In a different time, in a different environment, this game would have been released to a calm crowd. Some would have critiqued it for its simplistic presentation, others would’ve pointed out that its integration of its themes and choices served as a novel example of ludonarrative harmony in text based adventures. Debates could’ve gone back and forth in how it depicted depression and suicide, but eventually it would subside. People would then move on to the next game. Some would be inspired by it and make their own games that improved upon its style. Overall, it would’ve been like many other games that come and go. And in some aspects, it did end up like this. However, in many others, it did not. It instead became the centerpiece of a vile movement, one focused on hatred, bigotry, and straight gaslighting. One who’s hanger-ons still say was a noble cause even though we have a tremendous amount of proof that said otherwise, collected by people who risked their private lives to combat it. So much bullshit came out of 2013 and 2014, and it infamously elevated what was otherwise a harmless text adventure game. Jfc…

Though it’s rare compared to the old days of the 80s, 90s, and 00s, the advertisement game lives on in this particular little entry. Published by the National Westminster Bank of the UK, Island Saver is another in the line of the “comfy game” aesthetic of vidya-somewhat in the vein of Slime Rancher-but this time with an edutainment slant about saving money and the environment (which makes sense while also being ironic), all of which revolves around the main loop of recycling trash, using your funds responsibly, while also learning tidbits about banking, taxation, animals, and everything in between. The colorful and whimsical graphics, coupled with the varied environments, do a lot to hide what’s otherwise a tedious gameplay loop of collect-and-drop and the occasional combat, fun for the first hour but losing its charm towards the last island. However, considering that it’s free and it ultimately did accomplish what it set out to do, it’s fine for what it is. The DLC islands, particularly the dinosaur island, do spice up the formula just a little bit and are a bit on the cheap side. They’re worth it to those who thoroughly enjoyed the main game.