Ah, Coral Island.
It’s like the gaming equivalent of curling up in a cozy blanket with a cup of hot cocoa – without the accidental spill on your laptop. This is a farming sim that’s more “zen” than your daily dose of Instagram yoga videos, and trust me, I’m obsessed with it. And not just because it’s a gloriously fun way to avoid real-life adulting.
Let me tell you why I, and many others, are hooked on this game.
From Kickstarter to Kickin’ It on the Couch
“Coral Island” started with a humble dream and a whole lot of crowdfunding magic. Stairway Games, a small studio out of Indonesia, launched this project on Kickstarter and the people responded—big time. It became one of the most successful game campaigns in 2021 (Wikipedia). So basically, it’s the gaming world’s version of a Cinderella story, but with less glass slipper, more digital hoe (the farming kind, of course).
Side note: I’m a big kickstarter supporter. I’ve had my fair share of project funding, and boy was I disappointed. In this instance? I’m just very disappointed that I missed out on being a part of this incredible project. *long sigh*
Gorgeous Graphics That’ll Make You Forget Stardew Who?
Let’s be real—graphics can make or break a game. And let me tell you, Coral Island hits it out of the park with its visuals. Ever seen a game so pretty, you want to live in it? Yep, that’s this one. The characters (designed by the wonderfully talented David Ardinaryas Lojaya), are so detailed and vibrant that it’s hard not to fall in love with them. 💕
Visit his website: David Ardinaryas Lojaya
Stairway Games did a great job partnering with David. He clearly took some cues from Disney’s animation (you know, minus the emotional trauma of your favorite parent character dying halfway through) and amazingly brought them to life. The world is lush, colorful, and basically everything your Instagram feed wants to be but can’t, because, you know? Real life.
Cultural Diversity That’s Actually… Diverse?
As someone who’s been gaming for a while, I can tell you that “diversity” in most games means sprinkling in a couple of characters who aren’t white. How can I relate? I’m asian chinese, and it’s great seeing representation in games, especially mixed cultures.
Coral Island depicts this really well. The game is practically a mixed pot of people meeting in tropical paradise, and it actually feels authentic. Characters come from all over the world—Indonesian, Chinese, African, Caucasian, and a smattering of others—all living in harmony. And this diverse cast? They’re not just there for show—they’ve got deep, emotional stories to tell.
Speaking of emotions, the game handles them beautifully. Characters deal with everything from grief to joy, giving you plenty of feels. The game understands that life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but it manages to tackle tough topics and addresses them in a positive way.
Some of the stories quite literally caused a tear or two. 😢
The Music That’ll Calm Even the Most Stressed Gamer
If the graphics weren’t enough to keep you hooked, the music will seal the deal. Picture this: You’re tending to your crops while a soundtrack of calming, soothing melodies floats in the background. It’s basically musical therapy, and I wouldn’t be surprised if playing Coral Island for an hour lowered my blood pressure. A little sea breeze in my hair (virtually, at least), and I’m ready to forget the actual chaos of the world.
No Pressure. Just Vibes.
The best part? There’s absolutely zero pressure in this game.
Forget deadlines, forget rushing—this is a game that takes a big ol’ hammer to the “rat race” and says, “Nah, we’re good.” Sure, you can farm, fish, or mine, but you can also just… chill. You want to spend the day cleaning up the environment? Go ahead. Want to try your hand at underwater adventures? No one’s stopping you. Want to just woo some NPCs? That’s your business.
There’s no countdown clock, no screaming boss fight, just you, your farm, and whatever the heck you feel like doing. It’s the kind of freedom I wish I had in real life—without the part where my crops die if I forget to water them.
But Don’t Just Take My Word for It…
The gaming community is loving Coral Island. On Metacritic, the game is scoring high marks (Wikipedia), with players raving about its tropical setting, engaging cast, and overall good vibes. GamesRadar called it a “breath of fresh air” for the farming sim genre (Wikipedia), and Rock Paper Shotgun said it was a prettier, more chill version of Stardew Valley (Coral Island Wiki). If that’s not a glowing recommendation, I don’t know what is.
Why I Love It (Cue the Warm Fuzzies)
So, why do I love Coral Island so much? I play it on my Xbox X, which means I can kick back on the couch, relax, and just exist in this beautiful world. It’s on Game Pass, so if you’ve got that subscription, you basically have no excuse not to give it a try.
The storylines? Incredible. My favorite part is how the game tackles heavy emotions, like grief and sadness, without turning into a melodrama. It’s like real life—sometimes you’re laughing, sometimes you’re crying, and sometimes you’re just trying to make sure your crops don’t die. Coral Island captures that beautifully, and it makes me feel connected to the characters in a way most other games don’t. That, and of course the diversity and representation. 😂
As chill as sipping a Piña Colada (or a Boba Tea) on a warm, sunny beach
So, there you have it. Coral Island is cozy, beautiful, and will probably make you feel things you didn’t expect from a farming game. If you’re ready to trade your daily grind for some island time, this is the game for you. Trust me, once you start playing, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with “real” life in the first place.
And don’t worry—your crops aren’t going anywhere.
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