A Short Hike PS5 Review: 7 Heartwarming Reasons This Cozy Adventure Is a Must-Play
Key Takeaways
- A Short Hike on PS5 is a relaxing exploration game set on a peaceful island.
- The game focuses on simple fun instead of intense action.
- You explore, glide, climb, and meet quirky characters along the way.
- The PS5 version runs smoothly and looks charming on modern displays.
- It’s perfect if you want a short, cozy gaming experience you can finish in one sitting.
- Side activities like fishing, treasure hunting, and races make the journey memorable.
- Even though it’s short, the game leaves a surprisingly emotional impact.
A Short Hike on PS5 is a cozy exploration game where you play as a bird named Claire climbing Hawk Peak. Along the way, you glide through forests, help friendly characters, and discover hidden treasures. The game is short but packed with charm, relaxing gameplay, and heartwarming moments that make it a must-play for players who enjoy peaceful adventures.
Introduction: Sometimes You Just Need a Small Adventure
Let’s be honest for a second. Not every gaming session needs to be a 100-hour RPG or a sweat-fest multiplayer match. Sometimes you just want something calm, cozy, and genuinely fun.
That’s exactly where A Short Hike shines.
I picked it up on my PS5 thinking, “Okay, this will be a cute little indie game.” What I didn’t expect was to end up smiling the entire time while gliding around a mountain as a tiny bird.
It’s short. It’s simple. But somehow, it sticks with you long after you put the controller down.
What Is A Short Hike?
At its core, A Short Hike is an exploration adventure game created by indie developer Adam Robinson-Yu.
You play as Claire, a small bird visiting a beautiful island park. Your main goal sounds simple:
Climb to the top of Hawk Peak to get cell phone reception.
That’s it.
But like many great adventures, the journey matters more than the destination.
Along the way you’ll:
- Glide through forests
- Climb cliffs
- Swim in lakes
- Meet friendly animals
- Help strangers with small tasks
- Find hidden treasures
The world feels small at first. Then you start exploring and realize it’s packed with little secrets.
7 Reasons A Short Hike Is Worth Playing on PS5
1. The Island Feels Alive
The moment you start the game, the island welcomes you with soft music, colorful trees, and friendly characters.
Instead of enemies, you meet quirky personalities like:
- Campers who lost their gear
- Runners who challenge you to races
- Fishermen who teach you new tricks
- Kids searching for treasure
Every conversation feels natural and funny.
At one point I spent five minutes just chatting with a random character about beach sticks. It sounds silly, but somehow it works.
2. Exploration Is Pure Joy
The map isn’t huge, but it’s incredibly fun to explore.
Movement feels smooth and satisfying:
- Climb using stamina
- Glide using golden feathers
- Run across beaches
- Bounce off cliffs
The more golden feathers you collect, the higher you can climb.
And trust me, once you start gliding across the island, you’ll forget about the main goal for a while.
I definitely did.
3. The PS5 Version Runs Smoothly
Even though A Short Hike is a small indie game, it runs beautifully on PS5.
Here’s a quick look at the performance.
| Feature | PS5 Experience |
|---|---|
| Performance | Smooth gameplay |
| Loading Times | Very fast |
| Visual Style | Pixel-inspired but sharp |
| Controls | Responsive and easy |
The art style uses a pixelated 3D look, which might seem strange at first. But after a few minutes, it becomes part of the charm.
4. The Side Activities Are Surprisingly Fun
Climbing the mountain is only part of the experience.
There are lots of small activities scattered around the island.
Some of my favorites include:
- Fishing
- Treasure hunting
- Beach stickball
- Boat races
- Running challenges
None of these activities are complicated. But they give you fun reasons to explore every corner of the island.
5. The Characters Are Adorable
Every character in the game feels like someone you might meet on a camping trip.
They are:
- Friendly
- Funny
- A little weird (in a good way)
One character challenged me to a race up the mountain.
I confidently accepted.
Then immediately got destroyed.
Let’s just say my bird cardio was not ready.
6. The Game Is Relaxing
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Modern games can be stressful.
Boss fights. Timers. Competitive matches.
A Short Hike does the opposite.
There’s:
- No pressure
- No combat
- No fail states
You can take your time, wander around, and enjoy the scenery.
It’s the gaming equivalent of taking a peaceful walk in nature.
7. The Ending Is Surprisingly Emotional
Without spoiling anything, the final moments of the game are simple but powerful.
You finally reach the top of Hawk Peak.
The music plays softly.
And suddenly the entire journey feels meaningful.
It’s one of those endings where you sit back and think:
“Wow… that was actually really nice.”
Not every game needs explosions to make you feel something.
Gameplay Breakdown
Here’s a quick overview of how the gameplay works.
Core Gameplay Loop
- Explore the island
- Collect golden feathers
- Help characters with tasks
- Discover hidden treasures
- Climb higher up the mountain
Key Items You’ll Collect
- Golden Feathers – increase stamina and gliding ability
- Coins – used to buy items
- Treasure Maps – lead to hidden rewards
- Fishing Rod – unlocks fishing mini-game
Each small discovery feels rewarding.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cozy and relaxing gameplay
- Charming characters
- Beautiful soundtrack
- Fun exploration mechanics
- Perfect for short gaming sessions
Cons
- Very short (2–3 hours)
- Limited replay value
- No combat for players who want action
Who Should Play A Short Hike?
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This game is perfect for players who enjoy:
- Cozy indie games
- Exploration adventures
- Relaxing gameplay
- Story-driven experiences
If you liked games such as:
- Journey
- Firewatch
- Stardew Valley (for the cozy vibe)
Then A Short Hike will feel right at home in your library.
Summary
A Short Hike on PS5 proves that great games don’t have to be huge or complicated.
With its charming island, lovable characters, and relaxing gameplay, it offers a peaceful adventure that feels refreshing in today’s fast-paced gaming world.
It may only take a few hours to complete, but the memories stick around much longer.
FAQs
Yes. The game is playable on PS5 and runs smoothly with fast loading times.
Most players finish the main story in 2 to 3 hours, though exploring everything may take longer.
Yes, the game features a small open island that you can explore freely.
No. The game focuses entirely on exploration, conversations, and relaxing activities.
Absolutely. Even though it’s short, it delivers a memorable and heartwarming experience.
