Review of Spiritfarer Switch: an intense journey that lingers
Our Verdict
Spiritfarer on Switch is an unforgettable, moving experience that offers up a deeply emotional narrative, stunning visuals, heartfelt characters, and a message that will stay with you forever.
Finding a game that really speaks to you on an emotional and profound level may be difficult, but I'm happy to report that Spiritfarer achieves exactly that. It's a lovely little treasure that I'm so happy to see gracing the Switch, with its engrossing story, straightforward controls, scaling but never irritating difficulties, and characters who actually remain with you.
Being a huge enthusiast of independent games, I was eager to get a copy. It's a moving journey through happiness, grief, melancholy, and memories all wrapped together in a gorgeous package that works well with Switch. Spiritfarer delivers a degree of charm and sincerity that very few games are able to attain, from the minute nuances of every scene to the breathtaking worldbuilding offered via talks with NPCs. I became completely engrossed in Stella's world and developed close relationships with the spirits there, so it is really difficult for me to say goodbye to them when their time comes. I envision me playing this game again for a very long time since it's soul food.
It goes without saying that this game has gorgeous graphics. Drawing influence from customary mythology, Spirited Away and other Studio Ghibli masterpieces are difficult to ignore. I was in awe of the world around me because of its vibrant colors, distinctive character designs, and breathtaking landscapes. You may participate in this enchanted environment no matter where you are thanks to its sharp, brilliant appearance either docked or portable. Because of the vibrant, stylized imagery, I found myself transferring from the TV to my bed and playing on the smaller screen long into the night without losing the nuances.
The biggest attraction is, of course, the narrative. With the assistance of your lovely cat, Daffodil (who a second player may control in cooperative mode), and the everlight at your side, it is your duty as the Spiritfarer to save wayward souls, befriending and tending to them before ultimately releasing them to the hereafter. As you get to know the characters' likes, dislikes, fears, and regrets and assist them in resolving previous conflicts, the interactions you have with them are poignant and intense. It's extremely satisfying to watch their spirits lift as a result of your hard work, whether you're giving them their favorite dish, consoling them emotionally, or just giving them a big embrace. Every spirit is distinct and has various needs from you, but they are all ultimately meant to help you grow and discover new talents and abilities that will enhance both your life and the lives of your passengers.
Your boat gives you a great deal of personalization and serves as your home. You may get blueprints in a number of ways, such as completing quests or upgrades, and you can see how your potential increases with every new structure. There is always plenty to do on islands, even if they are often tiny and some of them have mysteries that are first undiscovered until you get access to new powers. Not a second of your time is wasted, whether you're sawing wood at the sawmill, taking care of your sheep and gardens, creating new dishes to entice your friends, or just relaxing and going fishing.
The puzzles and minigames are simple to learn and grasp, but they become harder as you go. Every task has its own playstyle, whether it's sawing logs, weaving textiles, smelting metals, or listening to music while tending to your crops. Although they differ in style, most are efficiently quick-time events. The pleasure cons' reactivity makes them seem reasonable and manageable, even if some take some getting used to. Naturally, if you maintain the spirits' happiness, they assist you in many ways, which adds to the satisfaction of your interaction with them.
During your trip, you will encounter challenges from the spirits that want to scale you. You're always on the lookout for client requests, whether it's for more difficult-to-find cuisine combinations or enhancements to their lodgings. Spiritfarer is not a linear game, however; you may go between islands at your own speed and spend as much or as little time as you choose with each spirit. Naturally, you come across obstacles like icy walls and sharp rocks that you can only get over by acquiring supplies and improving your ship. However, there's no time restriction, and the Switch works nicely with the slow pace. Although there is a lot of backtracking throughout the novel and sometimes repetitious duties, these things didn't really take away from my pleasure of the plot.
Beautiful music perfectly accompanies the emotional trip. It also highlights your connection to your spirits even more to hear their soft snores or hums as they roam the boat. Though it does sometimes highlight an event, sound is not necessary, so if you're playing handheld without headphones, there shouldn't be any issues.
All things considered, Spiritfarer is an exquisite game that is a wonderful addition to the expanding library of Switch titles. This experience, which included creating a universe full of beauty and passion and handling sensitive and weighty subjects with grace and respect, will be with me for a very long time. Although there is never a flawless game, in my opinion, this one comes the closest.