Spiritfarer
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Adventure, platformers, 2D, elements of strategy, arcade elements, for 2 players, co-op, side-scroll, experimental/artistic, splitscreen, Game Pass, games for impact, multiplayer, singleplayer
OpenCritic
A hybrid of adventure game, platform game and economic strategy, whose main theme is... dying. In Spiritfarer, the player takes on the role of a girl who, like a mythical Charon, takes the dead to the underworld on her boat. The production was developed by the Canadian independent studio Thunder Lotus Games.
Spiritfarer is a hybrid of a two-dimensional hybrid of adventure, platform, and strategy game, in which we play as a spiritfarer, transporting the spirits of the dead on the boat we built. The game offers extensive gameplay and attractive, fairytale-like setting. The independent Canadian studio Thunder Lotus Games (the devs of Jotun) is responsible for developing and publishing the title.
Plot
In Spiritfarer we play as Stella, who is the title spiritfarer, modelled after Charon from Greek mythology. The girl transports the dead to a place where they will experience their posthumous existence, often befriending them along the way and learning their unique stories.
Mechanics
In Spiritfarer we observe the action from the side-scrolling perspective. The main purpose of the game is to transport the characters we meet to the afterlife on board a hand-built boat and to discover their stories. The devs made sure that a unique, moving story was connected with each of the characters.
During the game, we also manage the boat and get or create the things we need by exploring the locations using the method characteristic of classic two-dimensional platform games. We can engage in mining, collect items, cook and weave, and create or find gifts for our passengers.
As the game progresses, we improve our boat and change the look of both the vehicle, Stella and the accompanying cat named Daffodil.
Game modes
Spiritfarer can be played solo or with others. The mainstay of the game is the story campaign, which can be played either in single-player or as part of a two-person, local co-op mode. In such a situation the other player takes on the role of Daffodil.
Technical aspects
Spiritfarer features characteristic, two-dimensional visuals, based mainly on handmade illustrations. Graphics are distinguished by a lively palette of colors and a fairytale-like atmosphere reminiscent of animated films. In the game, we meet many heroes in the form of anthropomorphic animals, so the game created by Thunder Lotus studio may evoke associations with, for example, the film works of studio Ghibli.
Last updated on May 24, 2020
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Videos and Screens
[2:43] Spiritfarer launch trailer
[1:00] Spiritfarer trailer #1
PlayStation Universe: 9 / 10 by Joe Apsey
Spiritfarer is a truly gorgeous game in every aspect. A stunning art style, gorgeously melodic music, and a lighter and less punishing take on the management sim genre make it one of the best indie games of the year and a title that will be remembered for years to come.
Attack of the Fanboy: 4.5 / 5 by Brandon Adams
Spiritfarer is an excellent game in its own right, yet its candid handling of death truly sets it apart from its peers. It's addicting gameplay loop is well complimented by its thoughtful story - anyone who likes their relaxation with a side of healthy contemplation will be hard pressed to find a more compelling game this year.
GameSpot: 9 / 10 by Hope Corrigan
Spirifarer is an excellent 2D-platformer and management game, but moreover it's a beautiful and joyous journey about caring for others and coming to terms with death and saying goodbye.
GAMERS Score
Average score from 423 votes. 2 players anticipated the game.
Spiritfarer Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows August 18, 2020
Switch August 18, 2020
PlayStation 4 August 18, 2020
Xbox One August 18, 2020
Android OS October 4, 2022
Apple iOS October 4, 2022
Developer: Thunder Lotus Games
Publisher: Thunder Lotus Games
Spiritfarer System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Dual Core 3.0 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 460 or better, 7 GB HDD, Windows 7 SP1 64-bit
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