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Review of Island Saver on Nintendo Switch

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo May 2020
Cover image of Island Saver on Switch
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 13 May 2020
Genre: Action-Adventure, Educational
Developer: Stormcloud Games
Publisher: National Westminster Bank

Introduction

Welcome to the peculiar world of Island Saver, where the lush landscapes are marred by an alarming amount of litter, and bankimals are your sidekicks in the fight against garbage! This feel-good game teaches the less-than-glamorous world of personal finance through the lens of adorable animals ballooning with coins. So, pack your cleaning supplies, and let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this unique title offered on the charming Nintendo Switch!

Gameplay

In Island Saver, your primary objective is to clean up the titular island, which appears to have suffered from the worst case of litter and pollution ever seen since the dawn of the video game age (there's even a whole side quest devoted to picking up discarded pizza boxes-now that's something everyone can relate to). As you traverse the island, you'll discover various unlockable areas that promise more fun as long as you can accumulate enough in-game coins to unlock them. How does one acquire these hard-earned coins, you ask? By cleaning up litter and gooey goop, of course! Your allies in this quest come in the form of bankimals, quirky creatures that resemble a cross between a piggy bank and a balloon animal. Yes, you heard that right! These adorable critters store your collected coins and, in turn, become your ticket to progress. But wait, there's more! As you engage with these cuties, you'll learn about fundamental banking concepts that range from managing your bank account to even understanding the concept of taxes. Who knew you could feel this excited about financial literacy? The game is designed primarily with children in mind, but adults may find it equally amusing and educational-or at the very least, a great way to learn some solid financial habits in a fun environment. If you find yourself yearning to go deeper into this financial-themed adventure, two downloadable content packs are available, with proceeds benefiting charities. It's a win-win situation: save the island's wildlife and support a good cause. Bonus points for feeling good while saving the world!

Graphics

Despite being a game that tackles a serious subject, the graphics here are colorful and cute, drawing players into the vibrant and lively world of the Savvy Islands. The thoughtfully designed environments are dotted with delightful visuals, making all that pick-up-the-garbage action much more bearable. The visual style seems to appeal to various age groups, with a charming cartoonish design that won't leave even your most cynical adult heart untouched. The animations of the bankimals and the various reactions to your cleaning prowess bring a lightheartedness to the otherwise serious themes being presented. While it may not push the technological envelope, it certainly fills its graphical confines with charm and vibrancy. Because let's face it, who wants to clean up trash in a drab, lifeless world?

Conclusion

In summary, Island Saver cleverly weaves together fun gameplay elements while imparting valuable financial lessons that could benefit players of all ages. The combination of charming graphics and unique bankims makes the game stand apart from the endless waves of identikit adventure titles flooding the market today. While it may stumble on repetitive mechanics after a while and occasionally veer into tedious territory, it regenerates this lost momentum with moments of awe and cuteness. For an experience that is free-to-play, it delivers substantial content that could warrant your attention. It may not be the ultimate gaming experience to challenge the latest AAA giants, but it does provide a markedly different kind of gameplay that could potentially stick with you, perhaps even prompting you to assess your own financial habits-or at the very least, help save some cute virtual creatures along the way. So grab your Nintendo Switch, stock up on coins, and embark on this quirky, eco-friendly adventure. Because saving the island-and your wallet-has never been this much fun!

See Latest Prices for Island Saver on Switch on Amazon

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