Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a top-down adventure game on Nintendo Switch that centers on painting as the primary way to interact with the world. Players control an anthropomorphic dog who steps into the role of wielder after the previous artist vanishes and color drains from the Picnic Province. The experience blends exploration, environmental puzzles, and light platforming through a coloring-book style setting where every brushstroke brings life back to the surroundings.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around using a magical paintbrush to restore color and solve challenges. Players move the character with one control stick while directing the brush with another, or they can switch to touch-screen input in handheld mode for more direct painting. Basic tools include adjustable brush sizes and a small set of colors that expand with progress. Painting fills empty spaces, activates mechanisms like growing plants into platforms or shrinking obstacles, and reveals hidden details on walls or in the environment.
As the story advances, the bond with the brush strengthens and new abilities appear. These include jumping across gaps, swimming through painted surfaces to navigate tight spaces, climbing vertical walls covered in paint, and applying glow effects to light dark areas. Later unlocks allow painting on water and faster movement through painted paths, including against waterfalls. The world reacts dynamically, with painted elements enabling new routes and shortcuts that encourage thorough exploration of each screen.
Boss encounters provide the only moments of direct opposition. These sequences require dodging attacks while using the brush to strike back in arenas that shift to negative color palettes. The fights remain optional and can be skipped entirely through menu settings. Side activities such as delivering mail, attending art classes, or taking photographs add variety and extend playtime beyond the main path.
Game Modes
The game supports single-player throughout its full campaign. A local co-op option allows a second player to join on the same console using an additional set of Joy-Cons. In co-op, both participants can paint simultaneously, tackle puzzles together, or simply color the world side by side without splitting the screen. No online features or competitive modes exist, keeping the focus on cooperative creativity and shared discovery.
Story and World
The narrative follows the player character, a devoted fan of the missing artist Chicory, as they assume responsibility for the brush. The black-and-white landscape gradually regains vibrancy through the player's actions, while conversations with over one hundred animal residents reveal personal struggles and community ties. Themes of self-doubt and creative expression surface naturally through dialogue and environmental storytelling. The world of Picnic Province feels lived-in, with distinct regions that reward repeated visits as new abilities open previously inaccessible areas.
Is It Worth Playing?
Chicory: A Colorful Tale delivers a focused adventure that emphasizes thoughtful puzzle design and expressive painting over combat or high-stakes action. Its accessibility options, such as adjustable difficulty for boss fights and reaction speed, make it approachable for a wide range of players. The local co-op adds a relaxed social element suitable for short sessions with friends or family. Reviews consistently highlight the satisfying progression of abilities, the emotional resonance of the story about finding one's place, and the simple joy of coloring the world at your own pace. On Nintendo Switch the touch controls and motion options enhance the painting feel, while the complete package runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes. Those who enjoy top-down exploration with creative mechanics and a heartfelt single-player experience will find it a strong fit, especially if they appreciate games that reward careful observation and personal expression over speed or competition.
