ISLANDERS: Console Edition

 Switch
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Hey Poor Player
    Aug 17, 2021
    70
    While it is my firm belief that ISLANDERS should be enjoyed by all gamers, I’d first recommend the PC version over the Switch port. If your only option is the Switch, then please — get this game. But if you have a PC, I’d start there instead (honestly, it’s so cheap you might as well buy it on both platforms). ISLANDERS is fantastic for a few minutes of play to chill out during lunch or wind down before bed. No matter which platform you choose to play it on, ISLANDERS is a simple, soothing strategy game that’ll make you rethink city builders — one island at a time.
  2. Vooks
    Aug 16, 2021
    70
    Islanders: Console Edition is not a game for those seeking an epic story, intense action, or even a puzzle game where a high score is all that matters. No, what it does is offer a nice and simple game, where if you only have a few minutes to play, or an hour, you can just enjoy the game for what it is. While the controls are not the most user friendly at times, they don’t stop you from enjoying the experience in the moment and given that there is no punishment for failing, there really isn’t any reason not to give it a go.
  3. Starbit
    Oct 22, 2021
    60
    ISLANDERS: Console Edition is a simple city-builder that focuses on providing a relaxing experience, rather than on the intricacies of urban planning and juggling of interests. This is both its most positive and negative trait at the same time - the experience at hand is relaxing and welcoming, but the lack of any kind of challenge and strategy makes this a limited effort. Those only looking for the calm side of laying down buildings and getting points without any further challenge will find a great companion and for a good price too, but anyone looking for something deeper will quickly grow tired.
  5. Switch Player
    Aug 31, 2021
    60
    Islanders provides players with a sense of calm that no other strategy game can. It’s designed to help you feel relaxed while still giving you the challenge that comes with a strategic puzzle title.
  6. CGMagazine
    Sep 22, 2021
    55
    Islanders: Console Edition, while not a game for everyone, is exactly the game for people looking for what Grizzly Games (and most actual islands) can offer you; an escape from the everyday.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

?
  1. Eurogamer
    Aug 19, 2021
    Quotation forthcoming.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. abrus
    Jan 8, 2022
    7
    Islanders is an interesting little game. It is definitely relaxing and engaging to play, thanks mainly to the crisp visuals and very chilledIslanders is an interesting little game. It is definitely relaxing and engaging to play, thanks mainly to the crisp visuals and very chilled soundtrack. It is very satisfying optimising the placement of buildings and other structures around your island in order to maximise your score. The interface works pretty well and the game certainly runs very smoothly. I've been playing for 5 or 6 hours now. I've loved my experience so far, but I'm finding it a bit hard to find motivation to play again now that I've seen most of what this game has to offer, and the only real 'point' is to strive for a hi-score or build a nice island to photograph as a souvenir. I'm glad I spent some time playing this, just be aware that once the novelty has worn off there isn't much here to keep you coming back for more.… Full Review »
  2. NindieSpotlight
    Dec 17, 2021
    7
    This budget title, at first glance, looked like it may be a sim of sorts… but if that’s what got you excited, be warned, that isn’t whatThis budget title, at first glance, looked like it may be a sim of sorts… but if that’s what got you excited, be warned, that isn’t what you’ll find here. Instead, it’s more of a puzzle strategy game where you’ll need to very carefully place buildings of different types all around the randomly-generated island you’ve been assigned, trying to maximize your points so you can continue to move on and eventually make your way to a new island to begin the process again. This can be trickier than it sounds, especially since so many buildings derive bonuses or penalties from the right and wrong buildings or resources in their immediate area. Early on, as you’re getting accustomed to the rules, this can make things a bit aggravating, as you’ll paint yourself into corners in some ways with poor early placements. However, with some time you’ll tend to do better planning and set yourself up for success. The added Sandbox mode ends up being more of a novelty just to make visually-pleasing towns, but not much more since there’s not a sim element here to give it more consequence to what you set up.

    https://www.nindiespotlight.com/2021/08/mini-reviews-august-13th-edition.html    … Full Review »
  3. Adasc2906
    Dec 8, 2021
    6
    What is the point of this game. What do i do here? Can somebody explain it?
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