Get ready to roll into an epic adventure with Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature. Play as an adorable golem who’s on a journey of self discovery. Explore the environment around you and become one with nature. Befriend wildlife and uncover secrets that shape your world. Despite its gentle beginning, this game evolves quickly  into a powerful story shaped by peaceful reflection and the profound truths of love, loss, and friendship.

Gameplay

In Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature, gameplay revolves around simplicity rather than focusing on combat or complexity. Game mechanics are accessible, and easy to pick up with the straightforward tutorial. The game recommends using a controller, and while mouse and keyboard are also an option, I tried both and found the controller surprisingly more natural.

Golem’s mood and abilities are all bound to restoring the forces of nature. Use your aura impulse ability to interact with wildlife and nature, but also to solve puzzles and unlock new areas. Interacting with wildlife doesn’t drain your energy resource, in fact it’s how you refill it. If you see the energy level (little blue bar on the back of Golem) starting to drain, just find a foliage or furry friend to help. 

Using your aura impulse to move rocks, open pathways, anything pertaining to a puzzle, will use energy on the other hand. If you run out of energy, you won’t be able to use your abilities until it’s replenished. The potential to find plants or animals in an area is plentiful, so no need to worry.

Golem also possesses the ability to give you hints on where you need to go.The butterfly guide leads you to your next section or puzzle. But, the butterfly guide only works when he is happy (blue eyes and refill bar mean happy, purple sad). Just like energy refill, find woodland friends to turn around Golem’s mood. 

The Region Compass is another ability used by Golem and crucial to the storyline. The compass when enabled shows white and colored butterflies facing certain directions. White means it’s yet to be discovered, and colored means a memory of the Lost Civilization has been realized. Every time a memory is realized, another flower grows upon Golem’s back making a beautiful display of a world from once upon a time. 

Puzzles

The game’s focus on a relaxed pace means the puzzles aren’t overwhelming, yet they still provide a satisfying challenge. Some are as simple as putting things in order or activating stone pillars. The goal isn’t to confuse you, but to let you explore Golem’s surroundings in a relaxing manner. You can even walk away, and explore something else if you get frustrated. 

As you progress puzzles do get more challenging, some even needing the help of an ally or two. In the midst of your journey you’ll meet Fox, who despite your initial meeting becomes one of your closest confidants. Fox will help you by standing on pressure plates and more. 

Things to Take Note

Despite loving a cozy game, I was very underwhelmed with Golem’s walking speed at the beginning of the game. I wanted to run through the grass, and hurry on to my next task. Fortunately we’re given rolling abilities a few puzzles in to help move us along. Now if you enjoy the slow pace, by all means walk, take in the views, but don’t forget that you can roll.

Enjoy the views. Throughout the game, you’ll encounter intentional pause moments designed for you to take in the scenery. Whether you’re overlooking dense forests or wandering through luscious fields, each environment offers its own distinct beauty and atmosphere.

There are no spoken words in Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature. All storytelling is done by watching Golem interact with the world around him. If you skip through cut scenes, you’ll miss big chunks of the amazing and heartfelt story.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape, with puzzles to challenge your mind, and reflective story, Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature is one to pick up. With no rush, no pressure, no combat, it truly is a game to find peace in.

Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature is available now on Steam for PC & Steam Deck 

Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature was played on PC for the purpose of this review.