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ISLANDERS

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2019

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Quick resume

ISLANDERS is a minimalist strategy game about building cities on colorful islands.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Casual, Indie, Strategy

Pros

  • Relaxing and zen-like gameplay
  • Simple yet deep building strategy
  • Beautiful minimalist visuals and music
  • Accessible and easy to learn
  • Good value for price

Cons

  • Randomness can cause frustrating island layouts
  • Lack of narrative or social features
  • Repetitive after extended play
  • Some minor bugs and placement frustrations
  • High score mode can be grindy

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players freely choose building placement and strategy with no forced routines or timers"

  • Competence
    3

    "Requires skillful placement and planning to maximize points and progress"

  • Competition
    -2

    "Focus is mostly on personal pacing and self-set goals, though leaderboards exist"

  • Continuation
    3

    "Many players report long sessions and habitual play due to relaxing and addictive gameplay"

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements"

  • Creativity
    4

    "Sandbox mode and freeform building placement encourage creative city design"

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others"

  • Escapism
    4

    "Highly relaxing and zen-like experience used for stress relief and distraction"

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage out of intrinsic interest and personal desire, no pressure or obligation"

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with building placement and strategies to optimize scores"

  • Exploration
    2

    "Procedurally generated islands provide some novelty and discovery"

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization of island layouts and aesthetic choices in sandbox mode"

  • Fantasy
    -3

    "Game is grounded in minimalist city building without fictional or mythical elements"

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; solo play only"

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn building synergies and improve strategic planning over time"

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved"

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and deliberate placement, not idle or background play"

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building"

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements"

  • Progression
    4

    "Progression through unlocking new building packs and advancing to new islands"

  • Relaxation
    5

    "Widely praised for its calming music, visuals, and stress-free gameplay"

  • Sensation
    2

    "Pleasant visuals and soothing audio provide moderate sensory stimulation"

  • Status
    -3

    "Achievements and leaderboards exist but social recognition is minimal"

  • Story
    -5

    "No narrative or story elements; purely gameplay focused"

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires mental challenge in optimizing building placement and planning"

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Low risk, controlled environment with minimal suspense or tension"

  • Value
    4

    "Highly regarded as good value for price with many hours of enjoyment"

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; constructive building focus"

  • Survival
    -4

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics; stable and safe gameplay"

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    Last update: 06/03/2026