Justin from Controller Crusade writes: "Islanders, on it’s surface, is a city builder game. You place houses and industries and watch as your little village grows and expands over every surface of your island. Dig a little deeper, however, and you’ll see that Islanders isn’t a city builder at all. It’s a puzzle game."
"If you've visited Video Chums before then you know that I can't resist a good challenge but sometimes, it's fun to simply relax with an easy-breezy experience so here are some cozy games that are sure to provide plenty of chill vibes and good times." - A.J. Maciejewski from Video Chums
Gareth writes: "ISLANDERS: Console Edition is something that is able to deliver a relaxing city experience without the stress of deep management, finances, and dealing with unhappy residents. It’s a game that is great to pick up for a quick bash, finding the minutes turning into hours. It’s well priced too and the low outlay works as a brilliant incentive to those looking to take a gamble."
Games Asylum: "Islanders looks like a city sim, it plays like a puzzle game, and might just be a comment on class politics and land use in the modern world. What's not to like?"
you don't have to dig deep to figure out it's a puzzle game. there is a side mode where you can build what you want.
but the main mode is a puzzle game if you don't notice it you won't get far. its gets boring pretty quick in my opinion not many options and it's just using the same strategy in different spaces. avoid woodcutting buildings mostly and try to cluster everything in groups together.