Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Isis delivers a refreshing blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and light action that keeps players engaged from start to finish. You assume the role of a newly awakened savior on a strange world, tasked with locating mystical gems hidden across sprawling biomes. Each gem unlocks new ship functions—gravity manipulation, sonic resonance, or time-slowing effects—that gradually open up previously inaccessible areas in a rewarding Metroidvania-style progression.

Puzzle design in Isis strikes a good balance between challenge and intuition. Early puzzles ease you into the mechanics by requiring simple resonance-based interactions with the environment. Later sequences layer in multiple ship abilities and environmental hazards—such as shifting platforms or rhythm-based switches tied to the Earth, Wind & Fire–inspired soundtrack—which test both your timing and spatial reasoning.

Combat encounters are light but satisfying, revolving around using your ship’s temporary shields and sonic pulses to fend off ambient creatures corrupted by the cataclysm. Rather than overwhelming you with frequent battles, Isis spaces them out to maintain pacing. These skirmishes serve more as brief tests of your mastery over the newly acquired powers than as the core focus, ensuring the game remains firmly rooted in its atmospheric exploration ethos.

Graphics

Visually, Isis is a feast of vibrant colors and dynamic lighting effects that bring each world to life. From verdant forest canopies illuminated by glowing yarn-like vines to crystalline caverns pulsating with musical waves, the art direction strikes an elegant balance between organic detail and stylized fantasy. Every environment feels unique yet united by the overarching theme of music as a living force.

Character and ship models are rendered with smooth animations and subtle flourishes. The guardian magician Isis radiates a soft aura that shifts color based on your proximity to a charged gem, providing a constant visual cue of your progress. Environmental particles—dust motes dancing in shafted light, rippling water surfaces synced to the soundtrack’s beat—elevate immersion and reinforce the game’s musical heartbeat.

Performance is rock-solid on current hardware, with stable frame rates even when multiple effects converge on-screen. Load times between zones remain minimal, ensuring the sense of adventure isn’t broken. The heads-up display is tastefully minimal, embedding gem counters and ship ability icons into the edges of the viewport so that nothing distracts from the stunning vistas unfolding before you.

Story

Isis spins an evocative tale centered on a starship whose noble mission—to spread harmony through music—was abruptly halted by an unforeseen cataclysm. As the lone awakened hero, you uncover holorecordings and crystal-etched diaries that reveal how the crew slipped into disembodied slumber, leaving only their protector, the eponymous magician Isis, at the helm.

Over the course of your journey, each recovered gem not only powers the ship but unlocks narrative flashpoints. These vignettes explore themes of hope, isolation, and the unifying power of song. The collaboration with Earth, Wind & Fire lends real-world authenticity, as snippets of their signature funk and soul motifs underscore key emotional beats—transforming simple cutscenes into poignant lyrical interludes.

The pacing of the narrative feels deliberate yet never sluggish. Environmental storytelling—ruined temples inscribed with musical notation, ghostly echoes of past crew members—augments the direct exposition, allowing curious players to piece together the ship’s history at their own pace. The climax, which brings together all gathered gems in a cascading symphony of light and sound, stands as one of the most memorable story sequences in recent memory.

Overall Experience

Isis offers a compelling package for players who appreciate atmospheric exploration framed within a unique musical narrative. Its strengths lie in intuitive progression, a striking visual identity, and a heartfelt story augmented by the legendary sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire. Whether you’re solving resonance puzzles, marveling at bioluminescent vistas, or following the ship’s rich lore, the game sustains a sense of wonder throughout.

While some may wish for more varied combat or deeper side-quest systems, Isis never feels hollow; its scope is laser-focused on delivering an immersive musical odyssey. The careful pacing means there are no jarring difficulty spikes or busywork detours—every task ties back into the core theme of restoring harmony both mechanically and narratively.

For players seeking an adventure that marries exploration, light challenges, and an unforgettable score, Isis shines as a standout. It’s a testament to how music and gameplay can intertwine to tell a resonant story, making it an easy recommendation for those looking to fill their next gaming session with magic, melody, and discovery.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10