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**Game: Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature ****Genre: **Adventure, Casual, Indie **System: **Steam (Windows) **Developer|Publisher: **Dreamhunt Studio | Mindscape **Controller Support: **Yes **Steam Deck: Yes Price: US $TBC | UK £TBC | EU € TBC ****Release Date: **November 11th, 2025

Review code provided with many thanks to Mindscape.

Some games ping on our radar early on, as is the case with Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature. When it started life as a Kickstarter campaign (when it was called Unpetrified: Dreamhunt Stories), we wrote about it in 2023. The Kickstarter was successful, so we were happy to feature the game in the news and conduct an interview with developer Dominik Gygax of Dreamhunt Studio this Spring. Soozi wrote about the demo last month, and here we are now, finally able to dive into the full game.

A magic moment: the Golem wakes up

In the Cave of Awakening

You play as a stone Golem, coming to life in the Cave of Awakening. A pile of rock that is brought to life by a magical blue butterfly. Hesitant at first, it leaves the cave, slowly lumbering at first, but soon you learn you can also roll as a ball. He finds lush nature and little creatures on its path. They aren’t afraid, and why would they be? The Golem is a gentle giant with a lot of heart in its stone body.

There are several paths to take, and you can always track back if you feel you missed something. Interacting with the surroundings is done by the press of a button, which creates an aura of rippling blue circles around the Golem’s feet, making animals jump and plants or mushrooms swing like in a breeze. Or they react like the ladybugs, forming a cool sign.

The ladybugs in the Golem’s Aura form a sign

You’ll find little puzzles to solve, like clearing obstructions that are stopping the flow of blue energy. Restoring them shows you the way to progress. On the back of the Golem, you see a blue lightning flash that depletes if you use the aura, but you can replenish it easily by interacting with flowers and such.

Even though there is no text (aside from brief moments of a tutorial) and even though the Golem is made of stone, there is no mistaking the emotions he feels. And which he, in turn, makes us feel. For the bird he rescues in the Verdant Forest and for the Fox he meets. Together, you embark on a quest to restore nature and uncover the secrets of a forgotten civilisation.

The fox points the Golem to the stuck bird

Showing the Way

When needed, the tutorial pops up. It’s a gentle way to guide players through movement and interaction without being overwhelming.

There is no map, but you can check what you’ve missed by pressing the button to bring up the regional compass, which shows a circle around you with little butterflies in several directions.

The Circle shows what things there are yet to discover

The coloured ones are experiences you’ve already had or puzzles you’ve solved. The white ones are things you have yet to explore. I would have liked a real map, but this works too. Plus, you have an excellent guide at the press of a button: the blue butterfly will appear to show you the way.

Soundtrack, Controls & Graphics

The background music is ambient and soothing, perfectly matching the game’s emotional tone. It swells gently during key moments and fades into the background during exploration.

The controls are intuitive and fluid. I was able to play Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature on a Steam Deck, where it works perfectly, and of course, it works with a controller too. The game runs smoothly with no bugs or other things to interfere with your gameplay.

The Golem takes some time to meditate

Visually, the game is lovely. The art style is colourful and painterly, with soft lighting and expressive animations. The world feels alive, even in its quiet moments.

Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature is well-suited for players of all ages and experience levels, and though I don’t have any grandchildren (yet), I think it would be a wonderful game to play with a youngster on your lap.

One of the puzzles to solve

Conclusion for Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature

Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature belongs to the narrative adventure genre, often called “walking simulators,” but it’s so much more than that. With its focus on emotional storytelling, environmental restoration, and gentle puzzle-solving, it fits beautifully into the growing niche of cozy, reflective games that prioritise atmosphere and heart over action. Exactly the kind of games we love over here at LadiesGamers!

The Golem saves a little bird

Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature is not about challenge, it’s about connection, restoration, and wonder. If you’re looking for a game to slow down, this one might be for you. You’ll enjoy the surroundings, feel the emotions of the Golem and solve the world’s puzzles.

Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up

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