Out and About is actually a pleasant adventure where we gather wild plants, treating nature with respect while emphasizing community and teaching players through a gentle yet engaging approach. From the very first step, it’s clear how much effort the developers put into infusing attention and love into every detail, whether you're racing down a hill with arms wide open or discovering real information about plants and mushrooms. The game isn't perfect, but its charm makes it easy to forgive minor flaws.
Story - Renewal through Connection with Nature
The plot places you in the town of Portobello, a coastal place slowly recovering from a storm, and your role is to help the locals rebuild their community using the knowledge about plants that we gain throughout the game. Thus, in the game, you create recipes and medicinal preparations, all of which help the residents live better and safer.
The special value lies in the fact that the game not only talks about community but also depicts it. Neighbors share their worries, seek help, and express gratitude when you bring them medicine or a warm meal. These are small moments, but they carry weight because they are connected to concrete actions. Instead of plot twists, it was these small, human stories that gradually captivated me and drew me into their little world.
If you enjoy games that involve gathering and then identifying plants, this is a special title. Identifying flora is not just a “click and take” but a whole learning process. Barbara, the local plant expert, gives you cards that guide you through recognizing shapes and characteristics, and you occasionally encounter species that resemble each other, teaching you careful observation.
Moving through the world brings joy: sliding down slopes, balancing on logs, jumping over rivers - everything exudes playfulness. The character even knows how to jump while walking, which would be great if it could be included as a permanent option. Cooking is a central part of the game, so you prepare teas, salves, and soups from plants, often based on real recipes. It’s a pleasure to offer the villagers just the preparation they need. A special detail is the “forest bathing,” when your character sits among butterflies and flowers while the camera slowly pans around. It’s a kind of peace that lingers even after you turn off the game.
Why Now? The Popularity of Foraging
The sound and graphics create a storybook-like atmosphere. Portobello, nestled between the sea and the forest, looks like a place you would love to live in. Gentle harp tones intertwined with birdsong create a relaxing soundscape, while the visual style balances between illustrated and warm, fairy-tale-like.
New additions - Mounts in Portobello
One of the bigger updates from the latest patch is the introduction of mounts. This is not just a cosmetic addition but a significant improvement in movement throughout the world. Portobello was already pleasant to explore on foot, but with a mount, exploring the forests, beaches, and hills becomes faster, more dynamic, and even more fun.
Personally, I liked that the mount did not disrupt the calm tone of the game. You can still stop and enjoy the details, but now you have the option of more efficient movement when you want to cover larger areas or visit the market and distant locations more frequently. This balances the daily rhythm, and you no longer spend so much time just walking, but can dedicate it to foraging, cooking, and helping the villagers.
Is it worth taking a walk in Portobello?
Out and About is a game that does not settle for mere resource gathering but builds a space where small actions gain significance. You will learn something about plants, connect with characters, and find peace in a slower pace of life. Although there are minor shortcomings, it is clear that the heart of the game is in the right place, and it is important to note that
A copy of the game for review purposes was provided by the development studio Yaldi Games
