Penguin Isle

I just admit, I have only had this game for about three weeks now. Usually after three weeks I wouldn’t consider reviewing an app, only because I haven’t explored the features in that app enough, but this app is an exception. I usually dislike games I have to wait for; because I’m not extremely impatient, or apps that I have to watch ads for; mainly because it’s just annoying. But this app takes two things that usually deter me from considering downloading it, and make them worth while. The app combines so many great features and expands on them. You don’t have to wait, you don’t have to watch ads, you don’t have to spend money, but after a while you can easily justify doing those things. The music and graphics are soothing to look at, and the island is very customizable (which adds a neat aspect to playing), and the island is constantly expanding and changing. All in all, this app has kept my attention for days, I can honestly say that I haven’t had a day where I haven’t checked on my Penguins yet. The only thing, a minor detail, that I would consider changing: the wait time for materials. Maybe not even the wait time in its self, but consider two builders? Or two huts? I haven’t gone too far into the game yet, so I maybe asking for an extension that already exists, but for new players it is a very long time (1-2 hours, I know, I’m impatient) to wait for a tree to be constructed, or a Christmas tree, or light pull, or cute rock, or pile of snow... etc. Anyways, great app, 5 stars.

Definitely not the first one to start a review off by saying this, but I seriously don’t think I’ve ever taken the time to write a review for a mobile game before. I don’t think a mobile game—let alone an idle game—has ever impacted me in such a way to get me to write about it. Well, never say never because that’s exactly what Penguin Isle has done! I don’t hesitate to call this top-tier game development. They’ve taken the best parts of idle games, removed all the icky stuff, and created a phenomenal experience that only resonates the game developers’ passion and care. The animation and soundscape are beautiful and relaxing. The gameplay is surprisingly entertaining, and game progress is perfectly paced. It’s also extensively thorough and detailed. The gameplay is rather simple in concept, and because of that, I think the developers were really able to hone down on that simplicity and include a lot of splendid and creative detail to an idle game that could have potentially been fatally boring. Every detail is included only to enhance and never take away. In a lot of ways, this game reminds me of “Egg Inc.” (another impeccably-made idle game), but I believe that “Penguin Isle” reigns superior. I have yet to find an aspect of the game that I dislike. I’ve been playing for about two weeks, and I’m not sure I’ve ever stuck to an idle game for so long; hopefully, my playing doesn’t end soon! Keep it up, HABBY, and thanks for the great game!

This is pretty biased because I like games that take time to play. I feel like that’s the point, to lower stress and anxiety. It’s not something that will take a week to do. No, it’ll take more than that. I like that, and I like that you need effort to play the game. Don’t play this if you expect it to be done within a day or a week. Don’t play this if you expect to get currency quickly. This game is meant to take time. Sure, it’s a little difficult to get money but that’s because you need to understand how to distribute it properly between the different habitats. Once you understand that, the game actually goes a little quicker. For the people who truly want to spend time on a game that’s slow paced and very gentle, I recommend this. It’s so relaxing and it calms me down a lot. I’m a very anxious and nervous person myself, so I like slow paced games. It takes a little bit to understand how the currency works and how to level up things properly, but once you understand it, it gets better. The only thing I can say is how much the habitats cost. You start at a low currency and once you unlock a new habitat, you need to reach an extremely high goal to get there. I think that they should be a little lower instead of being extremely high right off the bat. I know the point is to work for it, but for the people who like to play at their own pace, that might be a little soul crushing for them. That’s all. Happy New Years!