There are plenty of games where you can step into the shoes of a regular, two-legged human character, but the chance to play as an animal is a rare treat. While titles like “Stray” and “Little Kitty, Big City” have charmed players with their adorable animal leads, there’s a fresh indie game on the horizon that’s taking a bold leap by putting you in the paws of a squirrel. “Squirreled Away” is a delightful crafting platformer, bursting with color, that ditches the typical survival pressures. Here, you can indulge in simple pleasures like washing your tiny paws, scampering up trees, and mingling with your woodland neighbors.
Though “Squirreled Away” draws from elements of the survival genre, requiring you to gather materials and construct a home, it steers clear of threats—unless you count a grumpy pitbull. The real test lies in mastering the art of platforming and navigating treetops to collect all you need to craft your dream home. Developer Far Seas playfully dubs it a “craft-and-thrive” adventure, adding a refreshing twist to a genre that’s nearly everywhere you look.
Your squirrel journey isn’t a solo endeavor; you’ll meet a delightful cast of animal companions, each with their own tales and tasks. I found myself in delightful conversations with fellow squirrels, made a shelled friend in a turtle and even had a chat with a seagull. “Squirreled Away” nestles perfectly into the cozy game niche, with every detail designed to make you feel right at home.
If you fancy teaming up, there’s a co-op mode where you and up to three other squirrels can build an empire amidst the foliage.
Sure, the game takes a few creative liberties in realism for the sake of a richer exploration. Take, for instance, our squirrel protagonist—a master crafter fashioning tiny tools, despite the limits of real-world squirrel capabilities. And as you journey further, you’ll even unlock wings to glide elegantly from tree to tree.
For now, a demo is up on Steam, inviting players to take this charming world for a spin. While there’s no firm release date yet, I’ll be keeping a close watch on it. Frankly, I’m a bit over the tasks of chopping trees and banging rocks in games where I’m stuck being a human with conventional thumbs. Playing as a nimble squirrel is a refreshing change of pace, and I relished every moment of leaping through the treetops and savoring an acorn or two.
