Islets

Overall, Islets may not be doing anything especially new in its genre, but it does all the usual things incredibly well. Movement and combat feel good, the abilities you get are fun to use, maps are well designed and satisfying to explore, and bosses are challenging in a way that makes them memorable. Outside of some qualms with how upgrade tokens sometimes make rewards not as worthwhile as they should be, I have very little negative to say about my time with Islets. If you find yourself hankering for another metroidvania that does what it says on the tin, and does it competently, this is definitely a game to have your eye on. Those islands aren’t going to reconnect themselves.

Islets keeps things simple with its Metroidvania formula yet it accomplishes its satisfying gameplay so exceptionally well that it's hard to stop playing it once you start. Plus, watching the islands come together has to be one of the most rewarding mechanics in the genre.

Islets is a gorgeous, enjoyable example of the Metroidvania genre that feels in some ways like a throwback to the pre-Souls era in how it is set up and the tone it pursues. While it doesn’t make any substantial changes to the formula outside of its entertaining flying sections, it’s refreshingly solid all-around. Those on the hunt for a new game in this genre would do well to consider Islets.

Islets marries classic Metroidvania elements with innovative tweaks and a gorgeous illustrative style. It may be on the easier end of the scale, but there’s enough depth and variety to keep everyone occupied, from beginners to completionists.

This is a gorgeous game, and a compelling one at that, and anyone that ekes out even a fraction of enjoyment from this genre owes it to themselves to at least give this a go. I promise you, it’ll leave you charmed and hungry for more.