Like Stella from Spiritfarer, there is something inherently magical about a determined young heroine voyaging across the seas on a quest to heal a broken world. Minute of Islands lets you play as Mo, a lioness-hearted young engineer who sets sail through her archipelago to repair the failing machines that have been keeping her people safe. Developed by Studio Fizbin, Minute of Islands is out on PC, PlayStation, and Switch, with an Xbox release scheduled for June 15.
The journey won’t be easy. For every step closer Mo gets to saving the islands, the further she discovers something darker and more dangerous is stirring. The toxic spore-ridden world evokes nostalgic Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind vibes as they threaten to poison the islands, endangering Mo and her family. Minute of Islands features an engaging and immersive tale that illustrates Mo’s struggles when she realizes her purpose and ambitions are far from what she assumed them to be. The islands are full of danger, mystery, and wonder. Traveling in her rugged ship, Mo must explore a vibrant world across multiple unique islands and interact with its unusual denizens while uncovering the shadowy, untold truths that lie beneath the surface.
The thought-provoking narrative intermixed with puzzle-platforming is undoubtedly a grand highlight of the game, but Minute of Islands‘ stunning and crisp hand-drawn visuals are on an out-of-this-world level of spectacular. Although the comic-book style presentation feels charming and friendly from a glance, there’s a grim, bleak touch to the art that constitutes a sense of mystery and foreboding. Minute of Islands is an experience brimming with atmosphere, with careful attention poured into each aspect of its visuals, gameplay, and story.
