Short Trip: A Cat-Driven Train Game for Chilling Out

Yesterday, while going through my collection of stories on Aftermath related to indie games, I was amazed by the number of them expressing a need for a "chill game" at the moment. It's quite intriguing to think about why there is such a craving for these calming games these days. One such game that satisfies this thirst is Short Trip. Originally a browser game and now available on Steam, it offers a unique gaming experience.

Embrace the Chill with Short Trip

About the Game

Short Trip is a brief yet captivating game where you take on the role of a cat driving a train. You traverse the track, picking up other cats and transporting them between stations. The simplicity of this action is quite soothing. When you reach the end of the line, you turn around and make your way back to the starting point, ready to start again. Additionally, you have the pleasure of ringing the little train bell.This game took its creator, Alexander Perrin, five years to hand-draw. His curiosity led him to explore how to illustrate a game using pencil. The original version of the game was playable for free in the browser, but the Steam version enhances the experience with controller support and a scored mode. In this mode, you have to run the train according to a schedule synchronized with your computer's clock. I found this mode quite enjoyable, but what I loved the most was the game's laid-back pace, which allowed me to soak in the intricate scenery. I would stop to admire a windmill or a row of market stands and listen to the different sounds the wheels made on various surfaces as I rolled back and forth.

The Artistic Aspect

The art in Short Trip is truly lovely and detailed. You have the option to change the type of paper the game models use, which changes its look and mood. One of my favorite pastimes, whether on a train or in a car, is to stare out the window and imagine what it would be like to live in the towns I pass by. Short Trip perfectly aligns with this tendency and allows me to create little stories about my passengers. I would imagine taking an old cat up the steep hill to the market or moving another cat between their job in the forest and their home in town.

The Relaxing Experience

Primarily, I enjoyed simply moving the train back and forth, listening to the noises and looking at the beautiful pictures. It felt like a child playing with a train set, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility. Short Trip offers a lovely little experience that leaves you feeling less panicked after playing it compared to when you started. Given the level of daily panic I often experience, this is high praise. If you're also in search of some chill, give Short Trip a try. It's a game that truly stands out in the world of indie gaming.