Each game contains puzzles the player must complete to uncover the ethnic and cultural backgrounds surrounding fictional Polynesian island called Isola (EE-zoh-la).

Natives from an unnamed island have lived in peace for many years, but their livelihood is threatened when a volcano erupts and destroys their home.

The golden child uncovers many of the other mysteries of the island including removing the boulder blocking a secret cave at the edge of the village.

The game was released as Virtual Villagers: Origins with more options for iOS in April 2012 and later for Android devices.

With their village getting overcrowded, a family is selected to venture to the northern shore of Isola, where they find an abandoned city.

While uncovering rubble leading to a cave, the villagers learn of an ancient feud between rivaling tribes practicing magic or embracing nature.

In contrast to previous games in the series, The Tree of Life permits players to choose the starting members of their tribe, which comprises five people.

In addition, the game's graphics were remodeled, featuring an updated user interface and a detailed hand-drawn map.

In a turn of events, the fauna of the island has begun to diminish and, as such, the chieftain of the villagers sends an expedition to investigate the causation of this phenomenon.

Unlike Virtual Villagers Origins, it is not a remake of a past game, but has improved graphics, a larger map, more in depth gameplay, and the ability to craft items in comparison to previous released versions.

After a volcanic eruption threatens the residents of the island of Asura, a family escapes to Isola in search of refuge.

As they build another village and solve puzzles, the family discovers the history behind Isola, which was once a home to a thriving civilization but has devolved to ruins and untamed jungle.