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. 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!
  3. 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
  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. tokkisplat
    Feb 16, 2021
    10
    One of the most pleasant experiences I've ever had playing a game. If anyone worries about the length, you really shouldn't, for what this is it's the perfect length. Made an account just to post this review. Brought me back to when I was a kid, and you'd just spend a lazy weekend afternoon exploring in a game, in a time before progression, before youtube walkthroughs.
  6. Hazman
    May 26, 2021
    10
    I love A Short Hike. It's one of my favourite games of all time. With charming characters and fun, engaging gameplay, i would recommend this game to everyone
  7. swampthings
    Dec 30, 2020
    10
    This is an amazing game. The game itself is very short. I think you can finish it in about an hour easily. It's very relaxing...this game actually follows through on the promise of being a relaxing game.

    It's basically you climbing up a mountain, and then finding and earning feathers so that you can fly around, and flying is crucial for reaching the very top of the mountain.    This is an amazing game. The game itself is very short. I think you can finish it in about an hour easily. It's very relaxing...this game actually follows through on the promise of being a relaxing game.

    It's basically you climbing up a mountain, and then finding and earning feathers so that you can fly around, and flying is crucial for reaching the very top of the mountain.

    Initially the graphics are really bad, but you can fix it in the settings. Some people may like the weird, low rez graphics. I've already played through twice, and I'll probably play through it again a time or two.    … Expand
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. EmCza
    Aug 26, 2020
    10
    10 out of 10 is a too low. One of the greatest adventures available on Switch
  11. 96bellamy
    Dec 8, 2020
    10
    Estamos ante un juego cortito y poco pretencioso pero que lo que quiere hacer lo hace bien no, fenomenal. Se trata de un juego extremadamente agradable tanto en lo jugable como en lo visual y en lo sonoro, y que se basa principalmente en 3 pilares. Por un lado tenemos la ''misión principal'' que consiste en escalar el pico de la isla en la que nos encontramos, para lo cual el juego haceEstamos ante un juego cortito y poco pretencioso pero que lo que quiere hacer lo hace bien no, fenomenal. Se trata de un juego extremadamente agradable tanto en lo jugable como en lo visual y en lo sonoro, y que se basa principalmente en 3 pilares. Por un lado tenemos la ''misión principal'' que consiste en escalar el pico de la isla en la que nos encontramos, para lo cual el juego hace uso de unas mecánicas basadas en escalada y vuelo y limitadas por estamina extremadamente satisfactorias. En segundo lugar tenemos el factor exploración, la cual es muy amena gracias a la ligereza del gameplay, y recompensa constantemente, aparte de encontrarnos ante una preciosa isla, no muy grande pero llena de cosas. Y por último debo hablar de las relaciones con los demás habitantes de la isla, las cuales son sobresalientes y están cargadas de un humor y una personalidad desbordantes. Este título bebe de Animal Crossing en este aspecto, llevando esa fórmula de sociabilización a una escala mucho más comedida, guiada (los diálogos tienen una serie de fases y de ahí no salen), y bajo mi punto de vista tremendamente efectiva y graciosa (te vas a reir bastante por las locas situaciones que encontrarás en Pico Halcón, nombre de la isla).

    En definitiva estamos ante un título al que no se le puede poner un solo pero, todo lo que hace lo hace realmente bien y deja una sensación muy plena tras ser jugado. Como único punto negativo podría mencionarse su escasa duración, ya que la misión principal puede completarse a ritmo normal en 2h o menos incluso ( luego hay modo speedrun incluido en el juego y he visto a gente completar el juego en 1 minuto xD), y completar el 100% nos llevará algo más de 5h (bajo mi punto de vista aquí es donde está la chicha del juego, sobre todo en desarrollar las ''misiones secundarias'' que nos proponen los habitantes de la isla). Pero partiendo de su reducido precio no creo que corresponda bajar del 10 redondo a este auténtico juegazo, el cual puede ser tuyo por 6 euritos de nah.    … Expand
  12. BeeBoss
    Aug 26, 2020
    10
    I played it before on PC and it was great, but when I played it on Switch I've loved it much more than ever. Switch is a perfect medium to play this game.
  13. pythonPie
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    This game is like a sweet cream on pie. True gem. It is extremely relaxing. I love this game.
  14. 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.
  15. KeroKero
    Sep 13, 2020
    10
    Disarming, charming, exhilarating...and relaxing too! The controls are smooth as silk, and the less you know about this game going into it, the better. It’s the perfectly distilled essence of everything that makes gaming fun.
  16. Djakaraka
    Jan 6, 2021
    10
    Playing the game only for a short while you can already tell that you are in for a treat, definitely worth the price tag to get this game and play it.
  17. parikuma
    Nov 13, 2020
    10
    The style is peaceful and beautiful, the game is really to be enjoyed at your own pace.
    It's a short game but that's the point (it's even in the title!).
    Little games and quests on your way to the top are really fun, and the game really makes you want to chat with everybody and help out. "Completing" the game feels really like you finished a beautiful hike. Props to the (only!) dev    The style is peaceful and beautiful, the game is really to be enjoyed at your own pace.
    It's a short game but that's the point (it's even in the title!).

    Little games and quests on your way to the top are really fun, and the game really makes you want to chat with everybody and help out.
    "Completing" the game feels really like you finished a beautiful hike.

    Props to the (only!) dev and his great work. I played it on the mac and my partner played it on the switch, and I have no problem giving this guy money twice honestly, and hoping he'll make more games!    … Expand
  18. Matheus_Ferraro
    Nov 26, 2020
    10
    A delightful game that warms your heart with funny and yet meaningful dialogs, nostalgic graphics and a lot of side quests that makes you feel immersed in this colorful tiny world, while you explore an island full of beautiful views, walking, flying, climbing, and swimming around it. The game is “a short hike”, indeed, since you could finish it a hundred percent in 5 hours (or less, if itA delightful game that warms your heart with funny and yet meaningful dialogs, nostalgic graphics and a lot of side quests that makes you feel immersed in this colorful tiny world, while you explore an island full of beautiful views, walking, flying, climbing, and swimming around it. The game is “a short hike”, indeed, since you could finish it a hundred percent in 5 hours (or less, if it is not your first time playing it), but every second makes it worth.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. Gontrand00
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    Amazing game. Simple, cute, so efficient with the hiking-relaxing-holiday mood. I had to stop myself from completing it in one run since I had so much fun exploring this island.

    It's that kind of rare game where you wish it was bigger and longer (that's what she said). Also, it really gave me the impression of playing through an Miyazaki movie (not for the art style but for the    Amazing game. Simple, cute, so efficient with the hiking-relaxing-holiday mood. I had to stop myself from completing it in one run since I had so much fun exploring this island.

    It's that kind of rare game where you wish it was bigger and longer (that's what she said).

    Also, it really gave me the impression of playing through an Miyazaki movie (not for the art style but for the impression it gives you and for the characters).

    One of the best 2020 game out there, and for 10$ it's such a bargain. Even if it takes like 6-7h max to complete it, every minute spent in this game is worth it, and that's really rare.

    GIVE US MORE PLEASE.    … Expand
  21. Theopinionater
    Mar 6, 2021
    10
    this game is great, a must have for the switch. although not a very long game (as the name already hints) but what is there is just excellent. you have moved to an island from the city to find that you have no cell service, so you try and clime the tall mountain that makes up the island, and on your way you meet friendly inhabitants, and find all sorts of things that can help you alongthis game is great, a must have for the switch. although not a very long game (as the name already hints) but what is there is just excellent. you have moved to an island from the city to find that you have no cell service, so you try and clime the tall mountain that makes up the island, and on your way you meet friendly inhabitants, and find all sorts of things that can help you along your way.

    this game is done really well, the great graphics, calming music, and simple game play and story leads to a very relaxing experience, where you keep going back to the game even after completing the story    … Expand
  22. Speedgracer
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    I absolutely love this game. It’s very chill and accessible. It gives me Animal Crossing vibes, but with a bigger island to explore and you can fly! This game may be the most joyful 2 hrs you’ll spend today.
  23. guyferrari
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    Every climb feels rewarding, every glide feels satisfying and the hike feels... short, but not too short.
  24. wisdomEarl
    Jan 2, 2021
    10
    A short hike ist ein liebevolles Abenteuer das ich jedem nur wärmstens Empfehlen kann.
  25. utrzenaklika
    Jan 8, 2021
    10
    This is game - while you play u relax, no stres just you and open world island with characters.
  26. Toprakk
    Jan 23, 2021
    10
    I had a magical experience with the game. The art style, map design, characters and everything was more than I expected from the game. Art style was satisfying to look at, characters are fun to interact with, gameplay is simple, soundtrack is amazing, story is not deep at all. Perfect game to play at 2-3 AM.
  27. 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
  28. depplica
    Feb 19, 2021
    10
    10/10 OF TEN GAME WOULD 100% RECOMMEND TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR A NICE HEARTWARMING GAME TO PLAY.
  29. MetaMcCritface
    Apr 14, 2021
    10
    Oh boy had I a great time playing this piece of idleness. 100% stress relieving. GOTY 2020.
  30. lazy_ogre
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    For a long time I saw that game pop on various "must play" lists, but for some reason that game did not appeal me. But once I finally tried it out, I played it all in one go, and loved it.
    It's a very chill, charming game. A short game, but a fantastic game.
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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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