Scout Report, an irregular series of indie game recommendations from Sin Vega, has once again delivered a gem for puzzle enthusiasts. This time, the spotlight is on Isles of Sea and Sky, a relaxing puzzle adventure developed and published by Cicada Games in collaboration with Gamera Games. Available now on Steam for £17/€20, this game offers a fresh take on the classic Sokoban-style puzzles.
A Whimsical Journey Begins
From the moment you start, your wee island person washes up on a beach, setting the stage for an engaging adventure. The objective is simple yet captivating: push stuff around to collect keys that unlock more screens filled with additional puzzles. Along the way, you'll gather stars that act as both keys and guides, subtly indicating which area you should explore next. Got 15 stars? It's probably time to move past that 15-star gate and discover new tools and challenges.
Metroid Vibes and Intricate Levels
The game offers a hint of Metroid-like exploration. Inaccessible areas appear quickly, and sometimes a path will take you through a tiny corner of a puzzle you'll tackle later. These glimpses serve as tantalizing hints or simply add to the game's allure. The levels are intricately linked, although the solution gap can sometimes be larger than preferred, requiring a bit of backtracking. However, the map and its flagging system help mitigate this issue.
Low Frustration, High Satisfaction
One of the standout features of Isles of Sea and Sky is its low frustration level. The game includes an instant reset button and a "go back one move" feature that you can use several moves deep without any cost. Even if you blunder into drowny water or spikes, the game merely tuts and puts you back one move, not the entire screen. This makes for a forgiving yet challenging experience.
An Excellent Puzzle Game
Isles of Sea and Sky is an excellent puzzle game all around. It strikes a perfect balance between being neither punishing nor overwhelming, requiring players to stop and think just often enough. It's hard to find faults with this game, making it a must-try even if block-pushing puzzles aren't usually your scene.
Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/Cicada Games/Gamera Games
