I go after side quests, search for collectibles, and aim to earn every achievement. When I found Squirreled Away by Far Seas and published by Amplifier Studios, I was excited to explore everything it had to offer. With its release on March 28, 2025, my journey began in a lively, beautifully designed park full of fun and surprises.
Overall Impression
Squirreled Away won me over with its fun idea and welcoming gameplay. The world feels like a never-ending summer adventure. You play as a squirrel in a lovely outdoor setting. I enjoyed how it mixes exploring, crafting, and building treehouses. Living as a squirrel feels both cute and creative. I quickly noticed the thoughtful touches that appeal to both casual gamers and completionists like me.
Compared to other games in the same genre, Squirreled Away stands out with its focus on crafting and exploring. I like that it supports both solo play and co-op for up to four players. This feature fits in well with today’s trend of multiplayer sandbox games that value teamwork. Still, the game did have a few small issues.
While playing, I ran into some common bugs that briefly broke the flow. One problem was squirrel icons not matching the chosen fur color. It’s a small thing, but I notice those details. I also wished for a full map that’s always available. In the early game, I sometimes felt lost without one. These are small, easy-to-fix issues. Far Seas seems ready to improve the game, and they’re listening to feedback from the community.
Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay in Squirreled Away mixes gathering, crafting, and exploring nature. The controls respond well, and moving across grass and trees feels smooth. I tested every feature I could find. Building treehouses and collecting items felt really satisfying. Even small touches—like the sound of leaves or the swaying branches—added to the experience. I give the team credit for creating a world where every jump and climb feels fun and free.
Co-op mode makes the game even better. I spent hours with friends solving tasks where teamwork really mattered. Working together helped us unlock shortcuts and earn rewards. Sharing progress with others felt great. Though it’s fun to play alone, multiplayer adds replay value.
The game world is worth praising too. Every corner of the park feels alive. The soft story blends naturally into the gameplay, with secrets and hidden quests all around. The story is simple but relies on the environment and character interactions to tell it. I met a few quirky NPCs who gave me clues and lore. Their tips didn’t interrupt the flow, and I liked how the story let me discover things at my own pace.
Visuals and Graphics
The visuals bring the charm of Squirreled Away to life. The art style looks like a playful cartoon but with enough detail to satisfy even the most focused players. The park is full of color and life, and treehouses let you show your creative side. I loved the little details, from fluttering leaves to long shadows under tall trees. Some players compare the graphics to early Fortnite, but I think it balances fun visuals with natural beauty. The design matches the game’s vibe of fun, calm, and exploration.
Sound and Music
Sound and music elevate the experience even further. The soundtrack displays a calm yet uplifting melody that seamlessly fits nature-driven gameplay. I found that the ambient sounds, such as the soft chirping of birds and the quiet whispers of the wind, complemented my exploration. However, each time I gathered items or completed a small objective, the sound effects—comparable to the gentle chime of progress—introduced a burst of satisfaction. The approach to sound design enhances the immersion and does not detract from the game’s relaxed atmosphere.
Difficulty and Replayability
Challenges in Squirreled Away come in the form of discovering hidden items and perfecting intricate treehouse designs. The game spans roughly 10 to 15 hours if one aims to achieve 100% completion and master all aspects of construction. For completionists like myself, the journey is delightful yet demanding. While the game features moments of minor frustration, like the delay in accessing a consistent map, the challenge is precisely balanced to stimulate curiosity. I appreciated that each side quest added depth while presenting opportunities to earn achievements. The satisfaction of ticking off every task is unmistakable.
Replayability in Squirreled Away feels promising. The game does not merely end at the credits. Whether it is through cooperative challenges or by revisiting areas to find missed collectibles, the gameplay extends far beyond the initial run. I have seen fellow players remark on the short main storyline combined with the urge to hunt down every collectible and complete every treehouse upgrade. Those who seek a meticulous playthrough will enjoy returning to the parklands again and again.
I also appreciate the transparency from Far Seas regarding the game’s development. Behind the scenes, the team has actively listened to community feedback, especially regarding improvements like consistent squirrel icon customization and a full, readily accessible map. This proactive approach speaks to the developers’ commitment to refining the experience for all players, ensuring that the game evolves as a living world rather than a fixed product.
Final Thoughts
After hours of exploration, crafting, and uncovering hidden achievements, my final rating for Squirreled Away is 4 out of 5 stars. The game’s charm, expansive world, and clever mechanics make it a standout title in its genre. While minor technical issues and the absence of some features, such as a persistent map and extended customization options, hinder it slightly, these issues are overshadowed by the overall immersive experience.
In conclusion, Squirreled Away is a charming, well-crafted adventure that invites exploration and rewards a diligent, attentive playthrough. From crafting intricately detailed treehouses to discovering every hidden nook in the parkland, it offers a full-bodied adventure that caters to both casual players and completionists. Its gentle narrative, vibrant visuals, and immersive sound design combine to create a memorable gaming experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. I look forward to future updates that will address the little issues and see the parklands grow even richer in detail and interactivity.
