Despite its thematic shortcomings and wasted potential, what it lacks in emotional depth and quality it makes up for in its unparalleled serenity and levity. On top of their overtly extraneous dialogue and exposition heavy conversations, character interactions are shallow from both a gameplay mechanic and narrative component. The Spirits themselves are not particularly interesting while they each have idiosyncratic personalities, different mannerisms, and particular affinities, the notable lack of an emotional investment and developed connection to their persona and affiliated affairs fosters an apathetic aura that’s simply never dissipates. Spirits also show their true form aboard your ship, which is exemplified in the form of various animals. The lack of a dynamic relationship system is a detriment to any promise of poignant character interaction and tangible empathy, while also failing to capitalize on another enthralling management system. There are some minor exceptions to this rule, but overall, majority of Spirits lack an established bond with Stella and any form of character development. This sense of character growth is inherently jarring and lacks any emotive weight as their self-actualization is never earned, in an abhorrent tell don’t show mentality. They simply state their regret, inexplicably overcome it, and are ready to be taken to the Everdoor. While hints of self-reflection and growth are emanated through impertinent discussions on the Spirit’s past endeavors, rarely do they display any semblance of development. What is presented as a sense of fulfilment for unfinished business is rendered to menial tasks that serve the spirit’s ego, with an ounce of reflection and observation seldom found. As the Spiritfarer, your job is to traverse the vast sea in search for lost spirits and assist them with granting their final wishes, before taking them to the Everdoor, the gateway to the afterlife. Throughout the notably long journey, you play as Stella, the newly appointed and titular Spiritfarer. Spiritfarer is gorgeously detailed, with the promise of an emotional journey of reflection and acceptance. A journey that is meticulously deliberate and profoundly heartwarming, Spiritfarer will lure you in with its remarkable subject matter and alluring sense of discovery but will keep you invested with its rewarding mechanics and intuitive management systems. It is an impeccable embodiment of blissful tranquility and wholesome levity Thunder Lotus Games has arguably crafted the most soothing and mesmerizing game of the generation. Despite my subjective qualms, Spiritfarer is an engrossing journey that is filled with rewarding exploration, an invigorating display of discovery, and a tantalizing definition of gratifying progression. While its sense of progression is palpable and instills the remarkable promise of greatness, it eventually loses steam and cannot maintain its gargantuan momentum. Granted, Spiritfarer quickly overstays its welcome due to conspicuous repetition and a lack of notable extrinsic gratification. Its perpetual management systems are residually developed at an impressive rate, in a manner that is never overbearing. However, while these imperative vignettes are undoubtedly alluring, Spiritfarer is unable to reach the full potential of its craft, resulting in a transcending journey that lacks a required sense of depth and substance. Its these profound elements of self-actualization and closure that elevate Spiritfarer’s innate ability to stand out amongst the competition. Its subject matter can be notably bleak and grounded, pushing the narrative into a realm of tangibility and self-reflection, a thematic tone that is that is seldom found with this artistic style and calibre. With an impeccably crisp and vibrant visual pallet and an orchestral score that is exceptionally potent and serene, Spiritfarer is a presentation marvel that rivals the pristine beauty of the generation’s best. An occasionally rocky voyage across the sea…Īs a welcomed amalgamation of Metroidvania style progression, intuitive platforming, and an Animal Crossing-like management system, Spiritfarer is an engaging piece of time management and organized structure, all of which is fostered in an impressively fulfilling sense of progression.
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