So, Fusebox finally did it. After years of fans begging for a redemption arc for their favorite pixelated heartbreakers, Love Island The Game Season 9: All Stars landed like a bombshell. But honestly? It’s not exactly what everyone expected. If you’ve been scrolling through Reddit or the App Store reviews lately, you’ve probably seen the chaos. People are divided. Some are obsessed with finally getting a chance at a Hamish route, while others are throwing their phones over the diamond prices.
It’s a weird time to be a fan of the franchise.
Let's be real: the "All Stars" tag carries a lot of weight. You expect the heavy hitters. You expect the icons. Instead, what we got was a mix of genuinely beloved characters and a few "wait, who was that again?" faces. But if you look past the initial roster shock, there’s actually a lot going on under the hood of this season that changes how the game plays compared to the dry spells of Seasons 7 and 8.
The Cast Dilemma: Who Actually Showed Up?
One of the biggest gripes right out of the gate was the lack of Season 1 through 3 representation. You know, the "Golden Era." For a long time, the developers have been moving away from the old art styles, and All Stars basically confirmed that the OG seasons are staying in the vault.
Instead, the villa filled up with faces from the later seasons. We're talking:
- Finn (Season 5): Still messy. Still causing drama with Kat.
- Hamish (Season 6): The bacon-sandwich-loving man himself. Surprisingly, he’s become the standout slow-burn route of the season.
- Natasha (Season 9): A fresh face who quickly became a fan favorite for actually having a personality.
- Stefan: The "ex" with the heavy lore that you basically had to pay 29 diamonds to fully understand.
The drama between Finn and Kat is... a lot. It’s been criticized for taking up way too much oxygen in the early volumes. You’re trying to find love, and meanwhile, those two are having the same argument for the fourteenth time. It feels like 2022 all over again.
Why the Branching Actually Matters This Time
For the last few years, the biggest complaint about Love Island The Game has been "linear writing." No matter who you picked, the dialogue was basically the same. Your Love Interest (LI) became a generic "Boyfriend Bot" the second you coupled up.
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All Stars changed that. Sort of.
It's not perfect—let's not get ahead of ourselves—but there is actual branching. If you decide to be a "messy" MC (Main Character), the game actually acknowledges it. If you stay loyal to Stefan versus twisting at Casa Amor, the dialogue shifts. Players on the Hamish route have noted that his progression feels "soft and gentle" rather than the forced, aggressive obsession we saw from LIs in Season 7.
The "To Be Honest" challenge in Volume 10 was a prime example. The questions asked to the couples actually felt like they were testing your specific relationship rather than just being a vehicle for scripted drama.
The 29-Diamond Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about the cost. Being a fan of this game in 2026 is expensive.
Back in the day, a premium choice was maybe 10 or 15 gems. Now? You’re looking at 29 diamonds just to hear a bit of gossip or have a "steamy" moment that often ends just as it gets interesting.
"It feels like I'm playing an ad sometimes," one user on the fuseboxgames subreddit lamented.
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It’s a valid point. If you want the full story—specifically the "lore" behind your MC’s past with Stefan—you have to pay. Without spending, the game feels like you're watching the show through a foggy window. You see the shapes of the drama, but you don't get the context.
How to Navigate the Paywalls
If you aren't looking to drop $50 on virtual currency, you have to be tactical.
- Skip the Outfits: Unless you truly hate the "starter" look, outfits rarely change the plot. The islanders might give you a backhanded compliment, but it won't stop you from winning.
- Prioritize the Hideaway: If you're going to spend, do it there. Those scenes actually have unique writing for the specific LI you're with.
- Ignore the Gossip: Most of the "29-diamond tea" gets revealed for free three chapters later anyway.
The Casa Amor Turning Point
Casa Amor in All Stars was a make-or-break moment. For many, it was the highlight of the season. Bringing in Marshall (Season 6) and Cassius (a legendary "unseen" Islander from previous lore) added a layer of complexity that the game desperately needed.
The "Stick or Twist" ceremony was actually tense. Unlike previous seasons where the outcome felt pre-determined, your choices leading up to the ceremony actually influenced how your original partner reacted. If you’ve been playing a "loyal" route and then suddenly twisted, the fallout was genuinely satisfying to watch.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that All Stars is just a lazy cash grab. While the monetization is aggressive, the writing quality has actually ticked upward. The narrator is funny again. There are "random" comedic moments that don't always revolve around the MC.
People also assume you can't have a good time without spending money. That's not true—you just have to accept that your MC is going to be the "clueless" one in the villa. There’s a certain charm in playing as the person who has no idea why everyone is fighting.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Playthrough
If you're just starting Season 9 or looking to replay it for a different ending, keep these steps in mind:
- Commit to a Personality: The game tracks your "vibe" better this season. If you start as a sweetheart, stay a sweetheart. If you're a villain, go all in. The payoff in the final volumes is much better when you’re consistent.
- Watch the "Volumes" Count: Season 9 is structured into specific volumes. Don't rush through. If a volume feels dry, the next one usually overcompensates with a massive recoupling or a bombshell entry.
- The "Hamish" Long Game: If you want the Hamish route, be patient. It’s a slow burn that doesn't really pay off until the later half of the season. Don't get discouraged if he seems uninterested early on.
- Save Your Gems for the Final: The finale has some of the most expensive choices, but they’re the only ones that truly "seal" your ending with your chosen partner.
All Stars isn't the perfect "Love Island" experience, but it’s the most "game-like" the app has felt in years. It’s messy, it’s expensive, and it’s occasionally frustrating—but then again, so is the real show.