Islanders: New Shores Adds Lighthouses, Because Apparently We Needed More Zen In Our Lives
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Islanders: New Shores adds lighthouses and new island types, enhancing the chill vibes of the original. It’s a beautifully simple game that just got a little bit brighter (literally!).
Right, so *Islanders*, that ridiculously charming little game where you build tiny empires on even tinier islands, just got a bit bigger (or should I say, brighter?). Eurogamer reports that *Islanders: New Shores* has dropped, bringing with it a bunch of lovely new additions, but the one that's really got me going is the lighthouse.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "A lighthouse? Jeff, you're getting excited about a *lighthouse*?" And to that, I say: fair dinkum, mate, you haven't played *Islanders*. It's the kind of game that worms its way into your brain and makes you appreciate the simple things. Like perfectly placed windmills, or, yes, a glorious beacon of light cutting through the digital fog.
The core gameplay remains the same: you're still hovering over idyllic island chains, strategically placing buildings to maximize your score. It's a delicate dance of optimization, where a misplaced lumberjack can ruin your entire day (in a relaxing, meditative sort of way, of course).
But *New Shores* adds some spicy new wrinkles. We're talking new island types like snowy tundras with pyres to strategically place and fiery lava islands where you get to essentially terraform new land using terraces. Sounds pretty neat, eh? You also get Boons, which are basically rule-bending power-ups that let you do things like re-roll your building choices or plonk down identical buildings side-by-side without penalty. These shake things up nicely without completely breaking the zen-like flow of the game.
But back to the lighthouse. According to Eurogamer's Christian Donlan, unlocking and placing that first lighthouse was a game-changer, not mechanically, but *imaginatively*. And I reckon that's the key. *Islanders* isn't just about min-maxing; it's about creating something beautiful and peaceful. The lighthouse? It's the cherry on top of a perfectly serene sundae. Makes you wonder what they’ll add next, doesn’t it? Giant windmills? Underwater tunnels? Only time will tell!
*Islanders: New Shores* is out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series S/X. If you're looking for a game to chill with after a long day of, well, whatever it is you do, this might just be the ticket.
Tags: indie games, city builder, strategy, relaxing games, puzzle
Original article: Eurogamer