Item: Virtual Villagers 5
Rating: 83
Author: Dinsun

Dinsun Review

I’ve never been a huge fan of 'wait-to-play' mechanics, and Virtual Villagers 5 is the king of it. It’s a god sim that moves at the speed of a glacier. If you’re the type who likes to check in on a virtual ant farm once a day, you’ll find some satisfaction here. The conversion mechanic with the heathens adds a bit more structure than previous games, but it still boils down to dragging little people onto things and hoping they do what they're told.

The graphics are dated—they were dated when it came out on PC years ago. It has that pre-rendered look that feels very mid-2000s. But I will give it credit: the sense of discovery on Isola is genuine. Solving the puzzles feels earned because they take so much time and coordination to pull off. It’s not a 'gamer's game' in the sense of skill, but for someone looking for a low-stakes management hobby, it’s a solid entry in a long-running series.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Deep real-time simulation mechanics
Rewarding sense of tribal progression
Unique puzzles integrated into the environment

Frustratingly slow pace
Dated and muddy visual style
Villager AI can be incredibly incompetent

Technical Report

Performance: Runs well; background simulation is reliable.

Accessibility:

Audience Fit

Buy if: You enjoy 'set and forget' simulations and have the patience for long-term progression.

Skip if: You want immediate results or modern, crisp graphics.

Similar Games:

The Sims
Virtual Families

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative gamer
Hardware: iPhone 13
Playtime: 20 hours
Status: Converted half of the heathen tribe

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPod

446408493

$0.99 9+★3.9 361 reviews

Author : LDW Software, LLC

Pubish Date : Thu Jun 30 2011

Last Update Date : Tue Sep 19 2017

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.2.0Tue Sep 19 2017

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
Hello Virtual Villagers fans!
We've updated Virtual Villagers 5: New Believers to support the latest devices and iOS versions! Join millions of players who have discovered the mystical island of Isola, and prepare your tiny tribe to confront a new challenge... A group of masked heathens has threatened your village's survival, and it's up to you to show them the path. Guide your tribe like never before in the fifth episode of the award-winning Virtual Villagers series!
Revisit Isola and help your villagers thrive in the face of this heathen menace!
If you enjoy the Virtual Villagers series, don't forget to check out our other chapters!
Virtual Villagers: New Believers is the fifth chapter in the award-winning Virtual Villagers series from the creators of Fish Tycoon and Virtual Families. This is the same game that became a best-selling Windows and Mac sensation!
Explore the center of Isola in this innovative new chapter in the Virtual Villagers series, while you reckon with a band of mysterious masked heathens, who do not believe in you! Guide your tribe as they attempt to convert the savages, by dismantling their precious totems and removing their scary masks! Make them believe!
More about Virtual Villagers: New Believers:
* Visit the center of the Island of Isola.
* Masked heathens that need to be shown the light.
* Mysterious heathen Totems to be dismantled.
* Many God Powers to impress your villagers and the heathens!
* New puzzles, new collectibles, new Island Events!
* Dozens of achievements for players to accomplish.
* Real-time weather! Clouds, fog, and sudden downpours!
* Real-time gameplay: new surprises every time you turn the game on!
The game continues to progress in true real time, even when your iPad is turned off, so don’t forget to check in regularly to care for your tribe, help them gain skills and technology, and enable them to discover the secrets that lay waiting for them. How will you lead your tribe?
Virtual Villagers have been awarded with:
* Sim Game of the Year – Game Tunnel
* The Zeebys – Gamezebo
* Parents Choice Recommended Award
* iParenting Media Award
Recommended for people who enjoy casual simulations and adventure stories like the Lost TV series and Survivor!
Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Unleash godlike powers to protect your tribe from a new threat to Isola!
Virtual Villagers: New Believers is the fifth chapter in the award-winning Virtual Villagers series from the creators of Fish Tycoon and Virtual Families. This is the same game that became a best-selling Windows and Mac sensation!
Explore the center of Isola in this innovative new chapter in the Virtual Villagers series, while you reckon with a band of mysterious masked heathens, who do not believe in you! Guide your tribe as they attempt to convert the savages, by dismantling their precious totems and removing their scary masks! Make them believe!
More about Virtual Villagers: New Believers:
* Visit the center of the Island of Isola.
* Masked heathens that need to be shown the light.
* Mysterious heathen Totems to be dismantled.
* Many God Powers to impress your villagers and the heathens!
* New puzzles, new collectibles, new Island Events!
* Dozens of achievements for players to accomplish.
* Real-time weather! Clouds, fog, and sudden downpours!
* Real-time gameplay: new surprises every time you turn the game on!
The game continues to progress in true real time, even when your iPad is turned off, so don’t forget to check in regularly to care for your tribe, help them gain skills and technology, and enable them to discover the secrets that lay waiting for them. How will you lead your tribe?
Virtual Villagers have been awarded with:
* Sim Game of the Year – Game Tunnel
* The Zeebys – Gamezebo
* Parents Choice Recommended Award
* iParenting Media Award
Recommended for people who enjoy casual simulations and adventure stories like the Lost TV series and Survivor!

Ratings & Reviews

3.9 out of 5 with 361 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 9+

Virtual Villagers 5: New Believers is a real-time village simulation. Help your tribe survive and grow on the mysterious island of Isola. This time, you must deal with a group of heathens who don't trust your villagers. Use various divine powers to win their respect, solve new puzzles, and rebuild your civilization in this persistent-world adventure.

Features

Real-time persistent gameplay

Interactive 'God Powers'

Complex tech tree and skills

New 'Heathen' conflict mechanics

Dozens of puzzles to solve

Tips

Earning Believers

To convert the heathens, you must use your God Powers effectively. Start by clearing the 'Heathen Totems' using lightning or bees to scatter the guards, allowing your villagers to dismantle them.

Promotion Videos

Virtual Villagers 5 Official Trailer - YouTube

News on this game

Virtual Villagers Origins 2 by LDW Software, LLC

Craft, farm, solve puzzles and build a thriving village, right in your pocket! Return to the famed and mystical island of Isola and be drawn into the latest...

AppAdvice - Sat Apr 29 2023

Virtual Families 2 Dream House by LDW Software, LLC

*Now Downloaded 11 Million Times!! Well played, people!* *Whoa! You made us #1 in Simulation! Thanks, we love you people!*

AppAdvice - Fri Mar 29 2024

Gameplays

Real-Time Management

Assign your villagers roles like farming, building, or research. They will continue to perform these tasks and age in real-time while you are away from the game.