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Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2021

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Quick resume

A top-down adventure game in a coloring book world full of vibrant characters. Use painting powers to explore, solve puzzles, make friends, and draw on anything! From creators on Wandersong + Celeste.

Global score

98/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Puzzle

Pros

  • Deep and meaningful story
  • Innovative and creative painting mechanics
  • Emotional and therapeutic experience
  • Beautiful art style and soundtrack
  • Accessible puzzles and exploration

Cons

  • Some clunky controls especially with controller
  • Boss fights can be repetitive or less engaging
  • Painting precision can be frustrating at times
  • Limited challenge for players seeking difficulty
  • Minor bugs reported on some platforms

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant freedom to choose how and where to paint, customize brushes, and explore the world at their own pace."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game offers puzzles and platforming challenges that require skill and problem solving, though generally accessible and forgiving."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal creative expression and exploration without competitive elements or player comparison."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long playtimes, multiple playthroughs, and attachment to the world and characters."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Includes local co-op and remote play options, but primarily designed for solo play and personal experience."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around painting and customizing the world, characters, and brushes, encouraging creative expression."

  • Domination
    -5

    "Interactions emphasize mutual respect and emotional connection rather than control or superiority."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strong emotional narrative and immersive world provide players with meaningful escape and therapeutic experience."

  • Expectation
    -5

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by personal interest, creativity, and emotional resonance."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players experiment with colors, brush styles, and painting techniques to create unique art and solve puzzles."

  • Exploration
    4

    "The game encourages discovering new areas, secrets, and collectibles across a varied map."

  • Expression
    5

    "Extensive character customization, brush creation, and world painting enable strong self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "The world is anthropomorphic and whimsical with fantasy elements, though grounded in emotional realism."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Players connect with a cast of characters and community through story and optional co-op play."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills in puzzle solving, platforming, and artistic expression, alongside emotional growth."

  • Health
    -5

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or rehab elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention for puzzles and painting, though pacing is relaxed and player-controlled."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "Emotional story and character interactions foster meaningful connections and empathy."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or authoritative roles; gameplay centers on individual journey and collaboration without hierarchy."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players unlock new painting abilities, collect cosmetics and items, and progress through story and puzzles."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Painting and exploration provide a calming, cathartic experience balanced with light challenge."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Vibrant visuals, varied color palettes, and a memorable soundtrack provide rich sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "Focus is on personal fulfillment and creativity rather than social recognition or ranking."

  • Story
    5

    "Deep, emotionally resonant narrative addressing mental health, creativity, and personal growth."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Puzzles and ability use require some planning and problem solving, though not highly complex."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Gameplay is low risk and relaxing, with occasional tension during boss fights but generally controlled."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report high satisfaction and emotional return for the time and money invested."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus is on creation and restoration."

  • Survival
    -5

    "Stable, low-risk environment with no threat or failure states impacting survival."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026