TREE is a 2023 PCG by Xaq. This game takes place on a giant tree in an unknown realm. This is yet another game in Xaq's Mark III series.
Setting[]
The game is set in a great tree in a mysterious new realm. (Tree Realm) The tree appears to be floating in a void. There is a chunk of ground which its roots are growing from, but if you dig beneath them you can see it's just void below that ground; the whole thing is floating in nothingness.
It was later revealed this is the same realm where subsequent spinoff games are set, such as Beako's Defense and Bot's Bridge.
Story[]
A overview of the whole PCG
An unknown protagonist is exploring a tree, they first encounter a small squirrel, which is holding a pen that they can get. Further up the tree is a strange creature named Beako, who just really wants to defend the tree. The player finds a strange gem which is located in the center branches of the tree, before the player chooses to go into the strange gem, there are a few more things to explore, such as a small house where you can meet Gerude The Friendly Goblin.
If the player goes inside the gem, they would meet The Squirrel Lord, who appears to just want to be left alone, and he is very powerful. At the top of the tree is a small castle that has the throne of the Squirrel King, the player can actually become a Squirrel King of the tree.
The player can also climb down the tree and find a secret area where they meet a random dude just hanging from the tree. (You remember beating him up when you climbed up the tree). The player can also dig down to the roots of the tree where you can meet Meristem The Sage who can be the player's mentor. The mage is standing over a strange pool of energy and orbs which are rising up to the tree.
Gameplay[]
The player is exploring a massive tree and on the way encountering many new characters. The player can explore both up and down the tree at their own pace. Epic did a review of this game here.
Characters[]
Behind the screens[]
This game is loosely based on a short film, conceived by Xaq, which he started filming with Kurt many years ago. Unfortunately, the footage was lost to time. The movie would have had someone trying to climb up into a massive tree; it would have had scenes in different branches. In it, Xaq played Meristem the Sage, while Kurt played Gonk.
Spin-offs and sequels[]
The game has spawned multiple spin-offs:
- Beako's Defense by Xaq, which follows Beako who is a random enemy in TREE.
- Bot's Bridge by Xaq, which follows Bot, an ally from Beako's Defense (making it a spin-off of a spin-off).
- The Gray Tree by Epic Worlds PCG, explores the Tree Realm and its deep lore.