Islets
- August 24, 2022
- Kyle Thompson
- 8h median play time
Who broke Laputa? This is like the fourth time this week, we can’t keep doing this
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Islets is a single-player fantasy metroidvania with an excellent story, sensational mechanics, and unique atmosphere. As Iko, reunite floating islands and make connections with charming characters to expand the world. Collect upgrades, face challenges, and be wary of the weird tour guide in this wholesome, humorous game with fabulous visuals and great soundtrack."
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Epic Games
Xbox
Reviews
- Islets features charming art and a delightful atmosphere, making it visually appealing and enjoyable to explore.
- The game offers a satisfying progression system with unique upgrades that enhance movement and combat, keeping gameplay engaging.
- Boss fights are fun and varied, providing a good challenge without being overly punishing, making it accessible for both newcomers and veterans of the genre.
- The game can feel a bit short, with many players completing it in under 10 hours, which may not justify the full price for some.
- Some players found the combat to be simplistic and lacking depth, with a few bosses feeling repetitive in their attack patterns.
- The random upgrade system can lead to frustrating choices, as players may end up with less desirable upgrades that don't significantly impact gameplay.
- gameplay205 mentions
- 49 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is generally praised for its smooth mechanics, engaging exploration, and charming aesthetics, making it a solid entry in the metroidvania genre. While some players find the combat and mechanics to be somewhat basic or lacking depth, others appreciate the unique island connection mechanic and the variety of gameplay elements introduced throughout. Overall, the game offers a satisfying experience with a balance of challenge and accessibility, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned players.
“Incredibly high quality cute and casual metroidvania with good ability upgrades to keep gameplay fun.”
“The gameplay is precise and not too demanding.”
“The gameplay is smooth, the combat’s fun, and let’s be honest—fighting goofy enemies in a world that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon is enough to keep you smiling.”
“Gameplay might be the weakest part of the game.”
“The art is wonderful and the effort shown is clear, but the gameplay is just lacking.”
“For me, the biggest and only problem lies in the gameplay.”
- music190 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in "Islets" is generally well-received, with many players praising its atmospheric and relaxing qualities that complement the game's charming visuals. While some noted that the soundtrack can become repetitive over extended playtime, standout tracks, particularly during boss fights, are highlighted as memorable and enjoyable. Overall, the music enhances the game's experience, though a desire for more variety in the soundtrack was expressed by some reviewers.
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s aesthetic, enhancing the overall experience.”
“The music is lovely, the combat is just right (it's simplistic but it's challenging in its own way).”
“A real special mention has to go to the music which is a wonderful accompaniment to the artwork and gameplay, it's lovely and light in the exploration areas and tense and exciting during the boss fights.”
“The sound and music in the islets carry a certain charm, though they aren't groundbreaking or particularly memorable.”
“While the music may not stick with you long after playing, it serves its purpose effectively, with the boss themes standing out the most.”
“There are a few points that are a bit lackluster (boss music is mostly the same), but the overall experience has been amazing.”
- graphics182 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Islets" are widely praised for their charming, hand-drawn art style that evokes a whimsical, Studio Ghibli-like atmosphere. Players appreciate the colorful and well-animated visuals, which enhance the overall experience and complement the game's engaging soundtrack. While some note minor graphical glitches, the overall aesthetic is considered a standout feature, contributing to the game's inviting and enjoyable vibe.
“The visual style of Islets is beautifully crafted, with a hand-drawn, painted art style that stands out as truly unique compared to most games on the market.”
“The graphics are amazing and very pleasant; you can tell a lot of time and love went into this game.”
“The art style is gorgeous, and the characters are adorable.”
“Sometimes the black border around the screen has graphical glitches.”
“The controls and graphics don't feel quite as polished as some other metroidvanias, but that did not stop me from having a great time with Islets :)”
“Don’t expect jaw-dropping visuals, but you’ve got these bright, inviting environments that do a solid job of pulling you in… until the novelty wears off.”
- story156 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally described as light and straightforward, featuring a charming narrative about reuniting floating islands after a catastrophe. While it may not be groundbreaking or deeply complex, players appreciate its humor, cute characters, and heartwarming moments, which enhance the overall experience. The pacing is well-received, and the story effectively complements the engaging gameplay typical of the metroidvania genre.
“The story is great and makes you want to keep going; all the NPCs have amazing personalities!”
“The story may not be groundbreaking, but it’s heartfelt and perfectly complements the adventurous spirit of the game.”
“The charming story of friendship will make you die laughing while also tugging at your heart.”
“The story is pretty basic but that doesn't mean it's not a really enjoyable experience.”
“The only minor grievances that I have are that the story and lore could have been a bit deeper and some more things could have been explained, and I wish the characters showed up more often.”
“After playing about halfway: I almost forgot about the game because I don't feel emotionally invested in the story at all, the relationships are pretty shallow and communicated mostly through text dialogue which could be easily skipped.”
- humor93 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and lightheartedness, with many players finding the character designs, dialogue, and overall writing to be cute and funny. While some moments elicit genuine laughter, others provide a more subtle chuckle, contributing to a delightful atmosphere that balances humor with heartwarming storytelling. Overall, the characters are seen as endearing and amusing, enhancing the gameplay experience with their quirky personalities and witty interactions.
“The characters are charming and funny, the audio is atmospheric, and the animations are fresh and satisfying.”
“The story is fresh and funny, as are the characters.”
“The tour guide is just a hilariously ridiculous character as he desperately tries to lure unsuspecting adventurers to their deaths and I genuinely looked forward to every encounter with him even though it usually heralded a boss fight of some kind.”
- emotional43 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Islets" is characterized by its overwhelmingly wholesome and heartwarming narrative, filled with charming characters, humor, and a relaxing atmosphere. While many players appreciate the game's lightheartedness and delightful exploration, some express a desire for deeper emotional connections and more significant challenges. Overall, the game is celebrated for its cute presentation and satisfying gameplay, though it may lack a profound emotional impact for some players.
“The journey is filled with moments of joy and satisfaction, culminating in an emotional finale.”
“The story may not be groundbreaking, but it’s heartfelt and perfectly complements the adventurous spirit of the game.”
“A wonderfully sweet and wholesome game with great humor, yet still can be dark at times.”
- atmosphere41 mentions
- 66 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Islets" is widely praised for its chill and pleasant vibe, enhanced by beautiful music and charming visuals reminiscent of Studio Ghibli. Players appreciate the engaging art style, witty character interactions, and a well-matched ambient soundtrack that contributes to a relaxing exploration experience. Overall, the game successfully combines a lighthearted atmosphere with enjoyable gameplay mechanics, making it appealing to both newcomers and veterans of the metroidvania genre.
“One of the standout features of 'Islets' is its beautiful music and atmospheric design.”
“The atmosphere, the music, the creativeness and diversity of the world and the gameplay are also very compelling.”
“Starting with atmosphere, the art style is pleasant from start to finish and each area has its own ambient soundtrack that is well-matched to the mood.”
“The overall art style and atmosphere is very 'Studio Ghibli'; the dialogues are witty and funny enough to keep you entertained.”
“The same soundtrack on every boss would be nice to have a variety to give every boss fight an individual atmosphere.”
“Although Islets is well-suited to a beginner audience, I also think there's a lot here for veterans of the genre as far as atmosphere and boss design are concerned.”
- grinding17 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 12 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding in the game to be minimal and manageable, with many noting that it doesn't feel tedious or excessive. While some grinding may be necessary for upgrades or achievements, the game maintains a fair balance, allowing for exploration and enjoyment without overwhelming players with grind-heavy mechanics. The experience is generally described as smooth and rewarding, making it accessible for both casual and dedicated gamers.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Cost is a bit high for the beginning of the game, but grinding may be needed if you spent your currency on other things.”
“One of the upgrades is very expensive and grinding for it is a pain.”
- character development11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is characterized by charming and humorous designs that resonate well with players, evoking a nostalgic feel reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons. While the dialogue is limited, the characters are well-rounded and engaging, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Overall, the combination of cute aesthetics and effective character design enhances the game's appeal, particularly for fans of the metroidvania genre.
“The art, music, character design, and dialogue mesh together well to create an experience that's relaxing, humorous, and enjoyable.”
“Not since Hollow Knight have I been so delighted by the characters throughout; Snoot, Greybird, Goba, and all in between are both tongue-in-cheek clichés and well-rounded, with a dash of Saturday morning cartoon character development.”
“Good graphics, cute character design, and a wholesome story.”
“And, lastly, the character design is not my favourite.”
“Not since Hollow Knight have I been so delighted by the characters throughout; Snoot, Greybird, Goba, and all in between are both tongue-in-cheek cliches and well-rounded, with a dash of Saturday morning cartoon character development.”
“Consistent challenge with accessibility options if that's not your thing, cute character design and the world is nifty.”
- replayability11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed among users. While some find it lacking due to its short length and limited depth, others appreciate the challenge modes, boss rush options, and the fun, engaging gameplay that encourages multiple playthroughs. Players who enjoy testing their skills may find enough replay value, but many suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing.
“It's cute, it's quirky without trying too hard, the combat is rewarding without being overly frustrating, and the replay value is astronomical.”
“Lots of checkpoints, lots of replayability through challenge mode and if it's too hard, there is assist mode.”
“The characters are all adorable and the story is a fun experience that has great replayability.”
“Would likely wait for a sale since, in my opinion, there's not too much replayability, but it's worth picking up for a bit of fun.”
“If there's anything to really complain about, it's that the game doesn't have that much replayability; there are a ton of secrets and upgrades that you can collect beyond the Metroidvania ones, so I would've loved a way to carry these specific damage or capacity upgrades to a different playthrough.”
“Got it on sale, was very fun, but the game has no replay value or deeper themes/lore.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its fluid and stable performance, particularly on the Steam Deck, where it maintains a solid 144hz. However, some users report minor stuttering issues when outputting to an external monitor and find the lack of mouse key mapping inconvenient for combat. Despite these minor drawbacks, many players experienced no significant bugs or performance issues during their playthroughs.
“In terms of performance, the game runs incredibly fluidly and stably, maintaining a solid 144Hz throughout my playthrough.”
“The best praise I can offer is that the game ran flawlessly: I hit 0 bugs or performance issues throughout my entire playthrough.”
“Good performance on the deck.”
“You also can't map anything to the mouse keys, so I'm doing movement, bow, and melee combat all on the left-hand side, which is really inconvenient and clunky to use for maximum performance in combat.”
“My Steam Deck plays the game beautifully for the most part, but there seems to be a weird hitching/stuttering issue with the game that is a minor annoyance when outputting to an external monitor.”
“Note: plays well on Steam Deck except for minor stuttering once in a while.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is marked by several graphical glitches, particularly around the black borders of the screen, and issues with resolution settings. Users have reported persistent bugs, such as non-functional screenshot keys and problematic keyboard bindings, though the game generally runs well with only minor visual issues. Despite these quirks, players still find the game enjoyable and worth playing.
“Sometimes the black border around the screen has graphical glitches.”
“Here 2 years later, that screenshot key still doesn't work, so I guess it wasn't fixed or is buggy.”
“So far, no cloud saves, no ultrawide support, and buggy keyboard bindings (it says that a key is repeated, but there is no key repeated; I tried saving the keybindings correctly, but the left walking direction always resets).”
