Summary
Fans of cozy games likeAnimal Crossing: New Horizonshave a new game to keep an eye on asAmber Islehas been announced for Nintendo Switch and Steam. This in-development game withAnimal Crossingvibes puts an intriguing and adorable spin on the genre by placing players on an island full of dinosaurs and other prehistoric life.
Thanks to the success ofgames likeStardew ValleyandAnimal Crossing, the cozy game genre has increased in popularity over the years. Unlike action-oriented titles, cozy games emphasize more laid-back gameplay with lower stakes, and this style has struck a chord with many gamers. As a result, the market has become saturated with these types of titles. Despite games in the genre facing the challenge of standing out from the crowd,Amber Islemight have what it takes to catch many gamers’ attention.
Recently announced by developer Ambertail Games andpublisher Team17,Amber Isleis described as a blend of shop management and social simulation gameplay. While there might be other games featuring these elements,Amber Islelooks to differentiate itself through its prehistoric aesthetic. Specifically, the game world is populated by many dinosaurs and other animal friends, such as Ice Age mammals and Permian amphibians. Altogether, 48 different “Paleofolk” can be befriended in the game, and the developer has revealed they each come with “unique personalities, preferences, dialogue, and quests” to keep things interesting. Players can also create their own custom character thanks to what appears to be a robust creation toolset.
Amber Isle Announcement Trailer
Besides the Paleofolk, the announcement trailer forAmber Islerevealed details about what players can expect from the upcoming sim game. Specifically, it focuses on shop management, with the player required to design and run a shop in their prehistoric community. According to the developer, players need to earn profit to receive new cosmetics for their place of business.
Beyond designing a successful shop to earn money, the gametasks players with rebuilding parts of the island, known as Amber Isle. By doing this, new regions can be unlocked, resulting in new residents taking up residence, reminiscent ofhow villagers work in theAnimal Crossingfranchise.
While gamers have received a look at the game world and its features, no release date has been revealed for the title.Amber Isleis only mentioned to be coming soon for the Nintendo Switch and Steam, meaning interested gamers will have to wait until more news is revealed. Fortunately, players have many other cozy games to check out in the interim. For example,Update 1.6 forStardew Valleyrecently dropped, adding tons of new content to one of the classic games in the genre.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
