Oh man, where do I even start with “Koira”? It’s like one of those indie games that sneaks up on you and leaves you a bit teary-eyed and speechless. I mean, if you’ve ever just watched a dog chase its tail and felt strangely happy, you might get what I’m talking about. So yeah, there’s no chatting here, just pure vibe. Studio Tolima and DON’T NOD somehow managed to mix hand-drawn art with no dialogue, and it just sort of… works. Imagine wandering through a forest — not a real one, but the kind where shadows dance and the air feels alive. Colors that kind of embrace you? That’s Koira.
And don’t let me get started on the art! Seriously, it’s less like a game and more like a moving painting you stumble into. Like, I had to stop just to soak it in. Paintings in motion, or something. The soundtrack, too, is something else. All instrumental, no words necessary. It’s like the music knows more than you do about what’s happening and just gently nudges you along.
But the real kicker? It’s this dog — not just any digital pooch, but one you kind of find yourself bonding with. From playing fetch to solving puzzles together (yes, a game with a dog solving puzzles — wild, right?), there’s this unreal connection thing that makes you want to hug your real-life pet a bit tighter. The simplicity is deceiving, with all this emotional punch hidden in plain sight.
Then, there’s the gameplay. Not much action, so if you’re a fan of explosions and chaos, maybe look somewhere else. Koira is all about a slow burn — light puzzles, sneaky moments when hunters show up (why they’re there, I stopped trying to figure out). It’s more about riding the emotional wave than anything else.
Right, so it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Things get a bit heavy with those hunters. Sneaky, slightly uneasy moments where the game throws you a curveball with shadowy threats. Creeps in a way that’s somehow balanced, even if it’s a bit jarring. Like when you think you know a song, then it drops a new beat.
Honestly, I wished it was longer… but maybe it doesn’t need to be. It’s kind of like those short stories you wish would go on, but then realize that’s why they hit so hard. Sure, it’s around four hours. But they are just enough to leave this long-lasting impression. It’s kind of refreshing in a world that tries to pack everything with so much “stuff.”
And at the end of it all, the game doesn’t feel like it needs more. It’s not about big crazy stories, it’s about the little whispers of moments. You leave with a smile and likely a tear camping out in your eye — a nice reminder that silence speaks volumes sometimes. So, if you’re cool with a game that doesn’t scream at you and just lets you wander and feel, Koira’s got you covered.
Anyway, I suppose I’m done rambling. You probably get it by now — Koira’s like a hug for your brain. If you try it, I’d say don’t forget the tissues.
