Koira review: Of dogs and dulcimers

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Typically, a game that strives so hard to evoke emotions like Koira does might raise questions about whether it’s using sentimentality to mask a shallow core. However, Studio Tolima aims for more than just making you safeguard a dog and appreciate adorable woodland creatures. Instead, they skillfully weave these emotional ties into the narrative, revealing numerous heartfelt tales and imbuing Koira’s puzzles with significance.

Won’t you be my friend

In this setting, you find yourself initially all by yourself within a dense forest. The darkness veils your surroundings, and the eerie creaking of branches is the only sound breaking the silence, with menacing owls being the sole evidence of life. Our unnamed hero appears uneasy, even the tranquil pastel hues of the forest seem foreboding. However, everything shifts when you stumble upon a dog trapped in a snare. A significant change occurs, partially due to the dog’s luminescent nose that illuminates the shadows, much like Zero from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, but not deceased.

At first sight, Koira appears to be a contemporary reimagining of the 1946 Disney animated short “Peter and the Wolf,” based on Sergei Prokofiev’s tale. In this adaptation, each character is symbolized by an instrument – an oboe for the duck, a string quartet for Peter, and so forth. Every sound in it is an instrument. The quick, rhythmic musical bursts every time the dog moves are endearing, yet Koira also adds a subtle message through these sounds.

In Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, it’s a place where imagination thrives. Just like Fred Rogers, Koira employs music and interactions to teach valuable lessons about compassion and friendship. On their own, the melodies produced by the player character, the dog, and other wildlife may not change the world around them significantly. However, when they take the time to learn each other’s songs and sing harmoniously, they forge friendships and bring warmth to their forest habitat.

After discovering the dog and taking care of it, the heroine’s anxiety and sadness fade away, making the forest seem less foreboding. The sounds of birds chirping and sunlight filtering through the trees replace the oppressive atmosphere, filling the air with a sense of joy that can be felt in every step taken and in the vibrant colors surrounding them.

For a brief moment, the darkness is kept away, but then… The dog accidentally steps into a bear trap and becomes so terrified it can no longer make a sound. This disturbing event occurs in what was previously a peaceful game, making one question its tranquil nature. However, it serves as a stark warning that predators like wolves – to continue the Peter and the Wolf analogy – are always lurking and won’t hesitate to pounce on any sense of security you may have created in an instant.

One perspective on this subject certainly exists, but there’s also another compelling argument that it could represent the gradual loss of innocence as a child faces the harsh realities of life. For instance, games like hide-and-seek, which were once filled with joy and simplicity, can take on a darker significance as one hides in fear for their own safety. However, if you prefer to view it as a simple, delightful puzzle game about guiding a cheerful dog through the woods, that’s equally valid. Koira values depth of meaning and symbolism over delivering a single, clear message, making it a more impactful work of art.

A different puzzle

As a gamer, I found the initial part where Koira guides me on interacting with the canine companion and prepares me for my journey through the forest feels less like a tutorial and more like an authentic introduction to the game’s world. Studio Tolima chose not to fall into the trap of traditional puzzle-based structures, ensuring this emotional setup remains genuine rather than being turned into a gimmick. From the start, you get what you see, and while there are larger, more intense events that unfold later, Koira maintains its unique balance throughout.

In every instance where you and your dog are hiding from a hunter with a gun or when fear snuffs out the dog’s optimistic spirit, there’s a peaceful moment that allows for creating a snowman or playing with rabbits while watching butterflies flutter by. The cadence heightens the tranquil, beautiful moments in Koira, adding depth to the message of finding happiness in small things, even when the world outside seems scary and overwhelming. On a practical level, it prevents Koira from becoming monotonous and dull. While saying that each new moment brings something unexpected might sound cliché, it perfectly applies here as it truly reflects the unpredictable nature of the story.

Harmony in all things

In a more natural and easy-to-understand manner: Studio Tolima’s puzzle design in Koira focuses more on seamless integration rather than difficulty, creating an immersive experience. The puzzles, such as guiding petals to specific locations, evading hunters, or overcoming obstacles, may not be intellectually demanding, but they do not disrupt the flow of gameplay. There are no incongruous barriers that require unconventional tools or solutions inconsistent with the game’s setting or protagonist’s abilities. While challenge is enjoyable, careful design is even more appealing. In Koira, every magical, malicious, or mundane element fits harmoniously within the game world.

Koira’s moments are often imbued with magic, even the simplest ones such as observing the dog chase a rabbit or gather flowers seem extraordinary, making them memorable events. The character designs by Studio Tolima contribute significantly to this effect. Despite their simplicity – the main character being merely a silhouette with eyes – they and their music components are skillfully crafted to convey strong emotions, creating an emotional bond that’s hard to ignore.

Exploring Koira doesn’t merely give an impression of its excellent design; instead, it presents a unique instance where every aspect of it, including the visual aesthetic and even the tiniest details of audio production, seamlessly blend in harmonious unity. While it continues to rely on an emotional pull, once you consider its overall quality beyond that, it becomes quite captivating, making any potential flaws less noticeable.

For this review, we received a Steam version of the game Koira directly from the publisher. Currently, you can get your hands on Koira for both PC and PlayStation 5 systems.

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2025-04-03 17:28