Review: Koira (PC) – That VideoGame Blog

Actually, let’s talk about Koira. It’s this indie game that just kind of sneaks up on you, yanking at your heartstrings—even if you’re not usually all sappy about stuff like that. Picture this: a game that doesn’t even say a word, yet somehow, it speaks volumes. Yeah, that’s Koira for ya. Developed by some folks at Studio Tolima, published by DON’T NOD. Anyway, onto the actual gameplay stuff.

The art? Oh man, it’s like someone just painted each scene with the kind of detail that makes you pause and go, “Wait, am I in a museum?” No joke. Every frame looks alive—like it might just hop out and tell you a story. And the music? It’s like this emotional rollercoaster of an instrumental score, wrapping the game in this serene vibe. It’s wild how a game with no dialogue makes such a clear statement, you know?

Now, about that dog. It’s not just there for cute vibes. Nah, it genuinely feels like you’re bonding with this virtual pup. Playing fetch, solving little puzzles—it’s the kind of stuff that makes you want to grab your own pet and give them a squeeze. These simple moments have this way of cutting deep. It’s magic, really.

Okay, so gameplay. Don’t expect some high-speed thrill ride. Koira’s more chill. You’ve got these gentle puzzles that make you think without making you want to toss your controller out the window. Sure, there are moments of sneaking past hunters—that’s where the tension kicks in—but it’s more of a mental ride than a physical one. Kind of keeps you on your toes without stressing you out too much.

And yeah, sure, the hunters add a touch of darkness, but it’s like adding a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. Maybe it feels jarring sometimes, like you’re floating one minute and dodging danger the next. But it mixes things up in a pretty cool way.

Koira’s short, though. Like, four hours short. Just when you’re all cozy and sucked into its world, bam, it’s done. But sometimes that’s what makes it hit harder. Doesn’t drag on, doesn’t milk it. It’s one of those experiences where less is definitely more—if that makes sense.

So, you’re left with this amazing, quiet journey that sticks with you long after you’ve put the controller down. Perfect for dog lovers and anyone who can appreciate a heartwarming tale. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that don’t shout—they whisper.