Among Trees — Review
by FJRD Interactive
This is a review of a game in Early Access
Escapism is one hell of a drug. Come hither, introverts. Be prepared to bask, creatives. Even city-slickers seek moments of peril-less zen. The act of escaping allows us (the human race) to sit within extra time — the concept of minutes and hours slows or expands without the hustle of a metropolitan system — and just simply be.
When I find a moment, sit down next to (or inside of) a river, touching rocks, without the sound of traffic washing out the thoughts in my head, I feel so much more present than is ever possible in a big city.
My stretch-marks don’t matter, the number on the tag of my pants couldn’t effect me less, and I hear no voices of my peers praising their own practices and accomplishments. I am me, and that alone. It’s beautiful.
So when I tell you that Among Trees is probably the most zen-like experience I’ve ever felt, perhaps you will feel the degree in which I share my journey.
Thus far — Among Trees is an extreme example of early access — I find the routine of collecting resources, expanding my cabin, and decorating, second to the simple act of walking around.
Aside: Come at me anti-walking simulator people.
The core loop of Among Trees consists of exploring, foraging for foods and building resources, and finding cashes or man-made goodies for upgrades. With the gorgeously layered treeline, you’ll notice tower-like structures strewn about as you explore, it is at the foot of these that treasure lies … and sometimes death.
Part of the treasure hunt in this game comes in the hunt for more blueprints — which grant the player the ability to craft new things.
Though the Zen Mode in Among Trees is probably the greatest gift to nature-loving, escapist gamer in the history of the medium, the Normal Mode comes fraught with the dangers that bears and bees and drowning can provide.
Every day you wake up in your cabin, destined to determine whether or not you’ll explore for the day, cook, craft, or just relax. Upgrades available to you and your new home away from the noise, are a crafting room, a cooking room, a greenhouse, and an extra-important storage attic.
Much like Animal Crossing — arguably the most timely game ever released to the world — Among Trees is like a perfectly crafted zen-garden. There is always something to be done, but nothing to dictate your pace.
Embrace and enjoy the solidarity.
Among the trees, you will find caves, rivers, mountains, the semblance of previous human life, small critters, and an endless need to see it all.
Yet, no matter how amazing and intriguing the daily routine of your woodland life is, there is one thing that Among Trees does better than any game on planet Earth; atmosphere.
From the stunning visuals, to the living movement, and beyond all of that the crowning glory of their audio design, there is never a moment without awe. Sometimes, you will hear a beautiful song from the soundtrack play, as you gaze out over the fog-veiled lake.
It’s a matter of contemplation, and Among Trees provides every aspect one might need to recover in a moment of respite.
As a game in early access, Among Trees has a lot of space to grow, and the development team at FJRD know this. They have even outlined a brief development and launch roadmap, to satiate the sanctuary aficionados currently playing.
Plenty of polish hiccups, and some handcuffs in the interaction and input, make it obvious that Among Trees is in its toddler stage, but you can’t help but wonder what kind of wondrous and wistful thing it will grow up to be.
If you’re adverse to the trial and potential error of early access games, maybe avoid this one for now. However, if you’re a lover of the forest, purveyor of privacy, student of the sounds of rushing water, or nurturer of the nutrients provided by nature, Among Trees is an astounding treat.
Developer — FJRD Interactive
Publisher — FJRD Interactive
Platform(s): Epic Games Store
4/5 — A sanctuary to satiate your senses, this stunningly superior adventure in the wild is truly calming.
