Koira

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Adventure, 2D, arcade elements, indie games, singleplayer

8.3

OpenCritic

100%

Steam

Rate It!

A 2D adventure game published by Don't Nod (Life is Strange series). Koira is about travelling through the forest and taking care of our puppy companion. The developers have also implemented stealth mechanics which we can use after encountering hunters. The goals are to restore the balance of the forest and to reach our home.

Gameplay
Story
Graphics

Koira is the debut project of the independent team Studio Tolima from Brussels. The release of this adventure game was handled by the company Don't Nod (known primarily for the first two installments of the Life is Strange series). The game transports us to a fantasy forest and allows us to take care of a puppy.

Gameplay

In Koira we view the events from a bird's eye view.

Forest adventures

Adventure leads us through forest glades, hills and caves. Exploring these places, we interact with the forest inhabitants and get to know them better, helping them solve their problems, as well as complete puzzles (often requiring the participation of both our character and her dog).

We need to devote some time to our small animal friend. The puppy needs to be fed (for example with fruits found along the way) and entertained from time to time.

Struggles with hunters

Our adventure is complicated by the fact that ruthless hunters are lurking in the area, with whom we have to deal. A stealth system has been implemented in the game, allowing us to hide in the bushes or use a puppy to distract enemies (we don't have to worry about its life, as it can quickly "scurry" between the bushes).

Story

In Koira we play a character who wakes up far from the heart of the forest - their home. Shortly after starting the game, we help a puppy calling for help. From then on, it becomes our faithful companion, following our every step. The task that awaits us is not only to find the way back home, but also to restore the balance in the forest that has been disturbed by hunters.

Graphics

The two-dimensional graphics of Koira are maintained in a drawing style and color scheme dominated by shades of gray and red.

Videos and Screens

[1:32] Koira - Launch Trailer

[1:44] Koira - Gameplay Trailer

8.3

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 89% of Critics. There are 22 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

WellPlayed: 9 / 10 by Mark Isaacson

The journey taken across Koira's musically emotive world is exactly what my soul needed in these dark times, and it's one you'll likely enjoy in equal measure too.

Full Review

CGMagazine: 8 / 10 by Eduard Gafton

While it does nothing wholly original, Koira achieves exactly what it sets out to do: tell an emotional tale and build a strong foundation for Studio Tolima's future titles.

Full Review

Final Weapon: 4 / 5 by Saras Rajpal

Koira is a magical experience from beginning to end. While the simple story and gameplay mechanics may not appeal to everyone, the fact that the game manages to tell a charming yet heart-wrenching narrative without any dialogue is very impressive. Despite some bugs and a few instances of crashing, you should definitely play Koira, especially if you're looking for an adorable and calming adventure to play during the Spring season.

Full Review

100%