It’s not often that a game takes us to Iceland, let alone one that draws so deeply from its folklore and natural landscapes. Island of Winds, developed by Parity Games and published by ESDigital Games, does just that. We had the chance to check out the game at Gamescom, and walked away impressed by its atmosphere, its unusual approach to magic, and its distinctive cultural identity. While there are still questions about how well it will hold players’ attention over the course of a full adventure, what we’ve seen so far suggests a project with plenty of heart and originality.
What we know
Island of Winds is an adventure game set in a fantastical version of 17th-century Iceland, where players step into the role of Brynhildur, a Balance Keeper whose mentor has been abducted and whose home is under attack. The journey that follows combines exploration, puzzle-solving, spellcasting, and encounters with mythical beings, all tied together by themes of empathy and self-discovery. Rather than focusing on combat, the game emphasizes using magic to heal, solve problems, and calm hostile creatures. Its world is semi-open, made up of distinct regions such as icy paths, lagoons, and highland trails, each designed to capture the beauty and mystique of Iceland’s landscapes. Island of Winds is currently in development for PC, with release details still to be confirmed.
What we saw
During Gamescom, we were shown a development build by ESDigital Games. This demo highlighted several aspects of the game, including its striking visuals, some of its mechanics, and portions of the world design, giving us a sense of both the scope and the tone that Parity Games is aiming for.
What we thought
What immediately stands out about Island of Winds is its setting. By grounding the experience in Icelandic folklore, the game distinguishes itself from the many titles that lean on more familiar mythologies. The windswept landscapes, mysterious creatures, and cultural references give the world a sense of authenticity that feels fresh and underexplored in gaming. In terms of presentation, the game has also come a long way from earlier footage, with environments that look detailed and atmospheric even at this stage of development.
Equally notable is the way magic is used. Instead of being another tool for destruction, spells here function as a means of restoring balance: clearing blocked paths, soothing distressed beasts, or assisting other characters rather than simply attacking them. This approach feels refreshing, lending encounters an air of empathy and problem-solving rather than defaulting to violence. Combined with puzzle elements and exploration, it creates the impression of a slower, more deliberate adventure that values thoughtfulness over sheer action.
The structure of the game also deserves mention. Island of Winds doesn’t embrace a full open world, but instead opts for what could be called “open corridors” – environments that offer freedom of movement while still guiding the player between distinct areas. It feels like a throwback to classic adventure design, striking a balance between exploration and focus. Narrow caves add tension, while broader landscapes open up just enough to surprise you with hidden encounters or narrative beats.
That said, it’s still not entirely clear how the game will sustain its momentum across its full length. Having mainly seen curated snippets of gameplay, questions remain about pacing and the balance between narrative, puzzles, and exploration. However, the strong sense of place, the empathic design of its mechanics, and the cultural richness of the setting all point toward something promising. Based on what we’ve seen so far, Island of Winds is shaping up to be a memorable adventure, and it’s certainly one of the more intriguing indie projects we’re keeping an eye on for the future.
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