Platform(s): PC (version reviewed) PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S
Genre: Cozy farming simulator

No friends? No problem. Ikonei Island has your back!

Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure is a cozy title by Norwegian studio Snowcastle Games. If you enjoy wholesome games like Stardew Valley, then this might be a game for you! In Ikonei, players will craft their ideal island paradise,  connect with the local creatures to gather resources and explore the island. The game features familiar activities such as constructing homes, cultivating crops, crafting items, and collecting materials.

The best part is that it offers a fully free Friends’ Pass that lets players arrive at a friend’s island without having to buy in themselves. But is it really worth all the hassle? Let’s find out.

Cozy Companions

What makes this game stand out is the animal companions. They aren’t just there to look cute and follow you around like a lost puppy. Each companion has its own use but only if you look after them. As of their latest update, you can name, feed, and check on each companion. The longer they all stick around, the stronger they get with proper care. And if they get dirty, sprinkle them with your watering can for a little quick wash. One of the things that I like is bonding with your companions and using their special powers, but the way it’s carried out isn’t quite up to par.

The story is quite straightforward. You’re thrust into the roles of four orphans—Eva, Shaun, Edda, and Jacob. Fleeing from menacing pirates, they are unexpectedly transported to Heartland after getting away on a boat. In this new realm, they encounter a spirit named Sariel, who assigns them the task of revitalizing the island. Once a vibrant paradise, it now languishes in the deepest shades of grey. You will be able to switch characters whenever you want, so that’s kind of nice.

Your main goal is simple: revive totems which will then allow you to progress and repair structures. These totems will require specific materials, so you’ll need to smarten up, construct, harvest, fish, and get blueprints. All the while, the pirates lay in wait.

As I mentioned earlier, the central gameplay loop centers on farming, construction, combat, and exploration of new areas and quests. Regrettably, these activities don’t really feel as engaging for an extended period and quickly become repetitive. What’s worse is that the durability of the weapons, or tools is terrible so you’re not exactly motivated to even farm. The combat mechanics are still a little too simplistic, especially for a game out of early access. I really wish there was just more to it than what’s being offered: you just click on the mouse button and it’s all simplistically-animated with not much feedback. Also spending so much of my ridbit monies to get a good weapon and see it break after a few hits makes me cry inside.

It was easy though to get lost in exploring and learning more about the new biomes. I don’t think I actually followed the main story until after more than 2 hours in because I wanted to explore what I could craft and build. I got a little too excited honestly. At the same time anyway,  there isn’t really a clear way to go about the main story. The little tomes around where you had to give frogs were cute, but that’s all it was. Even giving up a little frog for some knowledge gets you almost zero value as the hints given are things that are just too obvious.

A Low-Fi Mood

The art style is a cartoon-y style that screams a comfy cozy time. I can appreciate that it matches the aesthetics of what the game is going for. The setting is beautiful, even in different biomes. It all comes together well. Not forgetting the sounds which really blend in well with the art. It really brings out an atmosphere which you can relax in after a long shit day. The game performed well which was definitely a plus for me. It can be annoying to enjoy games when there are stutters everywhere so thank god I didn’t need to struggle with that.

All in all, it’s not too bad of a game for its genre. However, RM61 is a steep price, and it’s not something I’d pay for, or recommend, unfortunately. I wish there was just more to it. I can see the potential in the game to do well. The narrative lacked depth and just wasn’t engaging enough. I really liked it, which is unfortunate but until the game adds more content, and more depth, I don’t think I will recommend it in good faith. Most importantly, durability for tools and weapons!

PROS

• A variety of companions to explore with.
• The setting and art style is beautiful.
• The Friend Pass; where 3 friends can join along without even buying the game.

CONS

• The gameplay isn’t engaging enough.
• The combat is too simple.
• Narrative is not engaging.

Score: 50/100

Review code provided by publisher.