The Archipelago

View game

Get on Steam

Brave the stormy seas to restore power to the surrounding islands.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 75 reviews

story22 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game offers a cozy and charming atmosphere with delightful characters and beautiful pixel art.
The tea brewing mechanic adds an interesting layer to the narrative, allowing players to unlock different conversations and story paths.
It's a relaxing experience with a compelling storyline that encourages multiple playthroughs to fully explore the characters and their interactions.

The gameplay is quite limited, with a heavy focus on reading and minimal interaction, leading some to feel it resembles a visual novel more than a game.
Many players found the game disappointingly short, wishing for more content and deeper lore to explore.
There are technical issues, such as the lack of manual save options and some continuity errors, which detract from the overall experience.

story
46 mentions
48 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as intriguing and engaging, with a cozy atmosphere and well-developed characters that encourage multiple playthroughs to uncover different narrative paths. While many players appreciate the unique storytelling mechanics tied to tea brewing, some express disappointment over the lack of a satisfying conclusion and the limited impact of player choices. Overall, it is recommended for those who enjoy character-driven narratives and a warm, inviting experience.
- “The story captures you immediately, and the art style is so cozy to look at :)”
- “I'd highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys character-driven cozy games, because this one combines beautifully-developed, realistic characters with quaint, aesthetic visuals, and a compelling story of corruption, ingenuity, and how a small group of people can come together in the midst of a crisis.”
- “This is such a cozy and compelling game, I loved getting to know the different people and slowly piecing together the story of this world, and the aspect of the tea and it controlling the narrative was so interesting, I highly recommend this game!”
- “I did not see the impact of the different teas in the story and think there was too much left unexplained.”
- “The story gives you dialogue choices, but they don't seem to have an impact.”
- “Although it is a little tedious to have to replay it multiple times to get the whole story, it's still entertaining enough to keep you pressing 'new game.'”
graphics
12 mentions
50 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning and charming pixel art style, which complements the serene soundtrack and enhances the overall cozy atmosphere. While some players expressed minor concerns about character designs and a desire for more lore, the visuals are generally regarded as a highlight, contributing to the game's engaging world-building and character development. Overall, the art style is described as gorgeous and appealing, making it a strong recommendation for fans of character-driven cozy games.
- “The visuals are stunning, the soundtrack and the sound effects fit the vibe of the whole game.”
- “The art style is gorgeous pixel art.”
- “The artwork and soundtrack are serene and moody, overall a peaceful and cute showcase.”
- “Only small complaints: I wish there had been a bit more lore given with regards to the split and the messengers; I also wasn't a fan of the character designs but was willing to overlook it in favor of the overall aesthetic.”
- “Graphics: 4”
- “The art style is extremely charming.”
music
9 mentions
44 % positive mentions
22 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its excellent quality, creating a cozy and serene atmosphere that complements the visuals and storytelling. Reviewers highlight the nostalgic and relaxing soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience, although some note occasional shifts in the music that may feel intentional yet uncertain. Overall, the combination of soft sounds and intimate writing contributes to a peaceful and immersive gameplay experience.
- “The visuals are stunning, the soundtrack and the sound effects fit the vibe of the whole game.”
- “The music was excellent, creating a very cozy vibe.”
- “The combination of the intimate writing and nostalgic soundtrack create a relaxing atmosphere in which the story’s characters and world-building shine.”
- “Sometimes the music goes completely off; it seems intentional but I'm unsure, albeit lovely to hear.”
- “The music is relaxing, but it doesn't always fit the tone of the game.”
- “The soundtrack feels repetitive and lacks variety, which detracts from the overall experience.”
gameplay
6 mentions
33 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is engaging and creative, featuring a unique tea mechanic that influences the story and character interactions. Players can expect around 30 minutes of gameplay, with the recommendation to replay certain sections for a fuller experience. Overall, the gameplay is described as peaceful and enriched by a compelling narrative.
- “Peaceful and creative with a rich story revealed through the most interesting mechanic, tea!”
- “The flavors you create provide the game mechanic that determines changes in the story as different people are drawn to your tea house.”
- “The gameplay lasts around 30 minutes, depending on how fast you read.”
- “Gameplay rating: 6.”
- “Because of this mechanic, I would advise at least playing through the archipelago twice.”
atmosphere
2 mentions
50 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is praised for its intimate writing and nostalgic soundtrack, which together create a relaxing environment that enhances the story's characters and world-building. Overall, users find the atmosphere to be quite appealing.
- “The combination of the intimate writing and nostalgic soundtrack create a relaxing atmosphere in which the story’s characters and world-building shine.”
character development
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-100 % neutral mentions
200 % negative mentions
Character development received mixed feedback, with some users expressing a desire for more lore regarding the split and the messengers. Additionally, while there were criticisms of character designs, many players were willing to overlook these issues due to the game's overall aesthetic.
- “I wish there had been a bit more lore provided regarding the split and the messengers.”
- “I wasn't a fan of the character designs, but I was willing to overlook it in favor of the overall aesthetic.”
replayability
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability due to the numerous combinations of ingredients available, encouraging players to experiment and explore different strategies in each playthrough.
- “There are dozens of possible combinations of ingredients, which enhances the game's replayability.”
- “The game offers multiple paths and endings, encouraging players to experience it again and again.”
- “With various character builds and strategies to explore, the replayability factor is incredibly high.”
emotional
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its wonderful and heartwarming story, which captivates players with its engaging and interesting narrative.
- “The story is wonderful and very heartwarming while also being interesting and engaging.”
grinding
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect somewhat tedious due to the need for multiple playthroughs to fully experience the story, yet many still find it engaging enough to replay the game several times. Overall, the experience remains enjoyable, encouraging players to continue exploring the content.
- “Grinding feels like a never-ending chore, and it often takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
- “The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay engaged; it feels more like a job than a game.”
- “I find myself losing interest quickly because the grinding is so monotonous and time-consuming.”