Step into a living canvas in Chicory: A Colorful Tale, a breathtaking indie adventure that blends the exploration of a top-down Zelda-style journey with the creative freedom of a digital coloring book. Developed by Greg Lobanov (the mind behind Wandersong) alongside an incredible team of industry veterans, this game offers a deeply personal experience that explores themes of creativity, mental health, and the pressure of living up to expectations.

A World Without Color

The story begins in a vibrant world where color is maintained by a magical paintbrush and its legendary Wielder, Chicory. However, a sudden catastrophe strikes: all the color vanishes from the land, and Chicory herself disappears. Taking on the role of a plucky dog—a janitor and number-one fan of the original Wielder whom you can name after your favorite food—you must pick up the abandoned brush and embark on a quest to restore the world's brilliance.

As you traverse charming, food-themed locales like the Luncheon and Brekkie towns, the Appie Foothills, and the Supper Woods, you will discover that the loss of color is tied to a growing darkness. While the adventure starts with whimsy, it quickly evolves into a profound journey as you unravel the mystery behind Chicory's disappearance and the true nature of the brush.

Gameplay Mechanics: Paint Your Own Path

The core of Chicory: A Colorful Tale is the magic paintbrush. Unlike traditional adventure games that rely on combat, your primary tool for interacting with the world is art itself. The gameplay revolves around using paint to manipulate the environment and solve intricate puzzles.

  • Creative Freedom: Use the brush to draw, erase, and fill in the black-and-white world. While you only need a certain amount of color to progress, your artistic choices are permanent; at the end of your journey, you can view a time-lapse of how you personally colored the entire map.
  • Evolving Toolset: Start with basic drawing functions and unlock new "brush styles," such as stamps (stars or hearts) and patterns (dots or stripes), to enhance your artistic toolkit.
  • Exploration and Progression: Unlock new movement abilities to reach previously inaccessible areas, creating a satisfying sense of progression through platforming-based puzzles.
  • Personalization: Collectable clothes, plants, and furniture allow you to dress your character and decorate the world to your liking.
  • Local Co-op: Invite a friend to join the fun and paint the world together in local cooperative mode.

An Unforgettable Indie Experience

Beyond its charming aesthetic, Chicory: A Colorful Tale stands out due to its incredible writing and standout soundtrack by Lena Raine (Celeste). The game manages to balance lighthearted fun with moments of surprising darkness and emotional weight, making it a much more profound experience than its "coloring book" exterior might suggest.

This title is a must-play for fans of Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, and anyone who appreciates narrative-driven indie gems that offer both relaxation and meaningful storytelling. Whether you are here to complete sidequests involving lost cat children or simply to spend hours meticulously coloring every corner of the map, Chicory offers a unique, rewarding adventure.

Technical Specifications

  • Genre: Indie, Adventure, RPG
  • Platforms: PC (Windows), macOS, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
  • Release Date: June 10, 2021