Spiritfarer Review: A Heartfelt Journey of Life, Death, and Friendship
An emotional, hand-drawn adventure game where you help spirits transition to the afterlife while building relationships and exploring
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Xbox Gamepass
Genre: Management Sim, Life Sim, Adventure, Exploration
Developer: Thunder Lotus Games
Publisher: Thunder Lotus Games
How Cozy? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
Game Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
Spiritfarer is a beautifully crafted indie game that delves into themes of life, death, and friendship. As the Spiritfarer, Stella, you are tasked with helping spirits transition to the afterlife in a relaxing, yet emotionally impactful journey. Spiritfarer is celebrated for its art style, gameplay, and music, which together make it a standout indie game of 2020. But what makes the game so special to so many cozy game fans?
Story
Spiritfarer is an emotional adventure about helping spirits find peace before they move on to the afterlife. Playing as Stella, the new Spiritfarer, you meet various spirits, each with unique personalities and stories. As you progress, you help them complete their unfinished business, completing tasks or getting to know the spirits better, to help them move on into the afterlife. With its narrative focus on loss, letting go, and the beauty of fleeting moments, Spiritfarer stands out for its ability to tackle profound topics in a thoughtful, warm manner. The characters are truly delightful, and I found myself getting quite attached to one or two, not wanting to take them to the Everdoor, but having to eventually to allow the game to progress. The characters are well rounded and well written, and the story Stella unravells beautifully over time too.
Gameplay
Spiritfarer combines elements of resource management, exploration, and life-simulation gameplay. The game's mechanics revolve around upgrading your boat and fulfilling the needs of the spirits you encounter. Sailing between islands, gathering resources, and crafting items provide a relaxing yet rewarding experience. The relationship building aspect of the game is crucial, as you help spirits solve personal problems and engage in meaningful conversations. With no combat mechanics, Spiritfarer focuses purely on exploration, nurturing, and emotional connections, offering a slower paced and thoughtful gaming experience.
Graphics and Visuals
One of the highlights of Spiritfarer is its stunning hand drawn art style. The colourful, vibrant world invites players to explore its various islands, each with unique landscapes. The character designs are charming and expressive, with each spirit conveying their backstory through visual traits.
Accompanying the visuals is an emotional soundtrack by Max LL, which beautifully compliments the game's tone. From calm, peaceful melodies to more upbeat tracks, the music reflects the journey from grief to acceptance. The sound design, including the soothing sound of waves against your boat, further enhances the immersive atmosphere.
Longevity
Spiritfarer offers around 25-30 hours of gameplay, depending on how much time you spend exploring, upgrading your boat, and completing side quests. The game's relaxed pace and emphasis on emotional storytelling encourage players to revisit and engage with its world long after the main story concludes. For completionists, there are plenty of side activities, hidden spirits, and upgrades to explore, offering significant replay value.
Conclusion
Spiritfarer is an indie gem that excels in storytelling, gameplay, and atmosphere with geniuine heart. The game’s heartfelt narrative, emotional depth, and gentle mechanics make it a standout in the genre. I completely loved the game, I found it addictive in the sense I wanted to keep going back to play it, but because I was craving the soothing experience the game provides, while looking forward to finding new characters to get to know. Whether you're looking for an emotionally poignant experience or a relaxing, low-pressure game to unwind with, Spiritfarer offers a perfect balance of emotional payoff and soothing gameplay. It’s a must play for fans of narrative driven indie games or anyone seeking a unique exploration of life, death, and human connection.
