Review: Amber Isle – Rebuilding Charm with Prehistoric Friends

Developer: Ambertail Games / published by Team17
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1663040/Amber_Isle/

Let me introduce you to Amber Isle, a game that’s become my go-to escape into a charming world filled with dinosaurs and cozy village vibes. This little gem blends shopkeeping, village building, and heartfelt storytelling into one delightful package.

From the moment I started my journey as the village’s new shopkeeper, which by the way I got to customize my own little paleofolk, I was hooked. The initial tutorial took about 2.5 hours to complete, gently guiding me through the basics of crafting, managing my shop, and getting to know my dinosaur neighbors. Sure, it starts slow, but that gradual pace really helps you get a feel for how to thrive in this quirky world.

Crafting is a big part of the game, and while it felt a bit repetitive at first, gathering materials, crafting items to turn a profit. Gameplay really picked up once I started unlocking new recipes and upgrading my tools. The sense of progress and discovery kept me immersed in the daily life of Amber Isle.

What I love most about Amber Isle is its open-world design, it feels like the island felt alive with possibilities. As new areas are unlocked so are 48 different villagers, each with their own personalities and quests. Building friendships isn’t just about socializing; it directly impacts your shop’s success. The more villagers trust you, the more they’re willing to spend, which adds a satisfying layer of depth to the gameplay.

Decorating the island was another highlight. I could place paths, flowers, and all sorts of decorations to make the village feel like my own. It reminded me of games like Animal Crossing, but with a unique top-down perspective of my growing paradise.

In terms of playtime, Amber Isle offers flexibility. If you’re rushing through, you could wrap it up in about 15-20 hours, but if you’re like me—taking your time, soaking in the atmosphere, and unlocking every recipe—expect to spend 40+ hours here. At $19.99, it’s a steal for the amount of content and joy it brings.

Visually, the game is adorable. The dinosaurs are charmingly cartoonish, and the island scenery is just plain cozy. The soundtrack sets a relaxing tone, although a bit more variety in sound effects would have been nice.

Now, it’s not all sunshine and roses. I did struggle with inventory space early on, and the game could have explained storage better. Developers have been quick to patch the few bugs there were early on.

Amber Isle isn’t just a game; it’s a warm invitation to a community where creativity thrives. Despite a few initial hurdles, its charm won me over completely. Whether you’re into simulation games or just looking for a relaxing adventure, I can’t recommend Amber Isle enough. It’s a testament to how games can create magical worlds that you’ll want to visit again and again.