Islanders (2019)

A charming and relaxing puzzle game in disguise of a city builder.

Let's get one thing of the way - this is not a city builder although it might look like it. It's more of a structure (it's not always buildings) placer with the aim of getting as much points as possible by placing them smart. You get enough points - you move to another island level and your current "town" is lost forever and you start over.

So how does it work. You've got a lovely island that's different every time although some patterns can be spotted after a while. The islands differ in size and available places - some are more difficult than others. You also get to choose at first from two bundles of buildings/structures. Each of the bundles contains I think 6 buildings that fit the certain theme. It's your job to place them and get points. Once you reach certain point level - you get to choose another bundle.

Placement of the things is where the game lives. Each structure has an area of effect and the number of points is affected by different things that fall in the area of effect. For example - sawmill will get extra points for every lumberjack in the area of effect. But will also get negative points for every other sawmill in it. And so it works for every building. With different area of effect sizes and positive and negative points from different things this is a puzzle game where you decide what to place and where to place it and when to do so.

Visually it has a very nice, relaxing look and feel to it. The placement is satisfying, and the points collection feels good. It's a little bit hard to leave what you've created behind but starting a new feels good.

Overall enjoyed it a lot. Very relaxing, not that much challenging and very easy on the eyes. Very good.