Tranquil Isle? It’s like The Block, Dorfromantik and SUMMERHOUSE rounded up into one dinky sandbox, then slapping a large sticker on the box saying rogue-like. For a lo-fi casual city builder, that seems counterproductive, and in the classic mode, it is. Does it have that essential loop to keep you returning?
In short, no. However, that’s not because Tom Daly’s game is challenging or lacks the charm to want to play it, but because you see everything within the first hour. There isn’t enough scope to warrant immediate repeat plays with about seven achievements to unlock – which will likely happen in that first hour.
The premise is this: you’re given a town hall to put anywhere you like on a small, procedurally-generated island. While the building can go anywhere on land aside from the edge or uneven surfaces, it’s better suited to have a central location as the subsequent buildings will earn buffs/debuffs based on their proximity of said building, near specific resources i.e. stone quarries or the water, or specific structures that may ‘conflict’ with the town planning.
Tranquil Isle Review
Before reading into ‘town planning’, Tranquil Isle is not a complicated title. It’s neither a management game (as such) nor a complex Sims-based game where you must consider multiple factors for a successful run. However, you must place buildings appropriately, as they will determine whether you’ll unlock new structures and continue your journey or end it.
There are no citizens to manage into roles, action points or research tiers to unlock anything new. Place the town hall, followed by some strategically placed homes, and new rewards unlock, allowing you to choose one of two options. Sometimes, this may be a forager dwelling or florist; other times, a quarry or tailor. Place enough consecutive buildings as you might unlock a milestone that awards a bridge to connect to other isles and start the process again.
Tranquil Isle aims to keep the momentum of building across as many isles as possible, using the space and keeping an eye on buffs/debuffs. Some buildings must situated next to their counterparts, i.e. a bakery and a mill, but place too many of the same type adjacent to each other, and it’ll lower your score. As for the rogue-like element, if you don’t hit the required score, your choices will dry up, and the run will end. If you’ve become fond of your creation, you can save it and then continue building in the sandbox mode.
No Netflix, Just Chill
In theory, Tranquil Isle’s sandbox should be the mode you keep returning to, but the classic option is fun and has enough of a lure to keep playing. Naturally, the sandbox is infinite, and that’s where longevity comes in, as you can be far more meticulous with your planning and make a bespoke paradise.
Accompanied by the vibrant visuals is a rather nice soundtrack that’ll deny Lo-Fi Girl an open tab and instead bask in the chill vibe throughout. The UI is minimalist in that you can remove the HUD and take screenshots for your socials. While the options here are endless, with procedurally generated locations and an infinite supply of aesthetically pleasing trees and banners, there wasn’t enough to get lost in the worlds. It’ll be sporadic visits.
Future Friends Games have launched a stellar catalogue of low-demand and highly satisfying range of chill games, but the minimalist element – whilst very good – means there aren’t enough features and returns to spend hours being a paradise architect. However, if you want some pick-up-and-play escapism that’s almost guaranteed to lift your spirits and put you in a relaxed state in short bursts, then this microbuilder is worth looking for.
