Squirreled Away: A Nutty Adventure in Cozy Survival

When tree climbing becomes an art form

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the whimsical world of Squirreled Away, where you play as a carefree squirrel navigating a charming landscape filled with crafting, climbing, and the occasional inventory glitch. This 3D platformer offers a meditative escape from the chaos of everyday life, but does it deliver a truly nutty experience? Let’s dive into the branches of gameplay, graphics, and story to find out.

Gameplay: A Cozy Climb with a Few Slippery Branches

In the realm of Squirreled Away, gameplay is as cozy as a squirrel’s nest. The controls are simple and intuitive, making it accessible for players of all ages. The game shines with its unique tree climbing mechanic, allowing you to latch onto branches and navigate the world with ease. It’s a delightful twist on the survival genre, reminiscent of classic titles like Banjo-Kazooie. However, when your squirrel finds itself upside down on a ceiling, the controls can become as confusing as a squirrel in a maze.

The game is polished, with few bugs reported, though minor glitches like inventory issues and mismatched fur color unlocks in co-op mode do pop up. The progression system is fair, avoiding the grind of hard-to-find materials, and the absence of tool durability keeps the experience light and breezy. However, the lack of a fast travel system means you’ll be running and gliding across the map at a leisurely pace, which can feel like a marathon for your little squirrel legs.

Multiplayer adds a layer of fun, supporting up to four players, but the interface could use some work. Joining friends’ games can be as tricky as finding a hidden acorn, and the absence of an in-game invite system is a missed opportunity. Despite these hiccups, the game offers a relaxing and engaging experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Performance Hiccups

Visually, Squirreled Away is a treat. The art style is charming and adorable, with a color palette that enhances the cozy atmosphere. The animations, particularly those of the squirrel, are top-notch, making every leap and glide a joy to watch. The tree climbing mechanic not only aids navigation but also adds a visual flair that keeps the experience fresh and engaging.

However, performance issues rear their head, especially on devices like the Steam Deck OLED, where frame rates can drop faster than a squirrel on a slippery branch. While the game runs smoothly on high settings for PCs, the transition to epic settings doesn’t offer much visual improvement, suggesting a need for better optimization. More detailed graphics settings would be a welcome addition, allowing players to tailor their experience and avoid the occasional blur effect on distant buildings.

Despite these challenges, the graphics remain a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game’s charm and appeal. The world is visually appealing, and the ability to navigate as a squirrel adds a unique perspective that enhances the overall experience.

Story: A Lighthearted Tale with Room to Grow

The narrative of Squirreled Away is as cozy as its gameplay. The story is simple yet enjoyable, offering a refreshing break from more intense gaming genres. Set in a whimsical world, the game revolves around a carefree squirrel engaging in activities like collecting items and crafting. The quests are straightforward, guiding players through the game world with ease.

While the story isn’t groundbreaking, it leaves players with positive feelings, supported by cheerful NPC interactions and comical developments. However, the narrative is relatively short, lasting only 4-6 hours, with a full completion time of 12-15 hours. Some players may find the lack of depth in story content and character development a missed opportunity, but the game remains a delightful experience for those seeking a lighthearted adventure.

Cooperative play enhances the storytelling experience, though synchronization issues in multiplayer can lead to frustration. The game world is designed to be non-threatening, with minimal adversaries, which some players suggest could be expanded to enrich the narrative. Despite these limitations, the game is praised for its simplicity and ability to appeal to a wide audience.

Final Verdict

Squirreled Away offers a charming and cozy experience that stands out in the survival-craft genre. While it has its share of technical issues and a lack of depth in certain mechanics, the game’s unique tree climbing mechanic, adorable graphics, and lighthearted story make it a delightful addition to any gamer’s library. With potential for improvement through future updates, this nutty adventure is worth a try for those seeking a relaxing escape.

Score: 7.2/10