The Amber Isle Review

Initial release date: June 10, 2024

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems

Genres: Indie game, Simulation video game, Adventure game, Strategy video game, Adventure

Developer: Ambertail Games

Publisher: Team17

Engine: Unity

Following the great success of Animal Crossing: fresh Horizons in March 2020, many of us have been looking forward to fresh releases of cozy life sim games that provide a similar or even better experience. Ambertail Games, a Northern Irish indie game studio, and publisher Team17 Digital recently announced Amber Isle, a game set in the setting of Paleo Pines and greatly influenced by Animal Crossing.

Amber Isle promises a wide range of customizations, allowing players to create their own dinosaur avatars, run their own shops, and decorate the island as they see fit. Players can also engage with Paleofolks (dinosaur people) of all forms and sizes, unlocking new upgrades and recipes. As a lover of classic life simulation games such as Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley, I was eager to explore the world of Amber Isle. However, after more than 15 hours in the game, I discovered that the enchantment I had hoped for was lacking.

Stepping Stone

The game’s plot revolves around a young paleo searching for adventure and purpose. Following an unanticipated mistake that results in a fall onto Amber Isle, the main character is entrusted with restoring the damage to an abandoned business, much to the chagrin of the grumpy iguanodon Mayor Clawsworth. With the help of Maple, a cheerful pteranodon courier, and Adi, a new megalosaurus intern, the goal is to successfully manage a business and transform the deserted island into a bustling community.

The plot follows a typical pattern seen in previous cozy sim management games, with the main character settling in a new hamlet and working to make it well-known. While the number of story cutscenes and dialogue adds depth, the lack of voice acting and one-sided interactions can be tedious. Furthermore, the interactions with these Paleofolks outside of the cutscenes are monotonous, and it can be difficult to find one in the real world. So it’s mostly just you in the village, unless when you’re ready to establish a business, which is the only time you’ll meet other characters in the game.

Crafting and gathering materials in seven different categories is central to the Amber Isle, all with a fascinating prehistoric motif. However, the process of unlocking new recipes and selling products can grow tedious, and the few options to spend collected funds is disappointing. You have the option of spending money on island decorations or on shop decorations, both of which have fairly limited options. Furthermore, the lack of choices for expanding the shop or personal space is a disadvantage. Your own “home” is essentially a bedroom behind your shop, with little else to offer.

Exploration in the game feels confined, with only a tiny area for gathering materials with basic instruments such as an axe, pickaxe, scythe, and shovel. You can improve your tools after completing jobs for the new residents, which, believe me, takes a long time to obtain quality tools. Despite the attractive colors and cheerful, pleasant setting, the game lacks room and surprises.

Not Dino-Mite.

The visuals are in 3D, with delightful chibi-like dinosaurs set in an appealing dinosaur world. It entices members of the cozy gaming community to add Ambler Isle to their wishlist and increases their chances of purchasing the game. Who can resist charming dinosaurs, right? I was hoped the same could be said of its soundtrack, which, in comparison to the graphics, left me with no lasting impact.

Another thing to note is that when you elect to decorate, the camera position feels locked, and the viewpoints provided do not make sense in terms of seeing the entire picture. I had to squint my eyes to recognize each item after it was dropped in the area. Even if you’re attempting to change your point of view, it’s inconvenient to have to do so repeatedly.

Amber Isle has the potential to be one of the best comfortable management games if the development team plays their cards correctly, but it now feels quite barebones, except from the looks. The shop management system just scratches the surface; the exploration area appears huge on the map but feels confined once explored. The bond-building with other Paleofolks feels one-sided, and the friendship meter appears to be meaningless; nothing changes even when you gain points. The plot is monotonous after a time. It could have been better if the mechanics were as extensive as the character customisation. I’m confident that the developer will expand the universe in their future roadmaps. However, for the time being, the nearly RM90.00 price tag does not seem justified.

The idea of running your own chibi-dinosaur island and expanding your business into a bustling hub in the community appears appealing. However, Amber Isle makes this idea appear too good to be true, with little to discover in this charming prehistoric realm. In summary, it feels and performs as dated as its subjects.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 84%

Controls: 87%

Aesthetics: 92%

Content: 81%

Accessibility: 85%

Value: 88%

Overall: 86%

GREAT!

Summary:

“The Amber Isle” is a graphically gorgeous adventure that transports players to a vivid, exotic world full of treasures to find and puzzles to solve. The game succeeds in its simple yet engaging mechanics and stunning design, making it a pleasure to explore. While the gameplay is great, more variation in objectives or richer narration could improve the experience even further. It’s accessible to players of all skill levels, providing a light challenge and a satisfying sense of discovery. Overall, “The Amber Isle” is a beautifully created adventure that offers excellent value to anyone looking for an enchanting, relaxed experience.