Islanders: New Shores Announcement
Coatsink has revealed the upcoming sequel to Islanders, the beloved pastelcore seaside town-planning game. The original Islanders was the last game reviewed by Alec Meer for RPS before he tackled Kentucky Route Zero: Act V. Despite the timing, Alec’s review of KRZ was exceptional, and now, we have the first trailer for Islanders: New Shores, promising a tranquil experience.
Set to release in summer 2025, New Shores continues the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor. Players strategically place buildings to maximize adjacency bonuses and attain specific score thresholds. As you progress through each stage, you unlock a variety of new and sophisticated buildings, each introduced with a soothing kiss-pop effect synonymous with cozy gaming experiences.
New Shores introduces fresh elements, including “50 dynamic island generators providing endless diversity.” The game features boons, one-time power-ups awarded as you accumulate points in each stage. These aids become crucial in tackling more challenging levels, offering abilities like duplicating buildings in your inventory or swapping out existing structures for new ones, adding intriguing twists to your strategy. The game also incorporates advanced scoring systems that reward clever tactics.
Moreover, players can enjoy a new Sandbox mode with separate save files, a selection of 44 unique building types, seven picturesque island properties, and a captivating photo mode with various filters and a turntable camera setting. Streamers will appreciate the Twitch integration, enabling viewers to participate in building decisions through voting.
While the game promises exciting features and improvements, one curious addition spotted in the trailer is an active volcano on one of the islands. This raises questions for fans of the original Islanders – did volcanoes exist in the first game? It’s a mystery to ponder as we await the release of Islanders: New Shores.
