Chicory: A Colorful Tale – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2021

91%

WISE Score

81%

IGDB

A dog with a magic paintbrush colors the world and confronts imposter syndrome—it's Zelda meets art therapy, and it's genuinely wonderful.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale

game

2021

91%

WISE Score

81%

IGDB

A dog with a magic paintbrush colors the world and confronts imposter syndrome—it's Zelda meets art therapy, and it's genuinely wonderful.

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare games that respects kids' emotional intelligence while giving them genuine creative freedom. Yes, it's about a dog with a paintbrush, but it's also about what it feels like to doubt yourself, to worry you're not good enough, and to find your way through those feelings with help from friends.

The painting mechanic isn't just a gimmick—it's the entire point. Kids can make the world look however they want, and that freedom is genuinely special. But parents should know this isn't just cute animals and coloring. The game goes to some emotionally real places, and while it handles them beautifully, younger or more sensitive kids might need some processing time.

If your kid is ready for a game that's both creatively empowering and emotionally thoughtful, this is an absolute gem. It's the kind of game that sticks with you.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-16, though younger kids can enjoy the creative painting with parent support. The E10+ rating is spot-on—kids need enough emotional maturity to handle themes of self-doubt and anxiety, even though they're presented gently. Older teens and adults will appreciate the thoughtful narrative.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A heartwarming story about art, self-doubt, and helping your community. The game tackles themes of imposter syndrome and anxiety in an age-appropriate way, with characters supporting each other through difficult feelings. Some intense moments where colors invert and harsh (non-profane) words wound characters emotionally, but these serve the narrative about dealing with negativity and self-criticism. Models cooperation and kindness throughout.

Imaginative

This is a game literally about wielding a magic paintbrush to color an entire world. Players can paint anything, anywhere, anytime—it's a massive creative sandbox wrapped in an adventure. The core mechanic is pure creative expression, with puzzles solved through artistic thinking. The premise of restoring color to a black-and-white world is inherently imaginative, and the game invites kids to make the world look however they want.

Safe

Rated E10+ by ESRB for Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, and Mild Suggestive Themes. No in-game purchases, loot boxes, or online chat. Users can interact (likely sharing custom art), but no predatory monetization. The main safety consideration is the emotional intensity—scenes with inverted colors and characters dealing with harsh self-criticism and anxiety may be challenging for sensitive younger kids. The game addresses mental health themes (imposter syndrome, self-doubt) in a thoughtful way, but parents should be aware this isn't just a breezy coloring game.

Enriching

Beyond being entertaining, this game teaches genuine lessons about dealing with self-doubt, creative confidence, and helping others. The mental health themes are handled with care and could spark important conversations. Puzzles develop problem-solving skills, and the open-ended art system builds creative confidence. The game validates that everyone can be an artist in their own way. IGDB rating of 81/100 suggests strong player appreciation.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Unlimited creative expression—kids can paint literally everything in the game world however they want, making it truly their own adventure
Tackles real emotional themes (self-doubt, anxiety, feeling 'not good enough') in a way that validates kids' feelings and models healthy coping
Puzzle-solving through art and creativity rather than combat—boss battles are fought with a paintbrush
Wholesome story about helping animal friends and community, with characters who genuinely support each other
No monetization nonsense—you buy it once and get the whole experience

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What to Watch For

The mental health themes are real—characters struggle with anxiety and harsh self-criticism, which might be intense for sensitive kids under 10
Some scenes feature inverted colors and emotionally charged moments that can feel genuinely heavy
Despite the cute art style, this isn't just a light coloring game—there's emotional depth here that younger kids may need help processing
Reading required for the story, though a 5-year-old could still have fun just painting everything

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt like you weren't good enough at something, even when other people said you were doing great?"
"If you could paint the whole world any colors you wanted, what would you change?"
"How do you think the characters in the game deal with feeling worried or scared? What helps them feel better?"
"What's your favorite thing you've created in the game? What makes you proud of it?"

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