Squirreled Away

Squirreled Away is widely praised as a charming, relaxing crafting and exploration game where players embody squirrels and engage in climbing, building treehouses, and completing quests. The game features a unique perspective, allowing free-form traversal through diverse, beautifully designed environments. Players appreciate the cozy atmosphere, adorable animations, and the blend of mechanics including crafting, collecting, and base-building. The cooperative multiplayer mode is highlighted as enhancing the experience, making it a great game for friends or family. However, the game is relatively short, with many players completing it within 5 to 8 hours, though some extend playtime through building and exploration.

Players enjoy the peaceful vibe and creative freedom but note that the game could benefit from more content, such as additional decorations, longer storylines, and expanded environments. Quality-of-life improvements like better inventory management, a day/night cycle, weather effects, and fast travel are commonly requested. Despite minor bugs and control quirks, the developers are praised for responsiveness and updates, leaving players hopeful for future expansions.

Highlights

Players love the game's adorable graphics and animations, which bring the squirrel characters and environments to life in a cozy, cartoonish style. The gameplay mechanics of climbing, crafting, and building treehouses are engaging and intuitive, providing a relaxing yet fun experience. The cooperative multiplayer mode adds to the enjoyment, making it ideal for playing with friends or family. The quest system, while simple, offers variety through fetch quests, treasure hunts, and timed challenges. The game’s atmosphere, sound design, and music complement the overall charm, creating a delightful and immersive experience.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's short length and limited content, leaving some players wanting more depth and longevity. Inventory management is frequently described as frustrating due to limited space and lack of sorting options. Controls, especially for building, can feel clumsy and unintuitive at times. The absence of a day/night cycle, weather effects, and fast travel make exploration tedious. Some players mention minor bugs and UI issues, such as inconsistent item stack sizes and text glitches. Additionally, certain gameplay features feel underused or disconnected from the main experience, suggesting potential for further development.