In the world of gaming, playing as a typical two-legged human is old news. Sure, there are some standout games that let you step into the paws of an animal, like Stray and Little Kitty, Big City. But there’s an indie gem on the horizon that’s taking things to the next level by letting you embody a squirrel. Enter Squirreled Away, a delightful crafting platformer that shifts the focus from survival tension to the sheer enjoyment of scampering around, cleaning your paws, climbing trees, and socializing with your woodland pals.
While Squirreled Away borrows elements from the survival genre—you still gather materials and construct your treetop abode—there’s a notable absence of anxiety-inducing threats, aside from perhaps a moody pitbull. The real hurdles lie in mastering the art of platforming and navigating the treetops to gather just the right resources. As Far Seas, the developer, describes it, this game is a “craft-and-thrive” adventure, offering a fresh twist on a genre that’s seen its fair share of entries.
Our furry protagonist isn’t going it alone, though. This little squirrel is surrounded by a cast of charming animal characters, each with their own stories and quests. During my hands-on time with the game, I found myself chatting with fellow squirrels, making friends with a turtle, and having a pleasant conversation with a seagull. Squirreled Away comfortably fits within the cozy gaming category; every facet of the game is meticulously designed to be inviting and heartwarming.
Moreover, you can jump into co-op mode, teaming up with up to three friends to create a bustling squirrel community.
The game delivers a dose of whimsy by enhancing the squirrel’s natural abilities for exploration purposes. I mean, I’ve never seen a squirrel with a penchant for crafting, but this little critter sure does, fashioning tiny tools and eventually crafting wings to glide majestically between treetops.
Currently, you can dive into a demo of Squirreled Away on Steam for a sneak peek at what it has to offer. Although we’re still waiting on a definitive release date, this is one game I’m keeping tabs on. After all, I’ve grown weary of the repetitive task of cutting down trees and smashing rocks in other games as a humanoid character. Becoming a nimble squirrel presents a refreshing change of pace, and I found genuine joy in scaling trees and munching on acorns.
