Koira PS5 Review. Creating games that tell stories without the use of dialogue or text is an art in itself within the already endlessly creative video games entertainment medium. Games like Journey, Inside, Abzu, Somerville, Limbo and my personal favourite Cocoon have all tackled this method of storytelling in games and all succeeded in delivering some truly memorable experiences.
Koira, the debut title from Belgian developer Studio Tolima (co-developed and produced by Don’t Nod) is the latest game to carry the torch for games that say so much without saying anything at all.
Koira Review (PS5) – An Immersive & Emotional Journey Home
Loyal Companion
Waking up in the forest your journey begins as you look to find your way home. You soon come across a stranded puppy who has become snared in a trap. Upon releasing the dog you forge a bond with a loyal companion, a bond which will continue to grow stronger as you journey homeward.
Your trusty canine pal isn’t just a passive passenger on this voyage. Feed him enough apples when he is hungry and his boosted energy can clear the darkness of the forest opening up the pathways ahead. There are also little times of levity that take you both away from the harrowing reality as you share moments of pure joy.
Simplicity
The gameplay revolves around some fairly simple puzzles and some stealth. What you are doing comes second to what you are seeing, hearing and experiencing. A headset is highly recommended as you are engrossed in the rich soundscapes of the forest. Accompanied by a beautiful score there is some really clever sound design at play here; different instruments are used brilliantly to covey to the player what is going on.
Also the fact that your character is a silhouette makes you focus on the eyes where so much emotion is delivered through some excellent animation work. The characters’ ears too have subtle little animations that are used cleverly to convey the harshness of the elements for example as icy gusts slow you in your tracks.
The design of the world is so simple yet holds so many little small details. The use of parallaxed backgrounds as you peer into the distance from an elevated viewpoint communicates the sense of scale to the task at hand.
The Story Unfolds
As you progress the mystery of what is going on in the forest begins to unravel as you come across hunters lurking in the forest. They carry rifles and have vicious dogs of their own in tow. These are a stark contrast to your own four-legged friend in look, sound and animation.
The messages that the game is trying to deliver to the player can be interpreted in different ways. Each person who experiences this fine expedition will take with them something slightly different. Regardless of the thoughts or emotions you are left with at the end, they are sure to be heartfelt and poignant. The game is excellently paced, respecting your time and keeping you engrossed throughout the short few hours it will take you to get from start to finish.
One slight disappointment for those who enjoy Trophy hunting is that this game does not have a shiny platinum, although there are still some fun Trophies to collect which is aided by a chapter select from the main menu. On the performance front the game runs smooth as butter and flows seamlessly between its 24 chapters.
What Studio Tolima have created here with their debut title is exceptional. The heart that has been poured into crafting each element quite literally floods your senses, pulling at your heartstrings with each step of the journey. In an industry that is going through some turmoil with regard to layoffs and studio closures they are carrying the torch as an unwavering light in dark times.
I absolutely expect this indie team to receive award nominations later in the year and I truly cannot wait to see what they conjure next.
Koira is out now on PS5 and PC (via Steam).
Review code kindly provided by publisher.