Lushfoil Photography Sim is a serene, visually stunning experience that does exactly what it sets out to do: immerse you in digital landscapes so detailed and realistic that you forget you’re in a game. The developer’s clear love (that’s right – solo developer) for nature and lighting shines through in every moment you spend behind the in-game camera.
The first thing that grabbed me was the atmosphere. Each environment – from misty forests to sun-drenched ruins – feels alive. Not in the traditional sense of NPCs and interactivity however, but in the way wind brushes through grass, light reflects off water, and fog creeps along mountainsides. There’s a real sense of place. This isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a world you want to pause in, explore, and frame from every angle.
The camera mechanics are the main star of the show and as such are extremely deep, offering manual controls like aperture, shutter speed, focus distance, and lens types. If you’re into real-world photography, it’s a joy to play with these tools and see how different settings change your shots. It’s more than a gimmick – it’s a playground for creativity.
I also loved the audio design. Ambient sounds like birdsong, distant waves, or the crunch of gravel underfoot added to the immersion. There is a delicate and relaxing piano and acoustic soundtrack playing as you explore, which enhances the meditative quality of the game.
The lack of traditional gameplay might turn some people away, but that’s exactly what I liked. There are no objectives or timers. It invites you to slow down, observe, and create.
Of the available areas to explore, Kyoto was a personal highlight for me, not just because of how beautifully it was rendered, but because I’d visited there recently in real life. The attention to detail is uncanny – narrow alleyways with worn stone paths, wooden houses with their latticed fronts, the soft sounds of birds and insects in the background – it felt instantly recognisable. What really struck me was how the game captured the magic of Kyoto, and I recognised the layout approaching the Tori gates which isn’t a one-to-one replica, but the essence is spot-on. It’s more than photorealism; it’s mood realism. There’s also a lot of vending machines dotted about – just like real Kyoto!
Castle Rock Beach, on the other hand, is all about pure atmosphere. Rugged cliffs, cold gray skies, and crashing waves – it’s the kind of place you feel. The environment tells its own story: you can practically smell the salt air and feel the dampness in the rocks. I spent a good hour here just experimenting with long-exposure shots of the waves and playing with focus to try to capture the seabirds.
Both locations show off what Lushfoil Photography Sim does best: creating digital places that feel deeply real, not because of interactivity or NPCs, but because of how faithfully they evoke atmosphere. There are lots of different ones to explore too, it really is a treat.
Photo boards exist in each level, which you need to study and then find those locations to replicate the shot. Catch them all and another element unlocks – could be a new lighting mode, or a row boat. Small collectibles also exist on each level, further rewarding exploration.
Lushfoil Photography Sim isn’t for everyone, but for those who enjoy digital exploration and creative expression, it’s a standout. It’s not just a game – it’s an experience.
Reviewed on Xbox Series X
