Daniel Mullins's meta-game may not extend itself into the masterpiece that its biggest champions praise it as, but Pony Island remains an undeniable success for its genuine blend of gaming mythology (through the likes of Polybius), repetitive gameplay one cannot put down, and the addicting allure of completionism through achievement/collectible hunting. The satire finds hilarious ground despite a sometimes infuriating search for a way forward or a difficult level that takes more time than it should. If Mullins had not made The Hex or Inscryption, I might consider this an unusual debut; but given the developer's awareness of gaming trends and history, Pony Island showcases a growing innovator in what the fuck is wrong with gaming today and how it can move forward despite its egregious flaws.