Game: Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure
Genre: Simulator, Adventure
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer|Publisher: Jetpack Collective, The Iterative Collective | Snowcastle Games
Controller Support: Yes
Price: UK £20.99 | US $24.99 | € 24,50
Release Date: November 9th 2023 (full release)
Review code used with many thanks to Plan of Attack.
Introduction
Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure is the third Earthlock title released from Snowcastle Games based in Oslo, Norway. Here at LadiesGamers, Yvonne had the pleasure of interviewing Maciej Walenta from the Snowcastle Games at Gamescom 2023. Her interview is available to read here.
Story
The main protagonists, Eva, Shaun, Jacob and Hedda, are caught in a conflict regarding pirates capturing animals. The protagonists attempt to foil the pirates’ plans by releasing the creatures. However, they are caught in the plan’s action and flee onto a raft, drifting to Ikonei Island amidst a storm.
After adventuring across the new ground on Ikonei Island, they reached a location named the Heartland. Here, they meet a spirit called Sariel, who asks if they can help restore Ikonei Island to its former beauty.
Gameplay
As Ikonei is in dire need of restoration, major gameplay elements include crafting, quests and monster taming. Ikonei Island is covered in ruins and shrines, and these shrines must be restored as per Sariel’s request. Upon completing shrines that are located all around Ikonei Island, you will unlock crafting recipes. These recipes can be used to craft new tools or materials for the restoration project.
To overcome the trials of Ikonei Island, the player will be required to train some of the natural inhabitants of the island, who all have useful abilities that can help them acquire new materials and items. It is important to feed, wash and care for these companions. As with a formidable bond, they will grow, allowing them to use their abilities on stronger obstacles. I found it quite addicting to look after my companions and unlock new recipes for crafting.
Art and Sound
Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure features a cartoon cel-shaded art style which really matches the art aesthetics that the game is reaching for. The game has lovely artwork that is used for character dialogue. Additionally, development artwork is used within loading screens from fast travel.
The developers have included a lo-fi video on YouTube that features some of the music within the title. Overall, the music is relaxing and fits the mood of the game. The art style and music really convey that all can enjoy this game at their own pace and at their own skill level. It’s a nice change of pace with the number of competitive games on the market. Overall, the game is just presented really well.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of Animal Crossing, I would say there is a big chance you will like the gameplay loop of Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure. I do like how it is unnecessary to play Earthlock, even though Ikonei Island is a side story to that game. I enjoyed the title as a standalone experience.
Additionally, Ikonei Island supports co-op play of up to 4 players, with only one player needed to own the game. Give Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure a try here using the demo. The game has a fun gameplay loop with a relaxed atmosphere and can even be played on the Steam Deck!
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot