In a world full of pressure and responsibilities you’d expect the load to be shared evenly. When it isn’t, it can have dreadful consequences. The balance that settles your mind can be disturbed and the world can seem an oppressive place. Minute of Islands explores this idea in a touching and surreal way.
Developed by Studio Fizbin and published by Mixtvision, this is an unusual adventure puzzle game. With beautiful poetic narration and underground labyrinthine worlds to explore, it is easy to lose yourself in this weird story.
Minute of Islands is touching and horrifying.
There is so much to love about Minute of Islands, but occasionally you are left reeling by the shocking images. With the influences of death and suffering at every turn, you can see why the protagonist struggles mentally. Every task and journey is thwarted with danger and only logical thinking, and her training will ensure she succeeds.
The story is told across four chapters, each taking in separate islands that are unique but intrinsically linked. You are Mo, a female apprentice who must help the four gigantic guardians. These enormous beasts run the engine that protects the islands and their remaining inhabitants. The air is laced with toxins that harm anything it touches. The machines keep the atmosphere clear and you must assist the giants to fulfil their obligation to humanity.
It’s a weird dreamlike tale that will leave you confused at first. You will wander the dark tunnels looking at the alien-like environment. Quickly you’ll realise this is a story like no other when you spot the first snoring giant. You enter a vast cavern and see the creature leaning against his machine. It’s from this moment you learn to go with the flow and accept the surreal and wonderful ideas.
A world run on special power and giant run engines.
You will travel by boat, hopping from island to island aiming to save your failing world. The moment you land, you must begin exploring. You will meet family members, animals, and the few remaining islanders. The environment is dark and grimy and gives an oppressive feeling. The toxins in the air make the inhabitants irritable and irrational. You do your best to help each person while aiming to fix the broken machines. Gifted with a special tool known as the Omni Switch, you can control the island’s power and divert its flow to help the giants.
Your staff-like item is as mystical as it is useful. It solves all problems and is the key component of this bizarre jigsaw. You encounter locked doors that open like fish gills when powered up. The heart of each island must be energised and only Mo and the Omni Switch can make that happen.
It’s simple, brilliant, and slightly absurd. I adored the randomness of the whole situation and embraced the strange puzzles you face. Basic platforming elements added depth to the adventuring. Though it was occasionally tedious with the constant back and forth, it was fun, mostly, and added longevity.
Minute of Islands teases you.
This fairytale and personal experience inspired plot weaves an intricate web. And your straightforward journey is always complicated by additional problems. Minute of Islands teases you throughout by implying the chapter is nearly over, yet this is rarely the case.
Problem after problem and puzzle after puzzle block Mo’s progress. Her simple journey becomes arduous and long and she constantly battles to keep her sanity while forging through the constant toxic visions.
A wonderfully stylised experience.
The weirdness of the plot is one thing, but the stunning stylised graphics are something else. Its look is incredible, with clean lines, oppressive colours and Brothers Grimm inspired imagery. You’ll feel like you’re travelling through a tragic nightmare. But, no matter the horrific nature of the imagery, you won’t want to wake from this spectacular slumber.
The graphics and atmosphere are supported perfectly with the touching and harrowing audio. The music will make you laugh, cry, and shudder with its variety of songs. Airy melodies enhance the surreal nature and heavy tunes emphasise the disastrous situation. This is all held together by the marvellous poetic narration.
The beautifully delivered acting highlights Mo’s mental state and the problems she faces. Each line is full of emotion and you never tire of the words you hear.
The combination of sound and imagery makes this one of the best indie games I’ve played. It’s touching and horrendous at the same time. Walking further into the madness ensures Mo faces her demons. You know it’ll be uncomfortable, but you won’t turn away as you want to know what the future holds.
The controls are its Achilles heel.
Minute of Islands does everything to a high standard, so I’m going to be a little picky. Sadly, the controls are clumsy during platforming elements. The level of accuracy required to jump or fall from surfaces is too precise. I jumped when I want to fall and vice versa; it wasn’t game-breaking, just annoying. This is me being very particular and other than this it was easy to play.
Like most adventure games the replay value is limited. The developers tried to enhance it with a secret achievement list and plenty of memories to find. These unusual spirits are hidden on each island. As you touch the ghostly beings, a snippet of information about Mo plays out. I loved this element! It gave you something to hunt for and added depth to the surrounding issues of the lead character.
Minute of Islands: Unusual, but utterly spectacular.
I went from; confused, lost, shocked, and in awe, as I explored this strange world. Minute of Islands is very unusual, but boy is it utterly spectacular! Focusing more on the artistry and the journey, you won’t be challenged by the puzzle aspect. You will love its wonderful narration, touching and horrendous story, and it’s brilliant surreal graphics. You must play it so buy it here! Mo’s world is in danger and only she can save it. Grab the Omni Switch, awake the giants, and restore order.
