ISLANDERS: New Shores

ISLANDERS: New Shores is a vibrant and atmospheric sequel that builds on the original with clearer visuals and a refined point system. This way it’s easier to score points to move to the next island. The game balances challenge and relaxation through new buildings, islands, and bonus-granting Boons. A creative sandbox mode allows players to freely design and decorate islands, complete with a photo mode for capturing their creations. Overall, it's a well-rounded package at a great price, although a custom mode would have been great to have.

I always found city builders to be a very relaxing game genre, and ISLANDERS: New Shores is no exception. Granted, you can’t build the city of your dreams, instead you try to create small establishments on lost/forgotten islands. But it’s a lot of fun, and I am sure tons of people will strive to get the highest scores they can. And they should, because the game is engaging, but it can also be something you play on the side, as you wait in queue for your MMO’s dungeon crawls. I think ISLANDERS: New Shores’s main appeal is that it adds a whole lot of new stuff when compared to its predecessor. And it shows, the gameplay has evolved, the boons system is creative and enjoyable, and the sandbox system is exceptional for creatives that want no barriers. It’s the type of game you can enter, play for a few minutes or an hour and never get bored. Plus, the minimalist aesthetic and beautiful graphics serve the game, as it differentiates itself from the predecessor, while also adding some creative elements that make it a worthwhile city builder.

Islanders: New Shores is a simple but creative city builder in which you score points by placing buildings mindfully, while allowing you to construct beautiful cities without restrictions in sandbox mode. With subtle building interactions, powerful advantages and more challenging island variations, the simple strategy game offers a surprising amount of depth.

ISLANDERS: New Shores builds upon what made the first game great and why I got it in the first place back in 2020. It added new elements to keep players engaged, while also providing a fresh improvement from the first game, by featuring better visuals, music, improved gameplay mechanics, and a points system that encourages you to reach the top of the leaderboard. It’s a cozy game if you’re after something chill or an intense puzzle game if you’re after that top spot. Regardless, it’s addictive and will keep you hooked.

Islanders: New Shores returns with a revamped look, two modes to choose from, 50 unique levels, and plenty of buildings to make the experience highly customizable. The strategic element plays a crucial role and may seem limiting at some points, but it never proves tedious and manages to entertain for countless hours. The simple settings, clear and intuitive interface, and pleasant soundtrack come together and make for a truly relaxing experience.