The highlight of my Steam Next Fest experience came from the demo of Winter Burrow, a delightful game featuring a tiny mouse navigating through a snowy landscape, reminiscent of Don’t Starve’s survival mechanics. Like many comforting titles, Winter Burrow begins with our resilient mouse escaping the chaos of urban life and retreating to a dreamlike cottage nestled within a hollow tree. However, this winter wonderland is a bit run down, largely neglected by our missing aunt.
Throughout the demo, your mission is to gather essential resources for survival. You’ll need sticks and stones to craft a basic axe, while nuts and insect remnants help satisfy your hunger. Additionally, wood is vital for constructing furniture and a cozy bed. All of this occurs while battling the cold, which gradually increases and limits your exploration time outside.
Unique Features of Winter Burrow
What stands out in this game is its laid-back approach to the survival genre. While maintenance tasks are still a priority, boosting your resistance to the cold involves charming activities like baking pies or knitting sweaters. Knitting! In a survival game! Everything— from the stunning, paper-like graphics to the adorable way the mouse scurries around— evokes a delightful feeling that resonates during the cold months. This is the kind of game that has me wishing for rainy weather, adding to the perfect excuse to bundle up in blankets, sip tea, and immerse myself in the gameplay.
Winter Burrow is set to launch fully on November 12th, just around the corner!