Island of Winds
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About Island of Winds
Island of Winds is a single-player adventure puzzle game set in a magical 17th-century Iceland inspired by Norse folklore. Developed by Parity Games, it dropped on December 31, 2026, and runs on PS4, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. You play as Brynhild, a magic-wielding Balance Keeper who channels elemental forces from nature to navigate nine distinct biomes like volcanic lava fields and icy lagoons. The story follows her search for her missing mentor, battling mythical creatures such as the Bear King and sea guardian Hafgúfa. It’s a slower-paced, story-driven title focused on exploration and environmental puzzles, with a strong emphasis on Iceland’s natural landscapes.
Gameplay
Gameplay revolves around crossing procedurally generated zones using Brynhild’s elemental magic. You’ll manipulate fire, ice, and wind to solve puzzles, like melting glacial paths or extinguishing lava flows. Combat is light but tense, relying on dodging and elemental counters against trolls and giant spiders. Each of the nine biomes shifts the core mechanics, for example, the Lava of Skjól requires careful fire management to avoid backtracking. Sessions often involve 30, 60 minutes of exploration, with hidden collectibles and lore fragments scattered across the map. Controls are responsive but can feel clunky during fast-paced battles. The game’s rhythm favors deliberate play over speed, with a focus on atmospheric discovery over action.
What Players Think
Community members rate Island of Winds 4.3/5, praising its visuals and pacing but criticizing inconsistent combat. 68% of players finish the story, with an average playtime of 12.5 hours. The most common moods reported are "Mysterious" (82%) and "Awe-inspiring" (67%), though 23% found it "Tedious." Achievements total 85, with the hardest tied to a rare spider in the Jökla lagoon (completion rate: 11%). Reviews highlight the Obsidian Shore’s "jaw-dropping" design and the Bear King battle as a "memorable setpiece." However, some note repetitive puzzles in the latter third. Critic scores average 81/100, with outlets like Eurogamer calling it "a flawed but enchanting journey."
PlayPile's Take
Island of Winds is best for players who enjoy slow-burn stories and atmospheric worldbuilding over combat or fast-paced action. At its launch price of $39.99 (now discounted on most platforms), it offers decent value for its 85 achievements and dense environmental design. While later sections drag for some, the first half remains a standout for its creative puzzles and eerie beauty. Skip this if you prefer tight mechanics or multiplayer, but give it a shot if you want to get lost in a haunting, magical version of Iceland.
Game Modes
Single player
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