Snowcastle Games, the developers behind the RPG Earthlock, has revealed a follow-up to the successful indie title — Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure. But this is quite different from its predecessor.
Taking cues from the Animal Crossing series and Stardew Valley, Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure throws you onto a beautiful, magical island that becomes your playground. On the island, you can gather materials for crafting and enlist the help of the animals who live on the island, so it's a pretty unique take on the life sim and farming genres!
The game's director, and co-founder of Snowcastle games, has this to say about the upcoming game in the official PR:
“We are so excited to finally be able to share the next step in the Earthlock franchise with players. With Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure, we want to use the rich world we’ve built for Earthlock to offer players a brand new experience, backed with detailed crafting and customisation mechanics. We can’t wait to tell you more about our plans for the game in its early access phase as we build to a full PC and console release, but for now I hope you enjoy the game’s announcement trailer!”
As you can see, there's no solid date just yet, but when it does turn up you'll get to shape Ikonei Island to your liking, which probably means you can slather the island in decorations and useful buildings. You'll also have your own hamlet, where you can carry out all of your crafting and management tasks, so think of it like your base of operations.
It also looks really lovely, too, and retains that signature Earthlock art style. Just have a nose for yourself!
While a direct RPG sequel, Earthlock 2, has been announced, Snowcastle Games are still hard at work on this. Unfortunately, the team isn't sure whether this will be coming to the Switch.
Regardless, we're looking forward to finding out more about Ikonei Island in the coming months. Let us know if you're a fan of Earthlock, or if you're thinking of picking this up, in the comments below!
Comments 17
While I'm not usually a fan of isometric games, I'll keep an open mind. It may turn put well.
I still haven't played earthlock but this game has some pretty art so I'll keep it in mind.
Looks pretty enough, but the animations in that trailer put me off a bit, looking a bit overly simplistic.
Still to finish current EarthLink game.
Looks nice but I've got enough games where you gather materials to last a lifetime how many more do we really need? I'll stick to Animal Crossing thanks I'm not particularly interested in some copycat.
Never forget that the Wii U version of Earthlock is impossible to complete due to a game breaking bug they have refused to patch
@nukatha The Wii U version was discontinued. We spent so much time and resources trying to fulfill our promises for that platform. We just couldn't make it run well enough. We are so sorry about that.
However, you are entitled to a Switch key if you contact support. (Or any other platform you prefer)
Looks cute.
I have Earthlock on Switch version from SRG, the first limited edition game I could get from Ebay.
Wish the game will get physical release as Earthlock.
@nukatha
Get the Switch version with name Earthlock without Festival of Magic subtitle.
That version has improved things and fixed the bugs. The improved thing was character's gesture when talking or expressing their thought compared with the previous version that lack of body gesture.
Ooh! That might actually turn out rather well! Earthlock had some beautiful artwork and music. Just not the best story and combat mechanic. And some of the UI elements clash artistically in my opinion. Not bad, just okay.
Maybe a fantasy farming sim will work better for them. I really hope so! Earthlock is a unique rpg. It's just not...what's the word? Coherent.
I wonder if there is a way to keep the aesthetic but up the charm.... This just feels a little soulless. I want to like it.
Could be the lighting and lack of ambient life...? hmmm...
The promotional art nails the "inviting charm" much better than the ingame art.
@BendikStang
I understand that the Wii U version is only the first episode, that is not my complaint. The complaint is the game-breaking glitch that appears early and prevents progression.
Apparently there was a workaround to the freezing glitch, but it is no longer posted on the developer's site.
https://snowcastlegames.freshdesk.com/support/discussions/topics/19000019853
@BendikStang Refunds should be offered if the game doesn't run well enough to be completed. Keys for other systems is great and all but not everyone would have had a second platform nor the want to play your game again.
@Sidon_ZoraPrince Agreed!
We obviously prefer to offer an alternative platform where possible. When that is not a viable option, the ideal way is for Nintendo to do the refund. It's a little tricky to get them to do it, but we have, and will support this when asked.
Pretty strange that they are doubling down to the Earthlock moniker, it really isn't anything to write home about. This game looks far better than Earthlock.
Just imagine if Nintendo was half as aggressive at issuing C&D orders against projects "inspired by" or that are "homages to" its IPs as they are about shutting down pirates or Youtube videos. The Switch eShop catalog would lighten overnight. Looking over the Giant Pacific Garbage Patch that is the eShop, maybe that wouldn't be all bad.
Much more character centric than the first game, apparently! I'm sure that'll work to their advantage.
The environment art is much richer in color this tile around too.
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