As a backer, I wanted to try out Book of Travels while it was still in beta before it opened up as an Early Access release. What I wasn't expecting was that I'd play it for around 16 hours across 2 days.

Despite its very relaxing vibe (I haven't gotten into a single fight!), I find the focus on trade and exploration engrossing. Bartering without a standardized currency in an economy that actually makes you work for what you want sets up a satisfying adventure through goods and equipment, and every location is unique and home to people and events that appear at different times or even at random. It's a gentle play of meeting friendly folks throughout your travels, quietly watching for cryptic opportunities to be of service, and interacting with the environment in a way that feels more like special, bespoke experiences than quantitative busywork. That's all bathed in a disposition towards nature and practical mysticism due to the knots, teas, winds, forms, painterly art style, and emphasis on wandering. You spend a lot of time walking, not running—just Being in the world. The game mechanics incentivize watchful stillness.

I don't know how hard I want to burn with Book of Travels as it seems like it'd be best to savor it, but right now I suspect it's a game that will be a regular part of my life over the next few years at least, judging by the development plan.