Lushfoil Photography Sim invites players on a serene yet visually stunning journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on our planet. This unique game, developed by Matt Newell and published by Annapurna Interactive, is set to be released on April 15th, 2025, for Windows platforms including Steam and the Epic Games Store. Priced at $15, it offers an engaging blend of education and exploration in the realm of photography.

At its core, Lushfoil Photography Sim serves as a photography simulator, but it also incorporates elements of a walking simulator that allows players to soak in the beauty of their surroundings. The gameplay alternates between teaching photography skills and encouraging players to explore various gorgeous landscapes at their leisure. This dual focus is particularly appealing for individuals like myself who own a DSLR camera yet find themselves perplexed by the multitude of buttons and features. The game boasts a calm and approachable instructor voice, reminiscent of a gentle New Zealand accent, making it a relaxing experience even for those who may not have much prior knowledge of photography.

The game effectively captivates its audience by presenting a series of visually stunning locations to explore. Each location immerses players in exquisite environments, beginning with a shimmering Italian lake, moving on to elegant Japanese Shinto shrines, eerie volcanic landscapes in Iceland, lush English parks, and towering mountains in Nepal. The meticulous design of these locales reflects Newell's background as both a 3D artist and a photography enthusiast. Players will find that nearly every point in these expansive maps is a potential photograph, encouraging a sense of wonder and exploration.

As players navigate through the environments, they have the freedom to capture images at their own pace. The game features an effective autofocus system, making it easy for players to capture stunning landscape shots and close-ups without the pressure of mastering technical details immediately. The focus on relaxation encourages players to appreciate the beauty of nature while snapping photos, accompanied by soothing background music that enhances the overall experience.

The game's map design promotes exploration, featuring pathways that often branch off into intriguing side trails. This design element invokes the same sense of curiosity that accompanies real-life adventures, prompting players to investigate what lies off the beaten path. Often, these side trails lead to rewarding discoveries, such as a prime photo opportunity or new photography equipment, including items like paddleboards for unique sea-to-land shots or even a camera drone found abandoned in a remote area.

One of the standout features of Lushfoil Photography Sim is its generous fast-travel system. Players can teleport to any location where they have previously taken photos, significantly reducing backtracking and ensuring that each exploration feels fresh and engaging. The stunning visuals, made possible by Unreal Engines photorealistic capabilities, create an immersive atmosphere. Complemented by an enchanting instrumental soundtrack and realistic sound effectssuch as the rustling of wind through trees or the crunch of snow beneath your feetthe game excels at creating a believable and captivating world to explore.

For those who possess a keen interest in photography, the game offers a comprehensive array of DSLR controls. Players can adjust shutter speeds, ISO levels, white balance, and experiment with different lenses, providing a rich experience for both novices and seasoned photographers. Importantly, the games tutorials are designed to demystify the technical jargon typically found in camera manuals. By breaking down complex concepts into simpler terms and mapping controls to intuitive keyboard or gamepad inputs, Lushfoil Photography Sim serves as an effective educational tool for players eager to improve their real-life photography skills.

While the game excels in many areas, it does have some shortcomings in terms of gameplay mechanics. To unlock new locations, players must collect specific items and complete corresponding photo challenges. This design choice creates an element of progression that feels at odds with the otherwise laid-back nature of the game. The process involves collecting region-specific items and taking matching photographs, which, while not overly challenging, can detract from the immersive exploration experience. Instead of freely roaming and taking pictures, players may find themselves feeling obligated to complete these tasks before gaining access to new areas.

Nevertheless, the games visual splendor and tranquil atmosphere far outweigh these minor inconveniences. Players can still enjoy capturing beautiful moments along the way and appreciate the stunning landscapes that await them. Ultimately, Lushfoil Photography Sim strikes an engaging balance between teaching and exploration, making it a worthwhile experience for both photography enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. It encourages players to come for the lessons and stay for the breathtaking views, creating a unique blend of education and entertainment in the realm of digital photography.

This review is based on a retail version provided by the publisher.