A Short Hike feels like a warm hug. It is a simple game that reminds you of simpler times.


There are so many faces to meet and characters to help, with so many different things to share with you. Saying "stories" feels too shallow, because these characters feel like real people. Many of them made me laugh and were very kind, but many of them also made me ache and sympathize. They have real struggles, struggles I myself relate to, and as Claire I was able to help and support them.

But Claire also struggles. From the start, when talking to Aunt May, it’s clear Claire is anxious about a phone call she’s awaiting. Aunt May suggests she hikes up to Hawk Peak, both to get reception to her phones but most of all to take her mind off of things. And thus, both Claire and the player start exploring. And soon enough, the awaited phone call is fully forgotten. The anxiety has been replaced by a sense of calm, curiosity and joy. Both for Claire, and the player.

This game allowed me, as Claire, to help characters I met in the world. But the characters in this world, through helping Claire, also helped me. They made me feel calm, safe, included and appreciated. They made me appreciate the now of both their world and my own.

And I don't know about you, but I really enjoyed My (Short) Time as a carefree kid again.


Thank you for the hug adamgryu