Although I must admit to only have downloaded the game because of it's negative reviews to see what is was all about, there is absolutely no reason for 90 percent of the given reviews. (with the majority of negative reviews having 0.1 or 0.2 hrs of play time)

Apart from the game not running well -> it's a shame that people open the game, don't get 60 fps and immediately disregard everything else it has to offer.
Everything is now playable at 30 fps with the minimum requirements, which is not great but will do just fine.

In short:
If there was a mixed review button, this game would earn it. It's release came to early and it shows in every aspect, the core concept is there but the execution makes it a less than desirable experience. If you value having some fun for a few hours trying some random indie title than this is fine, if you'd expect a well-though out polished title, look elsewhere.

To make a long story longer since not many people are able to write a useful review (contains potential spoilers):

Graphics - 7/10 -:

* _positive_ It is not the best looking game there is but saying it has PS2 graphics would be pushing it a lot (following other reviews). There is a lot of detail when you look for it and there has been a lot of effort being put into the lighting. (impressive!) It is honestly a very pleasant sight coming out of a dark cave and seeing the beautiful sun rays spread it's reflections everywhere possible. *
* _negative_ There is a noticeable correction needed with the chosen textures, you can have a great looking detailed wall up ahead while some mushroom not more than 20 meters from you will look very out of place because of the low quality/resolution. There are some problems with textures popping in and out of existence while loading a scene although it is of short duration and not too jarring. *

Audio: -7/10-:

* _positive_ It is a decent auditory experience. The sound is directional and is able to follow/mimic distance/objects pretty well. *
* _negative_ The voice acting is horrible but it does not take away from the experience, it gets a complementary: 'at least they tried'. *

Game-play -5/10-:

* _positive_ There are some interesting choices of play mechanics, mainly the handling of the gun was interesting to try out. The subtle drop off in difficulty after dying is a good idea, it translates well into making the game a right kind of 'hard' while not being impossible. The puzzles are a nice addition but could maybe benefit from a choice of difficulty.. mainly hard and harder could be added for sure. *
* _negative_ Can be described as 'limiting', there is a lot to improve in this area. You get stuck on a lot of things and clipping seems to be the name of the game. Jumping and sprinting feels unnatural. The 'finding a plank, stick and opening wooden fence' repetition got boring fast, it would be nice to see some more variation or a larger allowance for alternative smart ways to advance throughout the levels. *

Story: -5/10-:

* _positive_ For the short duration of the game, the fact that there even is a compelling story is good enough. The cut-scenes are available in just the right duration/quantity, the end has a nice little cliffhanger which was enjoyable to watch. The little notes alongside hidden items are chaotic yet amusing to read. *
* _negative_ A back story would have been nice, why are we actually on this island? Hopefully this will one day be added or be revised for a part two of Their Island, it feels like missed potential. Cut-scenes are not skippable when dying or replaying a certain level, adding this would save a lot of frustration + time. *

Map(s) -6/10-:

* _positive_ The layouts are well-designed. The variation between places creates a good illusion regarding the overall size of the island. *
* _negative_ It would be great if the maps could be 'opened up' just a fraction more, only a fraction to not impact the overall feeling of being stuck in the middle of nowhere. There is simply too much vegetation in correlation to this game's ability to clip on everything. Obstacles, holes and plants that look climbable/enterable, aren't. The scale/sizing of certain items could be changed (for the bigger) to feel more realistic. *

NPC's/Enemy AI -4/10-:

* _positive_ There are enough creative and different enemies that can keep you busy for a while. The differentiation between the enemy types is well defined by both the exterior look and abilities of said described enemies. *
* _negative_ They get stuck everywhere or are buggy enough to have to restart. For example; the big monsters on the open swamp field got stuck in front of the stone barrier and the deaf monster somehow teleports through obstacles in which you get annihilated. *

Conclusion:
It's free, there is time, give the game a try after the developer has had some weeks/months to improve the most pressing matters regarding the performance and game-play. It's rough around the edges but not enough to not recommend!


Will replay in a couple of months time, best of luck with your future endeavors Thomas!