Under Canopies is one of those games that doesn’t really ask much of you, and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. It’s a cozy, relaxing experience that lets you explore a beautiful world at your own pace, without constantly throwing challenges or objectives your way.
Atmosphere and Visuals
One of the first things that struck me was the atmosphere. The colorful, stylized visuals, combined with the peaceful music and ambient sounds, actually reminded me quite a bit of Firewatch. There’s something about wandering through the forest, surrounded by nature, that gives off a similar feeling. It doesn’t quite reach the same level of quality or atmosphere as Firewatch, but the resemblance is definitely there, and I mean that in a positive way.
Gameplay and Exploration
The gameplay itself is fairly straightforward. You explore the world, gather resources, craft items, and gradually build up your little place in the wilderness. There’s a certain satisfaction in simply wandering around, discovering new areas, and collecting materials for whatever you feel like working on next.
Taking photos is a surprisingly enjoyable part of the game. It’s nice to just wander around with your camera, capturing the wildlife and beautiful scenery along the way. It gives you another reason to slow down and appreciate the world around you. Sometimes I find myself exploring simply to see what I might come across next, rather than actually trying to accomplish anything.
The Freedom of Zero Pressure
What I appreciate most about Under Canopies is the complete lack of pressure. There’s no combat to worry about, no constant sense of urgency, and no need to rush through anything. You can simply enjoy being there, doing things at your own pace. It’s a refreshing change of pace, especially when so many other games seem determined to keep you busy every second.
And despite its fairly simple gameplay, it’s remarkably easy to spend several hours playing without really noticing how much time has passed. There’s always something else to explore, something to craft, or another little project to work on. One thing tends to lead to another, and before you know it, you’ve spent an entire evening wandering around in the woods.
Early Access Status
It’s also worth mentioning that Under Canopies is still in Early Access, so there’s obviously room for further improvements and additional content. I’ve encountered a couple of bugs, but nothing game-breaking. I’m curious to see how the game develops over time, because I think there’s plenty of potential here.
Conclusion
Overall, Under Canopies is a lovely little game that offers a welcome break from everyday life. Sometimes it’s just nice to escape into a peaceful world, do some crafting, take a few photos, explore a little, and forget about everything else for a while. And that’s exactly what this game does so well.
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