In 2017, Breath of the Wild’s release left fans eagerly anticipating games that would draw inspiration from its open-world adventure. However, it took some time for such games to emerge due to the extensive development process. Despite this, small features, such as the Exploration Mode in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, kept players engaged until true BOTW-inspired games arrived a few years later. One of the first of such games was A Short Hike, released on PC in 2019.
Its developer, Adam Robinson-Yu, achieved a quick turnaround by keeping the game’s scope small. A Short Hike’s brief gameplay time allowed players to experience its offerings in under five hours. Robinson-Yu acknowledged Breath of the Wild as a significant inspiration for A Short Hike, expressing admiration for its exploration elements. He explained that creating multiple paths in a game generates a sense of wonder and discovery with each unexplored route.
A Short Hike offers a refreshing and captivating experience compared to many triple-A games. Despite its smaller scale, the game captures a similar adventurous vibe to BOTW. It tells the story of a bird named Claire, who seeks to reach the mountain peak to acquire cell service, creating a more personal narrative compared to Link’s epic quest in BOTW. Claire’s journey involves collecting gold feathers that grant additional double jumps, allowing players to freely explore the island and engage in various optional activities.
While games like Immortals Fenyx Rising attempted to replicate BOTW’s look and gameplay, A Short Hike demonstrated a different approach. It successfully captured the essence of Breath of the Wild by offering freedom in gameplay, rather than directly emulating its scale and structure. Other games, such as Immortality and Baldur’s Gate 3, have also embraced BOTW’s innovations through their unique gameplay styles. At approximately 90 minutes in length, A Short Hike provides a succinct yet inspired burst of Breath of the Wild experience.
It offers an ideal opportunity for players to immerse themselves in its enchanting world.
