Demo brewed up for Capy Castaway this month only 

• Announcements by Jack Allin
• Published:

Upcoming cozy cartoon animal adventure part of Steam’s Wholesome Games celebration

We've seen increased evidence around the world of the devastating impact floods can have on the environment, but what about for the animals of those natural habitats? It's they who are the focus of Capy Castaway, an upcoming adventure by indie Canadian developer Kitten Cup Studio that explores a serious subject in a decidedly comfy, cozy way. 

The titular capybara is just a pup when their home at the zoo is completely washed away by a flood. Fortunately Capy is not alone on higher ground, as they soon meet Corvi, a "clever crow with plenty to say." With only "a limited amount of time" available, together they must use their unique abilities to find a way back home, forging heartwarming and "sweet little friendships," solving puzzles, making "hard decisions" and helping "spirits and animals alike" along the way. The capybara is able to "push heavier objects, sniff out treasure, and dig with their little paws," while the crow can fly "independently across short distances or to higher, hard-to-reach places." Or you can join them together, allowing Corvi to ride on Capy's back or even pick their new rodent pal up and fly them both to overwise inaccessible locations. 

Set in an "vibrant, whimsical [and] unbelievably cute world," Capy Castaway is a charming 3D cartoon adventure that's very much intended to be a leisurely, family friendly experience. Described as a "narrative adventure game that rewards curiosity with delight and consequence," it sees players control both Capy and Corvi, either together or separately via the two different gamepad thumbsticks. The open-ended gameplay is intended to "invoke the playful nature of a capybara pup discovering a whole new world and the advice of a crow who enables mischievous behaviour." Inviting experimentation, there is "no wrong way to play," so you can be as "delightfully silly" as you want. In coming of age under such extraordinary circumstances, however, the two protagonists will also learn about "the consequences of how our actions truly affect the world around us." In doing so, they may just find themselves in the process, and discover what "home" really means to them after all. 

There is no target release date for the full version of Capy Castaway just yet, but a playable demo is available now for Windows and Mac as part of Steam's Wholesome Games celebration. Only until August 28th, you can get started in helping Capy and Corvi brew a delicious soup in Swallow Town, a "whimsical little hub filled with charming architecture [and] quirky characters." Winner of the first ever Great Swallow Town Cook-Off will be rewarded with the grand prize and – much more importantly – the right NOT be eaten by the giant three-headed goose serving as judge.