Pocket Kingdom
Certain rumors persist among air travelers. Rumors about mysterious islands that sometimes appear up there in the clouds out of the blue. According to the legend, the Old Gods withdraw to those islands, casting spells of oblivion and serenity on them.
The chief editor of a well-known newspaper made me an unusual offer. He promised to reward me for bringing photographs of one of those peculiar islands and the God resting there.
A strange offer, to say the least. One I could not refuse however: at that time, creditors were incessantly banging at my door. When they threatened to seize my beloved airship to pay off the debts, I didn’t think twice and immediately left on my quest.
Pocket Kingdom is an authentic throwback to Amiga era. Signature steampunk pixel art, winsome chiptune soundtrack and retro-inspired gameplay with modern twists make Pocket Kingdom an unparalleled journey.
Wander around the island’s enchanted districts. Unlock access to new areas by collecting objects scattered here and there. Trick gravity, discover helpful devices and listen to the weird stories told by the locals. Getting out of the Pocket Kingdom depends on it. So does unveiling the place’s mysteries.
Game Discussion
Steam User 3
a hidden gem. gives me intense nostalgia, I remember playing this during a melancholic time in my life a decade ago.
great puzzles, nice art and a catchy soundtrack. it's just a high quality experience from start to finish.
Steam User 0
i really enjoyed this game. puzzles were challenging but totally doable. very pleasant very fun :)
Steam User 0
A great little adventure/puzzle game. Very nostalgic style. For under a buck on sale, you cannot go wrong.
Steam User 0
This is an awesome little metroidvania-style exploration game. I did hit a stalemate a little more than an hour into it though, and could not figure out for the life of me how to progress.
Steam User 0
such a good puzzle game. i really love this type of game. challenging but still relaxfull that u can play on ur free time at work
Steam User 0
Pocket Kingdom is a casual puzzler with a solid story and good music.
Puzzles are mostly casual with few exceptions, nothing original.
Mystic atmosphere and well structured story make this game interesting. Very good music and buggy audio, sound effects will stop working often and the only solution is to restart the game. The game crashes but not often, I did lose some progress because of the crashes. The game saves when you enter a new area/level so you will not lose much progress anyway. It is a short game, I spent most of my play time collecting trading cards. You can finish it in 3 hrs or so.
This is a very interesting story driven puzzler. It is a good game with some technical issues but worth checking out if you are in the mood for something relaxing.
Steam User 1
In-Depth and Positive Review of Pocket Kingdom (by 08 Games)
1. Concept and Creative Vision
Pocket Kingdom is an indie adventure developed by 08 Games, released in December 2016. Blending steampunk aesthetics with detailed pixel art and an immersive chiptune soundtrack, the game serves as a heartfelt homage to classic Amiga-era titles, while also introducing modern twists that make it feel fresh and unique.
2. Setting and Mysterious Narrative
You play as a struggling photographer sent to capture images of a mysterious god on a floating, magic-infused island. Upon arrival, you find yourself stranded—setting the stage for an enigmatic journey through charming environments and quirky characters, each with their own curious stories.
3. Visuals and Soundtrack
The visual style is one of the game’s strongest assets: polished pixel art with a steampunk flavor that feels both nostalgic and original. The chiptune soundtrack enhances immersion, adding rhythm and personality to the world.
4. Gameplay and Puzzle Mechanics
Although Pocket Kingdom is a platformer at heart, it avoids genre clichés. There’s no jumping—instead, you climb blocks and use special gear like gravity boots, rocket launchers, and grappling devices. The puzzles rely on physics, positioning, and logic, making each room a unique challenge.
The world is non-linear, filled with secrets and alternate paths that reward exploration and curiosity. The average playtime is around 4 hours, offering solid content for a low price.
5. Reception and Player Feedback
On Steam, the game holds a “Very Positive” rating, with around 89–91% approval across 100–200 reviews.
Critics and players alike praise the originality, style, and puzzle mechanics. However, a few areas show room for improvement:
The story is more atmospheric than deep—great for setting the tone, but lacking in major narrative arcs or emotional stakes.
Some puzzle rooms contain unnecessary elements that can mislead players and cause overthinking.
6. Strengths
Striking visual style: pixel art full of charm and personality.
Inventive mechanics: gravity manipulation, laser gadgets, rocket tools, and more.
Unique atmosphere: a floating world that begs to be explored.
Great value: compact but rich gameplay for an affordable price.
7. Areas for Growth
Expanding the story—adding a clearer arc or stronger emotional motivation could enhance the experience.
Fine-tuning puzzle design to ensure each element serves a purpose (or hiding red herrings better if intentional).
Final Thoughts
Pocket Kingdom is a pixelated gem—a game that honors its retro inspirations with care and style, while also standing out with original mechanics and a whimsical floating world. It’s perfect for players looking for a short, charming adventure filled with clever puzzles and nostalgic flair. If you value originality, artistic design, and exploration-driven gameplay, this is a journey well worth taking.