Are you fans of open-world games with a lot of grind? Or would you rather relax with a good puzzle game? Islands of Insight has both for you. MeinMMO author Linda Baumgartl tested how well the mixture works.
As a big fan of survival games, I can rarely say no to exploring an open world. Some of my favorites include games like Conan Exiles or Valheim. So far I have rarely found my way to puzzle games. I like to do analogue puzzles with Sudokus or nanograms. I have now spent around 10 hours in Islands of Insight and was pleasantly surprised.
What kind of game is this? Islands of Insight is a puzzle game in which you, as a seeker, go on a peaceful journey of discovery in an open world. There are over 10,000 puzzles to find and solve on floating islands.
For this purpose, the development studio Lunarch Studios has teamed up with what they say are the best puzzle designers in the world to continually provide surprises in 24 puzzle categories.
Islands of Insight launches on Steam on February 13th. You can get a first picture for yourself in the trailer:
Islands of Insight: Date Reveal Trailer
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A relaxed world full of puzzles
At the beginning of Islands of Insight you start in the classic way with character creation. There aren’t particularly many options. However, there are a few nice special features, such as magical body decorations or a colorful, radiant aura.
This already shows the visual style that can also await you in the open world. Everything seems antique, imaginative and almost divine. Overall, as a fan of mythological fantasy, I really like the look and theme of the game.
The landscape seems very idyllic, but still interesting. There are a total of five biomes that can be gradually unlocked. Especially when gliding through the air, I always discover interesting structures in the background, such as a huge pyramid, which inspire me to explore.
From the first exploration tour it is clear that Islands of Insight wants to offer a very relaxing gaming experience. There is no stamina consumption, falling damage or anything like that. Overall, the game avoids “punishing” the player for anything. This makes the title very accessible even for beginners, as you don’t have to worry about negative consequences.
In the character editor, my character gets some cool body decorations.
My character glides elegantly over the landscape.
I discover interesting points, especially from the air.
There is a lot to discover in the first area.
Where are the puzzles? Everywhere in the world of Islands of Insight you will find little puzzles.
There are also quests that can show you the way. However, it is not absolutely necessary to follow a fixed order. You can take on the tasks you want to do.
In Islands of Insight you are not alone in the game world. Actually it is an MMO. In the shared world you can interact with other players and maybe even get help with one or two puzzles.
Diverse puzzles that follow clear rules
What I find particularly successful about Islands of Insight are the various puzzle tasks.
At the same time, this was also where I was most worried. Because my fuse when it comes to puzzles in computer games is usually really short. I quickly get frustrated when I don’t understand what the game wants from me. I often simply look for the solution on the Internet. I can give the all-clear to anyone who feels the same way as me.
The puzzles in Islands of Insight are really well designed.
Connecting all dark surfaces is incredibly easy here.
However, new rules are constantly being added, which are later combined.
Hit all the gold rings, but avoid the purple one – a matter of perspective.
I can best compare the feeling of playing the game to solving Sudoku. What do I mean by that?
Islands of Insight then mixes this Sudoku feeling with classic gaming elements: exploring an open world, leveling and grinding.
That sounds familiar to us: leveling and grinding
A mechanism that connects many gaming genres is leveling up your character. When it comes to puzzle games, I think it’s a shame that this element is often neglected. Islands of Insight is different: the game uses the typical progression mechanics that will be familiar to every gamer.
The first thing I can do is learn a double jump.
There are a total of 24 puzzle categories to master.
Does it work? The mix of puzzles solved and rewards received appeals to my reward system in several ways. This may sound simple, but it is still effective. So I always have the good feeling of achieving something.
Especially players who like to explore everything 100% can grind to their heart’s content in Islands of Insight. Because it’s not just about completing puzzles in a dull order. You first have to find the numerous Kobelei. For example, if you have solved all the puzzles in a category in a certain area, you will receive another reward.
What weakens the feeling of success for me personally, however, are primarily two points:
Ultimately, these are design decisions that make the game more accessible and relaxing. The focus is clearly on actually solving the puzzles and having a cozy gaming experience. The level system doesn’t motivate me as much as in other games. It’s still a nice addition to the puzzle experience.
A successful puzzle MMO to relax
Anyone looking for a relaxing puzzle game that surprises with innovative challenges and ideas and stimulates the desire to explore has come to the right place with Islands of Insight.
Experienced gamers can rediscover familiar mechanics. But the game is also easily accessible for beginners because it has no punishing mechanisms and allows the player to progress at their own pace.
If, in addition to enjoying puzzles, you also have a bit of an organizational fetish, or if you simply prefer tidying up in PC games than in real life, the game A Little to the Left is just right for you: In this game you have to keep things tidy while your Cat causing chaos