Islanders: Console Edition Review

If looking for a relaxing, no-pressure strategy game to wind down with, Islanders: Console Edition might look like it can be the right pick. A minimalist city builder stripped of economy restrictions, time constraints, and micromanagement, this little piece of software invites you to build settlements on vibrant, procedurally generated low-poly islands. Build simply for the joy of it or for the points, with a very simple gameplay loop that revolves around some very simple rules. Endless replay value never emerges from said simplicity like in Tetris, however. Islanders: Console Edition is best enjoyed as a snack, never a main meal.

There are two modes here. Sandbox is what one would expect it to be; a place where there are no narrow limits or goals. The default game mode has players select between two random, themed building packs, place the resulting structures on a randomised Island, and earn points based on proximity bonuses. For instance, the structure that gathers wood loves trees and gets extra points for each additional one in range, but hates being close to other wood-gathering buildings.

While some experimentation is needed every now and then in order to learn where something cannot be built, the system is relatively easy to grasp. Note that earning enough points wipes the board clean and has you starting over on a fresh layout. This isn’t about building a sprawling, persistent metropolis. It’s a low-commitment kind of experience, so don’t expect spending much time on one place.

There’s not much meat on the bones of Islanders, and while high complexity and deep mechanics where never the goal here, maybe this is too simple, even for a casual-friendly chill title. Be prepared for some heavy eyelids as you see the same landscapes again and again and use the same few types of building sets.

Another issue is how the unbalanced the RNG seems to be. It’s easy to lose after five or so perfect islands, just because the next one in line decided to offer little room to play, and not exactly the best buildings. In all honesty it’s not a matter of challenge, it just feels like playing the roulette. This can turn an otherwise relaxing game into a source of annoyance.

As a product, Islanders: Console Edition generally feels a bit low effort, and no, the fact that this is supposed to be a nice and simple, chill kind of deal doesn’t mean that it cannot be criticised for how little it has to offer. A great example is the look of it all. The visuals on offer are easy on the eyes, with a soothing pastel palette, and clean low-poly models – but the world is mind-numbingly lifeless.

There’s little to no animation, no tiny population walking around, and not enough ambient sounds to enhance the atmosphere. Players are essentially constructing nice looking, hollow dioramas. It’s fine for about 15 minutes or so…