App Army Assemble: Spirit of the Island – “Should you pay this life sim a visit?”

App Army Assemble: Spirit of the Island - "Should you pay this life sim a visit?"

  • This week, our App Army played Spirit of the Island
  • It’s cartoony look impressed our readers
  • But the speed it drained their device’s batteries did not

As a long-time fan of adventure games with a soft spot for exploration and immersive storytelling, I was thrilled when Spirit of the Island landed in my hands. The cartoony graphics were an instant draw, reminiscent of some of my favorite childhood games.


In their newest creation from Plug in Digital, titled “Spirit of the Island,” players embark on a journey to explore 14 unique islands and discover their distinct plant life, animal populations, residents, and histories. Our brave App Army members were given the opportunity to test this game and share their experiences.

Here’s what they said:

Torbjörn Kämblad

The overall story of the game is clear and effective in communicating the player’s objectives. However, the repetitive chatter from certain NPCs like Tala becomes tedious. A major drawback is that the tutorials are unengaging, lacking both interest and utility, making the game feel dull right from the start.

As a gamer, I’ve come across an issue that needs addressing: the inventory system is not working efficiently for me. I found myself discarding all my items and picking them up once again in a particular sequence to utilize them effectively. The graphics of this game are truly impressive and enhance the overall experience. Nevertheless, there are other games out there with comparable mechanics that offer more excitement and enjoyment than this one does presently.

Robert Maines

In the role-playing game “Spirit of the Island,” which shares some characteristics with “Stardew Valley,” you begin by shipwrecking on an island with only your name as a recollection. The island is in disrepair, and as you wander around and gather various items, you’ll have the opportunity to craft tools that help you accomplish objectives and gradually revitalize the island.

As a passionate fan, I can tell you that given time, you’ll draw in tourists to your island paradise. Some may even decide to settle down and lend a hand on your farm. The visuals might be on the whimsical side, yet they effectively convey the charm of the game. It’s an engaging experience, but it falls short as a mobile game due to heavy system requirements. My phone battery drains too quickly playing this game, and the user interface is cramped, making the start feel chaotic. With 14 islands in total, this game demands lengthy play sessions for an optimal experience. Regrettably, there’s no AppleTV version available, which would have been perfect for a more immersive gaming session using a controller without worrying about battery life.

Chad Jones

In simpler terms, “Spirit of the Island” is a game that combines life simulation and adventure, akin to “Stardew Valley.” Upon starting, you create your character but are given two distinct choices to begin your journey. These options, labeled as “story mode” and “non-story mode,” offer minimal difference in experience. The touch controls were responsive, though using a controller is suggested. The background music and sound effects harmoniously complemented the gameplay.

App Army Assemble: Spirit of the Island - "Should you pay this life sim a visit?"

The graphics were visually appealing. Advantages: there are numerous activities to discover and engage in, with ample opportunity for repeat play. Disadvantages: incorporating cloud saving would enhance user experience, as the game can be intimidating initially, and playing for an hour drains my battery significantly. Room for improvement exists, particularly in the area of saving progress across devices and reducing the game’s initial complexity. Despite these shortcomings, I believe the value is worthwhile for fans of life/farm simulation games, promising a captivating experience.

Jojó Reis

SOTI is an exceptionally crafted adventure game, boasting engaging exploration, stunning graphics, and intuitive control mechanics, notably when using a gamepad. The game offers a captivating survival experience with vibrant and meticulously designed visuals.

As a devoted fan, I’d describe this game as an immersive experience where I engage in combat, construct structures, scavenge resources, and manage my wellbeing. It shares some resemblance with Minecraft in its free-roaming exploration. Trust me, this game is an excellent investment. If you enjoy delving into vast, intriguing worlds filled with surprises and excitement, then this game is a must-have for you. In this adventure, I can craft a variety of tools like swords, axes, pickaxes, and more, which are essential for my survival.

What is the App Army?

Pocket Gamer’s dedicated community of mobile gaming enthusiasts, known as the App Army, regularly provide their insights on new games which we then gladly share with you.

Based on my own experience, I would recommend joining our community through either our Discord Channel or Facebook Group. The process is straightforward: just request access by answering the three questions. With my past involvement in similar groups, I can assure you that this step is essential to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members. Once you’ve completed this simple task, I promise you’ll be welcomed with open arms and granted access right away. It’s an easy way to connect with like-minded individuals, learn new things, and expand your horizons. So go ahead, take the first step towards becoming a part of our vibrant community!

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2024-07-25 15:18