In Short Trip, players take on the part of a feline tram driver who moves through a cute landscape and picks up and drops off cats. Driving along a scenic railway while allowing the silly cat villagers to board at marked stops is the main goal, which is refreshingly straightforward.
The tranquility of titles like Animal Crossing, where the focus moves from competition to leisurely exploration and interaction, is echoed by this simple concept. The controls are simple, using the arrow keys to move and the space bar to sound the tram’s horn, ensuring that players of all skill levels can easily connect with the tram.
The game has two different modes that let you play in different ways. Classic mode gives players a more relaxed and open-ended experience, letting them move around the tracks at their own pace. This mode encourages exploration, allowing players to take their time and enjoy the beautifully drawn landscapes.
Scheduled mode, on the other hand, adds a layer of organization by making players follow a schedule and giving them points for being on time. Timing and accuracy can enhance the gaming experience in simulation games like Cities: Skylines, so this method is similar. However, Short Trip maintains its easygoing vibe, ensuring that the gameplay is still fun and stress-free even in this mode.
A Canvas of Calm: The Artistry of Short Trip
The hand-drawn designs of Short Trip, a labor of love that took five years to complete, make it so visually appealing. The game’s visuals are useful and serve as an interactive illustration that draws players into a charming world. Developer Alexander Perrin’s attention to detail is evident in every frame.
A sense of nostalgia for traditional illustrated children’s books by Beatrix Potter or E. H. Shepard is brought on by this dedication to artistry. The fancy cats in their best clothes add to this charm, creating a delightful visual story that feels familiar and magical.
Players can discover a variety of beautiful locations thanks to the environmental design, which enhances this aesthetic. Each scene, from peaceful orchards to cute churches, has a sense of tranquility that fits the gameplay.
As players move through the scenery, they’ll encounter colorful market stalls and well-known buildings like windmills. Each is rendered with a delicate touch that shows the game is well-made. This level of attention to detail is visually attractive and improves the player experience by making each journey feel unique and real.
In the settings menu, Short Trip also has an interesting feature that lets players change the type of paper they use. With this small change, the visual output can be greatly altered, with color palettes and textures subtly changing to create various moods and settings.
This kind of customization is similar to the artistic choices that can be found in other independent titles like Firewatch, where the visual style is very important for the story and the immersion. Short Trip deepens the link between the player and the beautifully crafted world by allowing players to customize their visual experience and inviting them to slow down and enjoy the artistry at their fingertips.
Melodies of Serenity: Crafting the Soundscape of Short Trip
The sound in Short Trip is essential to crafting the enveloping experience that defines the game. The background sounds, such as the soft rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds, enhance the tranquility of the setting, creating a rich auditory experience that entices players to get lost in the peaceful environment.
The soothing soundscapes found in titles like Journey and Firewatch, where audio is carefully woven into the fabric of exploration, are echoed by the rhythmic clatter of the tram as it glides along the tracks, further emphasizing the game’s slow pace.
However, the effect of sound quality and volume can be both good and bad. Some players have complained that the tram can be quite quiet at times, despite the fact that the subtleties of the audio design, like the click-clack of the tram moving over bridges, add layers of reality. This means that the noise levels need to be carefully tweaked, which can take away from the otherwise peaceful experience. Playing with headphones can help with this problem by allowing for a closer connection to the soundscape, but some players may find it annoying to have to make these changes.
Short Trip’s general audio experience goes well and has a peaceful mood. Players can focus on the background sounds because there is no annoying music or sound effects, which encourages a meditative state that fits perfectly with the game’s theme, relaxation.
Short Trip encourages players to unwind and reflect, supporting its identity as an interactive illustration rather than a traditional game, just as Animal Crossing embraces its soothing soundscapes to enhance the sense of cozy village life. The game provides a sanctuary from the chaos of modern life by allowing sound to surround the player, encouraging moments of contemplation and peace.
Echoes of Nostalgia: The Emotional Resonance of Short Trip
At its heart, Short Trip is intended to be a relaxing experience, inviting players to unwind in a beautifully made world. The game’s pacing and mechanics, which place more emphasis on relaxation than competition, make this goal evident as you drive a tram through peaceful scenery and interact with the cats that ride along, a soft rhythm forms that makes players want to slow down and enjoy every moment.
The soothing qualities of titles like Stardew Valley, where the focus on simple, repetitive tasks fosters a sense of peace and contentment, are reminiscent of this approach’s deep resonance with those seeking an escape from the hectic pace of daily life.
The familiar parts of Short Trip make the emotional impact even stronger. The hand-drawn art and endearing figures evoke a sense of familiarity and warmth, and players may find themselves thinking back to simpler times or remembering favorite childhood stories.
Similar to the longing for comfort and simplicity found in works inspired by Studio Ghibli, the game plays on a universal desire for those things. Ghibli movies take people to strange but peaceful worlds, and Short Trip lets players experience a slice of life full of gentle beauty and quiet joy.
The game also serves as a counter-narrative to the difficulties and distractions of modern life by reflecting larger themes of peace and simplicity. Short Trip is a reminder of the importance of stillness and contemplation in a world dominated by fast-paced gaming experiences and constant digital stimuli.
This focus on the theme fits with the rise of independent games that stress self-care and awareness, like A Short Hike and Calm Waters. Short Trip speaks to those who crave moments of tranquility in a world that is becoming increasingly chaotic by encouraging players to adopt a slower, more deliberate approach to gaming, making it more than just a game but a gentle invitation to unwind and reflect.
Short Journeys: Exploring Replayability and Game Modes in Short Trip
A normal game session in Short Trip lasts about five minutes and is a different gaming experience. This shortness can be a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, the short duration makes it easy for players to play in short bursts, fitting easily into busy schedules or serving as a quick break during hectic days. But this shortened version also makes me wonder if it can be played again.
Players may find that once they’ve experienced the game’s charm, there’s little reason to return for additional sessions because there are no achievements or challenging goals to pursue. After just a few trips along the tram line, the lack of standard gaming objectives can create a sense of closure.
Even with these problems, Short Trip still has some attraction for different types of players. Casual gamers, especially those seeking a stress-relieving tool, may be drawn back to the game because of its calming properties.
The simplicity of its mechanics and soothing design make it a great place for people to unwind, making it a great option for parents or anyone else who needs a moment of tranquility. This fits with the rising popularity of “cozy games,” like titles like Animal Crossing or A Short Hike, which put an emphasis on relaxation and gentle discovery over competitive gameplay.
The game also has two modes, Classic and Scheduled, so players can choose the one they like best. If you like a more laid-back experience, Classic mode lets you explore at your own pace. Scheduled mode, on the other hand, adds a light competitive element that might appeal to players who want a bit more organization. Due to its dual nature, even though the main experience is short, it can still connect with a wide range of people, inviting them to return for more, even if only for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts: The Tranquil Essence of Short Trip
Short Trip presents a lovely interactive picture rather than a typical game, a welcome change from traditional gaming. The game’s hand-drawn aesthetic and soothing soundscapes encourage players to reflect and unwind.
The game is perfect for parents and casual gamers seeking tranquility because of its short play sessions, effectively relieving stress.
Short Trip, which combines simplicity and charm, not only captivates with its visual and auditory experiences but also hits you emotionally, making it a great addition to the cozy gaming genre.
The Review
Short Trip
A charming, hand-drawn world in Short Trip perfectly captures the essence of relaxation in gaming, working as both an interactive illustration and a stress-relieving tool. Despite the lack of standard achievements, its short play sessions and soothing soundscapes make it a good option for casual players. Even though the game might not be fun to play repeatedly, its artistic qualities and relaxing atmosphere will stay with you.
PROS
- Beautiful hand-drawn visuals that evoke nostalgia.
- Soothing soundscapes enhance the relaxing atmosphere.
- Short play sessions make it accessible and easy to fit into busy schedules.
- Two game modes cater to different player preferences.
CONS
- Lack of achievements may diminish replay value.
- Limited depth in gameplay mechanics.
- Short duration could leave some players wanting more.
