In the vast world of video games, it’s pretty standard to find yourself navigating life as a regular, two-legged human. However, stepping into the paws of a small creature is a rare delight. Recent games like Stray and Little Kitty, Big City have led the charge with their charming animal leads, but there’s a new indie gem on the horizon that’s making a unique choice. Squirreled Away invites players into the fluffy shoes—or rather, feet—of a squirrel, delivering a delightful, colorful platformer that swaps survival stress for simple, joyous activities like washing tiny paws, tree climbing, and chit-chatting with woodland pals.
- Squirreled Away* incorporates survival elements, such as gathering materials and crafting a cozy home, but it eliminates stress and hazards—barring perhaps the occasional grumpy pitbull. The challenge lies in skillfully jumping and swinging through trees to collect materials needed for the ultimate treetop abode. Developer Far Seas cleverly dubs it a “craft-and-thrive” journey, giving a fresh twist to a genre that’s grown quite crowded.
Our little squirrel isn’t in this alone, either. Throughout the game, there’s a host of cute animal buddies, each bringing their quests and stories. In my adventure, I teamed up with fellow squirrels, bonded with a turtle, and had a friendly banter with a seagull. This cozy game genre emphasizes warmth and charm in every corner, and Squirreled Away hits the mark perfectly.
For those who like company on their adventures, there’s a cooperative mode, allowing up to four squirrels to build their woodland haven together.
While realism takes a back seat for the sake of a more engaging experience, Squirreled Away doesn’t shy away from bending the rules of nature. While actual squirrels might not dabble in crafting, our protagonist learns to build an array of tools. These evolve throughout the game, eventually allowing you to glide gracefully between treetops.
The game currently offers a demo on Steam, giving curious players a sneak peek of what’s in store. A release date remains elusive, but it’s on my radar. After many games requiring me to chop wood and break stones as a human with opposable thumbs, inhabiting the world from a squirrel’s perspective was refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed scampering up trees and savoring the simple pleasure of munching on an acorn.
