100
Isles of Sea and Sky is a superb puzzle game that is absolutely worth your time. It also feels right at home on Steam Deck, and manages to stand out with its gorgeous art, puzzles, open world, and blend of ideas. If you enjoy puzzle games, stop what you’re doing and get this now.
80
As enveloping a puzzle space as any (outside of wells and hotels) we've encountered this year. [Issue#399, p.120]
88
I wish I could better communicate just how incredibly ingenius this game is, and without ever being all “LOOK AT ME I’M SO CLEVER!” coughjonathanblowcough. Instead it’s smart, modest and charming, like I’m not. The best thing is you just play it.
8
Every puzzle felt like a revelation without trying forcing you way too many similar ones at a time. It does get confusing when certain puzzles might require you an item you don't yet have and towards the end the difficulty was slightly higher that i would like, taking me about an hour to solve the few final puzzles before the ending.
10
I got completely hooked by this game, it increasing the difficulty and becomes really challenging. There were a few places whereI didn't realiseI couldn't access it yet asI needed to get another power before I could. There's also something on screen that shows you when there's a secret which I didn't spot for ages. I was obsessed with this and it was really satisfying to complete a screen you had been struggling with. Great buy if you can only play here and there and enjoy a challenging puzzle. Although I got to the end screen I didn't do 100% there were a couple that bamboozled me on the final island. WishI could find more games like this!
Isles of Sea and Sky
Released On:
May 22, 2024
Metascore
Generally Favorable
85
User score
Mixed or Average
6.7
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
85
100% Positive
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jun 17, 2024
100
Isles of Sea and Sky is a superb puzzle game that is absolutely worth your time. It also feels right at home on Steam Deck, and manages to stand out with its gorgeous art, puzzles, open world, and blend of ideas. If you enjoy puzzle games, stop what you’re doing and get this now.
May 31, 2024
88
I wish I could better communicate just how incredibly ingenius this game is, and without ever being all “LOOK AT ME I’M SO CLEVER!” coughjonathanblowcough. Instead it’s smart, modest and charming, like I’m not. The best thing is you just play it.
May 23, 2024
85
Accessible yet full of mystery, Isles of Sea and Sky is undoubtedly a retro gem that puzzle fans shouldn't miss. The game's puzzles allow you to fully enjoy the thrill of experimentation, while the constant introduction of new mechanics keeps the experience varied. The open-world design is full of incentives, motivating you to keep trying new puzzles. One potential drawback, however, is that the pacing of the game can be somewhat compromised when certain Metroidvania-style abilities are combined with weaker guidance elements.
May 22, 2024
85
Isles of Sea and Sky is a box pushing game brought kicking and screaming into the modern era, and it's so damn compelling.
Jun 13, 2024
80
As enveloping a puzzle space as any (outside of wells and hotels) we've encountered this year. [Issue#399, p.120]
May 27, 2024
80
Isles of Sea and Sky presents a charmingly nostalgic 8-bit graphical style reminiscent of classic Zelda games, featuring intricate Sokoban-style puzzles spread across various islands. While its artistic presentation and puzzle complexity are highlights, the game suffers from occasional frustration due to unclear progression requirements and cumbersome navigation.
User score
Mixed or Average
6.7
60% Positive
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
20% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
20% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Jul 30, 2025
10
I got completely hooked by this game, it increasing the difficulty and becomes really challenging. There were a few places whereI didn't realiseI couldn't access it yet asI needed to get another power before I could. There's also something on screen that shows you when there's a secret which I didn't spot for ages. I was obsessed with this and it was really satisfying to complete a screen you had been struggling with. Great buy if you can only play here and there and enjoy a challenging puzzle. Although I got to the end screen I didn't do 100% there were a couple that bamboozled me on the final island. WishI could find more games like this!
Apr 20, 2026
8
Every puzzle felt like a revelation without trying forcing you way too many similar ones at a time. It does get confusing when certain puzzles might require you an item you don't yet have and towards the end the difficulty was slightly higher that i would like, taking me about an hour to solve the few final puzzles before the ending.
SummaryIn Akurra, you play as a mysterious castaway with no memories. You must explore and work your way through ancient, puzzle filled islands in order to unravel a story told visually. During your journey you will meet new friends with extraordinary powers to aid you, as well as unlock new powers of your own. The puzzles are laid out in an... Read More
