Small in scope but executed fantastically
The closest thing I can relate Shelter to is thatgamecompany's Journey; which Shelter takes clear inspiration from. The minimalist aesthetics and storytelling which Journey has become known for find a new home in Shelter. Notable landmarks on the horizon designate your direction of travel. Although the game is linear in the same way that Journey is linear, you do have a clear end point but the game never forces you towards it and you are entirely at your leisure to explore the world around you, if never feels like you are on rails and there is a sense that you are just a small part of the picture. The world is imaginative and has a great sense of scale. The world is made up of repeating patterns and shapes in such a way that looks like it is straight out of a folksy scrapbook, it looks beautiful.
The roll you take in Shelter is one of a mother badger with five pups. The premise is simple and easy to understand. At the first hint of danger you quickly realize that it is your responsibility to care for and protect your pups. Hints and tips in the game are communicated through simple one frame pictures which appear like memories throughout your journey. You play through five vignettes in shelter, each one with a different environment and gameplay mechanic. Each challenges and pushes your motherly instincts and takes you far outside your comfort zone. Throughout all of this you have to keep your pups well fed by searching for food. Everything comes together in a bittersweet way in the very end.
Few games have captured such depth and breadth of emotions in Shelter, and packing so many memorable moments into an intense and concise package makes Shelter that much better. It sets out to do one simple thing and for the most part, succeeds.