There are countless games where you take on the role of a regular person on two legs, but it’s a rare treat to find those that let you embody an adorable creature. We’ve seen some successes with charming animal leads in titles like Stray and Little Kitty, Big City, but there’s a new indie game on the horizon that takes a bold step in a different direction. Enter Squirreled Away, a delightful crafting platformer where you become a busy little squirrel, complete with furry paws and the knack for climbing trees and making friendly chatter with your woodland neighbors.
While Squirreled Away shares some elements typical of the survival genre—gathering materials and constructing a cozy home—it takes away the usual pressures and threats. Well, except for the occasional grumpy pitbull. The real challenge lies in platforming and executing slick parkour moves across treetops to gather just the right resources for your treetop retreat. Far Seas, the developer, describes this little gem as a "craft-and-thrive" adventure—a refreshing spin on a genre that often feels overdone.
What makes the game even more engaging are the delightful characters you meet along the way. Your squirrel isn’t aiming for world domination solo; there’s a lively cast of animal companions, each with their own quirky tales and missions. I’ve had delightful conversations with fellow squirrels, made friends with a wise turtle, and even exchanged pleasantries with a cheeky seagull. Squirreled Away cozily slips into the cozy genre, with every aspect of it designed to draw you in and make you feel right at home.
If you enjoy multiplayer fun, you can join forces with up to three other players in co-op mode to create your own bustling squirrel community.
While you are indeed a small squirrel, the designers have taken a few creative liberties to enhance our ability to explore. For instance, unlike their real-world counterparts, this game’s squirrels have figured out how to whip up tiny tools. As you advance, you even unlock glider wings, making it possible to soar gracefully from one tree to the next.
Curious to try it out? There’s a demo currently available on Steam, inviting players to get a glimpse of what this game has to offer. Although there’s no official release date yet, I’m definitely keeping tabs on this title. After spending so much time felling trees and breaking rocks in games where I must act as a human, being a nimble little squirrel feels like a breath of fresh air. It was pure joy to zip up trees and snack on acorns during my playthrough.
