Isoland

I am very conflicted about this game. There are some things you need to do to complete it that are not hinted at in any way, and even after knowing the solution, left me wondering how you were supposed to guess you could do that.

In part 1, how are you supposed to know that if you shake the plant three times you can get the knob for the drawer? Other things in the game shake as well, but they do nothing, so it's up to luck that you think to click everything that moves three times in a row. Then in part 2 you have the six triangle-shaped stones. How do you know the order you have to place them in to open the secret door that appears in the temple? After seeing the solution in the only guide there is, I do not know how or when the player noticed the pattern, as it is left unexplained.

That being said, the extremely cheap price and charming, standout artstyle combined with most of the puzzles being (in my opinion) telegraphed enough makes me think it is still worth the experience. I can't wait to see what Graeldon's grandkids thinks about this game in some 70 years when they carry out his legacy of reviewing every Steam game.

Aliens and a sea monster are fighting. A sailor runs up and says, “I’m wearing sneakers.”

Cotton Games created not just a puzzle, but a whole series of games with an incredibly interesting plot, a creepy atmosphere and many characters.

Plot.

Once on the island, we have no idea what secrets await us. After a nice conversation with the lighthouse guard, a sailor and even an astronaut, we understand that there are many more secrets than it seems and we begin to investigate these mysterious things.

Visuals.

My respects to the visuals in the game. Bizarre art and a very atmospheric soundtrack are captivating from the first minutes and make the playthrough interesting. And a lot of dialogues and jokes do not let you get bored.

Final.

I played the game about 7 years ago on my phone and now I have purchased all the parts on Steam. The puzzles are still just as interesting, and the fact that more parts have been released during this time only makes it more exciting.

If you read the review and liked it, don't forget to give it a thumbsup;)

The further - The better♥️

Isoland: A Journey Through a Beautifully Eccentric World

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TLDR: A Visually Stunning Game with Heart, But Frustrating Puzzles

Isoland offers a captivating blend of artistic charm and intriguing lore, yet its puzzles can sometimes cross the line into frustration. The game’s eccentric world and its enigmatic narrative pull you in, but the puzzles’ obscure nature, combined with excessive backtracking, may test your patience. For those who delight in discovery and the thrill of unraveling a mystery, it’s a rewarding experience—though one not without its challenges.

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The Heart of the Island: Visuals and Charm

Isoland is a game full of character. Its hand-drawn artwork strikes a balance between simplicity and allure, giving the game a unique visual identity. The color palette, though subdued, enhances the sense of mystery, while the ambient soundtrack weaves seamlessly with the environment, enriching the atmosphere. The world may not boast wide-ranging landscapes, but its designs create a place that feels oddly alive, pulling you deeper into its strange, otherworldly vibe.

What sets Isoland apart is the soul embedded within its world. While many games opt for dramatic action or dazzling visuals, Isoland focuses on mood and subtle emotional depth. The island itself feels like an unspoken character—its beauty, though peculiar, beckons you to explore its secrets and hidden corners.

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An Engaging, Though Elusive, Story

The story of Isoland breathes life into the game, offering a mysterious puzzle in itself. Its narrative unfolds gradually, with each clue and interaction helping you piece together the island's elusive past. There’s a certain charm in not having everything spelled out, although this leaves you often searching for meaning. The island's bizarre inhabitants and the puzzling messages scattered across its environment only deepen the enigma, making every discovery feel significant.

Though the storytelling is open to interpretation, it’s evident that the creators have poured thought into the world-building. Each corner of the island invites curiosity, rewarding those brave enough to dig deeper. However, this reliance on ambiguity can leave some players feeling adrift, uncertain about their next step.

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The Puzzles: A Double-Edged Sword

Isoland’s puzzles are both its greatest strength and its most daunting challenge. They’re deeply engaging, requiring players to think critically and notice the smallest details. The reward for solving these intricate riddles is immense—but sometimes, the puzzles demand patience bordering on frustration. The subtle clues are hidden in plain sight, and progress often relies on a process of trial and error.

While the early challenges feel satisfying to conquer, the difficulty escalates quickly, pushing the boundaries of what’s fair. It’s easy to feel stuck, caught in a loop of failed attempts as you try to crack the game’s increasingly elusive solutions. The puzzles, though imaginative, can occasionally feel overwhelming without more substantial guidance.

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The Backtracking Issue: A Necessary Evil or a Frustration?

One of the more tedious aspects of Isoland is the amount of backtracking required. As the narrative unfolds, you'll find yourself returning to previously visited locations, sometimes multiple times, to solve puzzles that unlock only after meeting certain conditions. This can feel like a chore, especially when the game offers little indication of what’s changed or what needs to be done.

The obscure nature of the game only intensifies this issue. As you retrace your steps, the environment subtly shifts, but connecting these changes to puzzle solutions can be elusive. Some players will thrive on the satisfaction of uncovering these layered secrets, but others may find the endless backtracking frustrating and time-consuming.

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The True Ending: A Rewarding but Time-Consuming Task

Unlocking the true ending of Isoland is a long and challenging road. To reveal it, you must replay substantial portions of the game, solving puzzles again and tackling new, more difficult challenges. While this approach introduces fresh twists that make the puzzles feel even more gratifying, the repetitive nature of this process can feel like a grind.

For some, the satisfaction of reaching the true ending will outweigh the effort required, but others may find the constant replaying and the increasing difficulty a daunting task. The steep learning curve and time investment needed to see the final revelations may be a dealbreaker for those simply looking to experience the story’s conclusion.

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Pros and Cons of Isoland

Pros:

Eccentric and Enchanting Atmosphere: The art and music create a distinct, whimsical world that draws you in and keeps you intrigued.
Engrossing Story and Lore: The mysterious narrative and layered world-building spark curiosity, making you eager to uncover more.
Clever Puzzles: Thought-provoking and rewarding puzzles that challenge your intellect and creativity.
Soulful Design: The game exudes a unique charm, with every element contributing to its eccentric identity.

Cons:

Overly Obscure Puzzles: Some puzzles are so hidden or difficult to solve that without external help, they can quickly become a source of frustration.
Excessive Backtracking and Lack of Guidance: The need for constant revisits to past areas without clear direction can detract from the experience.
True Ending Requires Time and Repetition: The true ending demands players replay much of the game, introducing even harder challenges.
Trial and Error Gameplay: The game often feels like it hinges on chance rather than clear clues, leading to periods of aimless frustration.

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Conclusion: A Beautiful, Challenging Journey

Isoland stands as a game brimming with creativity, offering a world that is both captivating and mysterious. Its artful visuals and deep lore combine to create an experience that immerses you in its strange charm. Yet, the game’s reliance on intricate puzzles, frequent backtracking, and a trial-and-error system may challenge even the most patient players.

For those willing to invest the time and energy, the rewards are significant: Isoland presents a satisfying journey of discovery. The puzzles, while tough, feel immensely gratifying once solved, and the world itself is full of hidden gems. However, be prepared for a game that tests your persistence and patience.

In the end, Isoland isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. Its beautifully quirky nature offers a truly unique adventure, one that will stay with you long after the credits roll, if you’re up for the challenge.

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"The Enigmatic Pulse of Isoland"

Isoland, a world apart,
Where mystery beats like a hidden heart.
A place of shadows, whispers, light,
Where puzzles challenge, day and night.

In hand-drawn strokes, the island breathes,
Its quiet charm beneath the leaves.
Each corner hides a secret deep,
A story the island longs to keep.

With colors soft, the land is strange,
A place where time begins to change.
Each puzzle pulls you close, then far,
Guiding you like a distant star.

Back and forth, you trace your way,
Unlocking answers, day by day.
The island's truth, so far, so near,
Whispers softly, crystal clear.

To solve it all, you must persist,
Through every twist and every twist.
A game of heart, a test of mind,
A journey through a world unkind.

But once you’ve braved its cryptic veil,
The reward’s a tale you’ll never fail.
In Isoland, where puzzles meet,
A world so wild, a mystery sweet.

Through patience, you’ll unlock the lore,
The island’s secrets, forevermore.
A challenge worth the effort, true,
For every twist brings something new.

So you know what you are buying:
Well done - not everyone's cup of tea.

Comparison of this games play style vs other point and clicks:
Low on the interactables - high on the puzzle SOLVING.
+ Great if you want to solve a variety of mysterious puzzles (not everything handed to you on a platter). I genuinely enjoyed that aspect...
- Bad if you just got off work, and several puzzles are just plain work and cross to an extreme level of needing subtle note-taking. (I enjoyed the 80% of the game that wasn't a chore like that, then "aint nobody got time for that" I used a walkthrough)
+ usually very clear that something can interact (no response if try something where it isn't meant to do something)
+/- no wacky interactions for trying strange things just to get a response
- the few characters all lack any real personality
- the puzzle is the only world (if you found the thing, you got the thing)
- if you just want to casually play, it's fun until that's broken by those hard chore spikes subtle notetakings. especially when enough puzzles involve numbers that you are beating your head into a wall wondering how you aren't understanding, because those numbers are for a different puzzle than the one you thought.

- Wouldn't have known about the real ending without a walkthrough - because the game lies to you. (why? Why not have a new game plus to imply you need to play through again?
If you didn't know that, the game will end without any closure, feeling like 1 chapter short.


I'd leave a neutral review if I could. It's rated "very positive", so I opted to counterbalance so anyone considering buying would know if they will like it or not.

Personally, samarost is more my cup of tea. I enjoyed this game about 80-90% a lot, then hated the other 10-20%. I got my sale price's worth out of it, even if I resorted to a walkthrough.

No!