Expand
  18. JRice
    Jan 3, 2021
    8
    Extremely short and simple, and i was painfully missing an ingame map, but still, made with love and passion, and a nice and reaxing experience...
    Also, +1 score for being completely free of violence, and for allowing the player an extreme amount of freedom and exploration.
  19. memus
    Feb 7, 2022
    6
    + Stylistically, it's a perfect game
    = Exploration vibes are totally here, but camera kills some of the flow
    - Doing 100% achievements is a boring grind
  20. SuperkenGaming
    Nov 21, 2020
    8
    A Short Hike
    Short But sweet
    A Short Hike is a tiny adventure game where you play as Clair, a bird that sets out to reach the top of Hawks Peak so that she can make a phone call to her mom… as the name suggests short hike can be quite the short game, you can easily beat thi game in less than an hr and a half.. but a short hike isn’t about beating it, its about experiencing its world… A    A Short Hike
    Short But sweet
    A Short Hike is a tiny adventure game where you play as Clair, a bird that sets out to reach the top of Hawks Peak so that she can make a phone call to her mom… as the name suggests short hike can be quite the short game, you can easily beat thi game in less than an hr and a half.. but a short hike isn’t about beating it, its about experiencing its world…
    A short hike is so full of charm and things to do, from collecting shells, finding secrets treasures, obtaining new items..fishing.. finding lost items… all to do one thing.. obtain more golden feathers o you can climb and fly your way to the top of the mountain, and I loved every minute of it…
    hile its visuals aren’t the best, they will grow on you… If youre into adventure games, where the goal is to just explore and take in the view, I highly recommend a short hike
    I give A Short Hike
    a 7.5/10    … Expand
  21. xellos81
    Jan 23, 2023
    9
    awww I loved this game so much!
    Is one of my favourite in the last 10 years
    A magical/friendly journey
    Take your time, and enjoy this lovely walk
  22. CharlieGray
    Aug 26, 2020
    10
    This game is absolutely stunning, relaxing and allows you to play at your own pace. Tho pretty short, it's a wonderful experience and would recommend it to anyone!
  23. frederik1478
    Jun 10, 2021
    7
    An amazing short game the Give you all of these feelings you need for an hour,
    I felt happy and full of the feeling of summer and childhood while playing this game I cannot recommend it enough
  24. nusco
    Oct 2, 2020
    8
    Many games sell themselves as "chilled" or "relaxing", but A Short Hike is the game that I wish I could play again and again when I'm looking to ease my mind. Unfortunately, it doesn't lend itself to repeated play–and like its name says, it's extremely short. I'm a very slow player, but even I could see the ending of this game in about two hours.

    That short playtime, however, is not a    Many games sell themselves as "chilled" or "relaxing", but A Short Hike is the game that I wish I could play again and again when I'm looking to ease my mind. Unfortunately, it doesn't lend itself to repeated play–and like its name says, it's extremely short. I'm a very slow player, but even I could see the ending of this game in about two hours.

    That short playtime, however, is not a shortcoming. On the contrary, this game is made even better by its limited length. For those two hours, A Short Hike tells a heartwarming little story, set in a nice miniature open world, full of paths to explore and side quests to complete. None of those side quests feels boring–you won't see any pointless collect-a-thons in this game. Everything has a place, and contributes to make A Short Hike a beautiful, if quick, escapade.    … Expand
  25. thecasualgaymer
    Feb 16, 2021
    9
    A personal favorite of mine and a perfect example of why gameplay time is not and should not be King.
    What starts as a fairly cute little quest to climb a mountain leads to a shockingly full island of fun and adorable activities, all of which seem designed specially to get you relaxed and happy.

    For anyone looking for a game to lift their spirits, there's nothing better.
  26. aukalender
    Oct 11, 2021
    8
    What about that! A lovely, charming game. I really enjoyed it. I felt drawn to the world. The controls and flying around, jumping all felt nice. The characters are very sympathetic, the dialogue is funny, the colors and the art style are cute. Simply loved it and will go back to re-play after a while. This is a delightful game, showing us what games can be with a bit of vision.
  27. Bradaloop
    Jul 29, 2021
    8
    An enjoyable but incredibly short experience as the title suggests. Quite a quaint little journey.
  28. Kacek1996
    Nov 14, 2020
    8
    I've got pretty late on a "A Short Hike" hype train, but I'm here! It's an indie adventure game that may seem like nothing special, but in reality it's different. Starting from graphics, it has a low resolution, but it gives an option to choose between smooth edges and chunky pixelated ones (I chose the smooth ones xD). Exploration in this game is what makes it truly great. In every partI've got pretty late on a "A Short Hike" hype train, but I'm here! It's an indie adventure game that may seem like nothing special, but in reality it's different. Starting from graphics, it has a low resolution, but it gives an option to choose between smooth edges and chunky pixelated ones (I chose the smooth ones xD). Exploration in this game is what makes it truly great. In every part of the island camera is set in a way so the player cannot take a peek at some stuff. It makes the exploration experience more intriguing. There are some quests to do, but mostly it's the pure exploration. Obviously, you can rush to the peak of the island to finish the game. However, I cannot relate to people who rush games xd
    It's a short game even without the rush, I think it took me 4 or 5 hours to finish it at 100%. To be honest, I collected my last 2 golden and 2 silver feathers after reaching the peak of the mountain... Soundtrack was comfortable, visuals were vibrant and colorful, controls were easy to understand and the overall experience was satisfying. I really adore the aspect of climbing as well as gliding in the exploration games and here both of these mechanics were phenomenal. Short and Sweet, comfy game for a one sitting!    … Expand
  29. Mbp_
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A 10 doesn't describe how magical this game really is. The artstyle is great, but the focus lays on that journey you're going through. When you start the game, you have no idea where to go, what to do, or where everything is. You slowly understand what your goal is, climbing that beeg mountain, but you have no ideahow to get to the top. The time between between beginning the game and being on top of the mountain is one of the nicest experiences I had playing a video game. Even though you're playing someone elses journey, it feels like its your journey. Sure, the game isn't too long and the camera can be a threat sometimes, but thats about all the critic I can give this game. If there isn't some banger at the end of this year, this is easily my personal game of the year.… Expand
  30. Meeleepit
    Sep 2, 2020
    8
    A short hike is one of those feel good games.

    The environment and game play is relaxing ,the characters is quirky and sweet.

    The artwork is amazing.

    Played it at a very slow pace to experience the whole world, took about 4 hours to complete.

    Well done to the creators of this title.

    Well worth the play.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Switch Game of 2020
14
#14 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 28, 2021
    90
    A Short Hike is a heartwarming journey that doesn't last long, but will stick with you long after it's done. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 23]
  2. Ninty Fresh Magazine
    Dec 21, 2020
    95
    A Short Hike is a small but fully realised world: packed with great characters and emotional moments. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon. [Issue #2, p.56]
  3. Nintendojo
    Dec 2, 2020
    83
    Though A Short Hike doesn’t bring much new to the table (many elements will feel similar to Journey, Celeste, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing, or Stardew Valley), the game combines familiar mechanics so well that A Short Hike, despite a few small drawbacks, is a well put together, relaxing game you shouldn’t miss out on.
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