Islands of Insight is a unique open-world first-person puzzle game currently undergoing an open playtest on Steam. Developed by Lunarch Studios, known for their work on games like Prismata, and Behaviour Interactive, renowned for Dead by Daylight, this intriguing title has piqued my curiosity. Having delved into the playtest since it commenced on September 7, I’m pleased to report that my experience thus far has been thoroughly enjoyable.
Islands of Insight draws inspiration from a blend of classic puzzle games, offering a familiar yet distinctive experience. If I were to draw comparisons, it shares similarities with The Talos Principle, with traces of The Witness and Uru: Ages Beyond Myst, all seamlessly woven together. The game’s world consists of a series of floating islands, which merge elements of untamed wilderness, ancient ruins, and mysticism. What sets it apart is the subtle presence of an enigmatic higher power overseeing the entire realm.
One notable departure from its counterparts is the game’s openness. While certain regions require unlocking through task completion, players have the freedom to explore at their leisure for the most part. Although not truly multiplayer, as there are no cooperative puzzles, Islands of Insight introduces a shared world concept. You can encounter other players within the game world and engage with them in limited ways.
Beyond the diverse puzzle types, including tetromino block-droppers, logic and perspective puzzles, memory tests, and fractal-draggers, there are additional activities to immerse yourself in. These range from chasing floating orbs to uncovering hidden objects and gateways. It’s a digital playground more than a traditional puzzle game, and it’s oddly relaxing. Islands of Insight doesn’t offer the meticulously crafted tranquillity of The Talos Principle, but its absence of a grand narrative or overarching goal fosters a liberating sense of exploration and playfulness.
Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that Islands of Insight is still in a pre-release state, which becomes evident through occasional technical hiccups. Surprise server resets and unexplained issues, like the sudden disappearance of earned wings (which allow players to fly), are part and parcel of a technical test. However, the overall experience remains relatively smooth.
The true test for Islands of Insight will be its long-term appeal. The ongoing playtest primarily focuses on game performance, making it too early to evaluate intangible aspects such as narrative quality and exploration depth. While I’m currently enjoying the game for its current state—providing a space to unwind after diving into games like Pentiment and Amid Evil—I’m hopeful that the full release will offer a well-defined narrative path. A lack of clear direction or purpose was a significant drawback for me in The Witness, despite its intriguing puzzles.
The Islands of Insight playtest is open to all and will run until September 21 on Steam. As of now, a specific release date for the full game has not been announced.
