Isle of Reveries

I'm friends with the designer personally and had some creative input on the game so don't @ me That said I'm also not the biggest Zelda or Metroidvania guy in the world. I used to be when I was younger but moved on to other games. The best thing about this game is that understands why those games are good and doesn't rely on chasing nostalgia or aesthetics to replicate them, it just takes that toolbox and makes its own thing with them. The game is good, buy it, support a cool guy and play a fun game

Very fun 2D Zelda like game, reminiscent of the Oracle games in particular. I've played a fair amount of the indie representatives of this genre, from Master Key, to Lenna's Inception, Blossom Tales, Ittle Dew, and this one is up there in the art style department.

While I love the clear inspirations this game draws upon, I would like to add my perspective to the mix. Aside from the Downfall Timeline, the world of Zelda games are by and large a bright and bombastic world filled with wonder and joy and they must band together to defeat the evil plaguing them. I cannot speak to the total feel of the game, perhaps I'll update my review when I've played more, but from the vibes I've gathered after beating the opening act (first dungeon) I will say this is more akin to a dark and dreary world that really hits it's stride when its finding little glimmers of hope and clinging on to them as best as it can. The main puzzle mechanic, as little as I've had to use it so far, is something that promises to be VERY intriguing and wonderfully creative to interact with. Also, there's a certain unique nostalgia that this game played into when it handed me a camera during the opening sequence and told me to take pictures of the enemies I encounter. Looking forward to what kind of community this game fosters, I can imagine there will be loads of adorable and interesting fan art to be had. Also looking forward very keenly to what other projects desertcucco is going to get into in the future, what an incredible debut game.

There's plenty of indie games out there that try to emulate the style of another game. Very few tend to live up to their inspiration. This game definitely lives up to the Zelda series. The developer clearly did their homework as you can just feel the love they have for Zelda. The overworld is designed pretty well with shortcuts you can unlock for backtracking purposes. Some of the screens do feel a little cramped though, but that comes with a low resolution (I think that's the word) like something from the Gameboy. The dungeons are an absolute highlight for me. So far, every dungeon has a unique mechanic to it and they lend themselves to some really clever puzzles. One thing I think would be nice is a tool wheel just to save time going in and out of the menu. You could highlight the tool and press the button you want to assign it to. To sum it up, this is on the higher end of Zelda likes. It's got a very respectable price and a demo that includes the first dungeon.

Game.. Good.. But Game... Challenging.. Get lost many time.. Lost in many way.. Game very charming.. Good Puzzles.. Never have played something quite like this.. If you dumb like rock.. Game may be not for u.. If not dumb.. Like rock.. Game may be for u..

10/10!

Game's a hoot. I've finished the second dungeon, but wanted to leave a positive review because my impression of the game so far is very good. My favorite Zelda games are Oracle of Ages/Seasons and Link's Awakening. So I absolutely had to pick this one up. The art style and sounds are very reminiscent of those games. The story so far is pretty standard, but keeps you interested; we're not in it for Dostoyevsky. Combat is straightforward: slash your sword and supplement with a relevant item that counters the enemy. Though I must say, the item you get in the 2nd dungeon is a little too useful in combat. The dungeons have been interesting. They are designed around your "secondary" ability which give them an extra kick of complexity to the "move blue block to blue tile" puzzle. This keeps things fresh. There were times I facepalmed because I forgot I could do it and the solution was literally in front of me. Special shoutout goes to the music. To me music is an absolutely massive part of a game. It can raise a game to new heights. When I booted the demo I was immediately absorbed just by the title. There are many times I stop and enjoy it as I'm exploring. If I were to point out a con, then it would be getting around in the world. I feel, more or less, aimless on where I'm going. Eventually I reach a point of interest and I'm like "neat, I didn't know this was where I needed to go". In other Zelda titles, where you are and where you need to be are made very clear. The mire is a good example of this. It's very cluttered and the path isn't clear. You'll wander through it, but not because you knew where to go. Be sure to pick up the soundtrack on Bandcamp (by Auxilotl); it's absolutely wonderful.