Chicory: A Colorful Tale. Best short games to finish under 10 hours | 2021

What is Chicory: A Colorful Tale?

The above question in this case might be, "What is Chicory for you?" At first glance, it's a fairly simple adventure game that uses a colorless board to solve puzzles and unlock new levels. Nothing stops us from making it a game about a brave dumpling (the game names the protagonist after our favorite dish), who stops at nothing in order to save cute kittens hidden in the game. It may well be a simple, coloring puzzle, but why not go deeper? The childish mantle hides much more than you could assume taking it at face value.

What makes it worth it?

The game is interesting because the developers give us huge freedom in shaping our experience; we can omit some cut scenes, we don't have to talk to others, and the occasional boss fights are optional, for the most part. It's definitely worth to explore this game more thoroughly, though. Inside, there's a story about depression, the value of art in our lives, and the problems that the characters face are far from infantile.

The game is a great way to shake off the everyday stress – the atmosphere of an interactive coloring book is as soothing as a bunch of kittens. And then, tehre's a few things you might learn. What exactly? Mostly stuff about yourself, maybe a broader perspective, a few observations. It's worth it.