Palm Island

Palm Island

Card GameCity Building
Players
1-2
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
1 player
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
15 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.8 / 5
Year
2018

About the game

Palm Island is an ultra-portable game played with just 17 cards over 8 rounds, letting you shape a tiny island village anywhere you go. Using a clever deck-transformation mechanic, players store resources to pay for upgrades and unlock new abilities as their village grows. It can be played solo, cooperatively against natural disasters, or competitively racing to accumulate the most victory points. Multiple decks can even be combined to support additional players in casual or head-to-head modes.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's editorial team is impressed by how much game Palm Island packs into just 17 cards: it's a genuinely clever design for anyone who wants a pocket-sized puzzle. The flexibility to play solo, cooperatively, or competitively makes it a versatile pick for travel or downtime. It won't satisfy players looking for deep strategic complexity, but that's not its goal. As a tiny, focused design, it's an easy recommendation for portable game collections.

What we like

  • Extremely portable with only 17 cards needed.
  • Flexible solo, cooperative, and competitive modes.
  • Quick 15-minute playtime fits into any schedule.
  • Satisfying deck-transformation puzzle mechanic.

Keep in mind

  • Limited long-term variety without additional expansions.
  • Minimal player interaction, especially in solo mode.
  • Thin card-only components may feel underwhelming to some.

Who it's for

Perfect for solo travelers and casual gamers aged 10+ who want a portable, quick-playing card game.

Mechanics

Cooperative GameDeck / Bag BuildingHand ManagementMemoryMove Through DeckSimultaneous Action SelectionSolo / Solitaire Game

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