Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Steam

Epic

Twitch

MONSTER

Spirit of the North 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Spirit of the North 2
Item: Spirit of the North 2
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Indie, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Puzzle and Logic, Casual, Single Player

AvailableMay 8, 2025

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperInfuse Studio

Overview

Unveil the mysteries of a beautiful ancient world in this breathtaking 3rd-Person Adventure, a sequel to the acclaimed ‘Spirit of the North.’ Take on the role of an isolated fox with a raven companion on a quest to restore the lost guardians and return home. In an ancient world left in ruin, embark on the journey of an isolated fox far from home. With the help of a wise Raven companion, seek out the lost legendary guardians and release them from the grasp of the dark shaman Grimnir.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Spirit of the North 2 garners mixed reviews: while many critics praise its emotional depth and rich environmental storytelling rooted in Nordic mythology, others criticize its narrative structure as weak and contrived. The game excels in atmosphere but struggles with character development and coherence, making it a polarizing experience for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of critics regarding the story of Spirit of the North 2 reveal a generally positive sentiment towards its narrative approach and thematic depth. Many reviewers, such as Movies Games and Tech and Checkpoint Gaming, highlight the beautifully written story that unfolds through exploration and environmental storytelling. Critics appreciate the emotional resonance of the narrative, with Voxel and Loot Level Chill noting its exploration of themes like solitude, companionship, and the restoration of a corrupted world. The game's atmospheric setting, rooted in Nordic mythology, is praised for its ability to immerse players in a rich lore-filled experience, as mentioned by GAMES.CH and IGN France. Collectibles and lore fragments are seen as effective tools for piecing together the history of the ancient civilization, allowing for a sense of connection to the world. However, not all reviews are favorable, with several critics pointing out significant flaws in the narrative structure and execution. GamingBolt criticizes the story setup as contrived, suggesting that the protagonist's actions lack intelligence and that the villain, Grimnir, is portrayed in a laughable manner, which detracts from the overall experience. PlayStation Universe echoes this sentiment by stating that the game follows a minimal narrative template similar to its predecessor, lacking substantial story elements. Vandal further emphasizes that the story feels secondary and relies heavily on scrolls for context, which may not engage all players. This sentiment of a lack of depth is echoed by some critics who find the absence of dialogue a hindrance to fully appreciating the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided reception regarding the story of Spirit of the North 2. While many reviewers commend its emotional depth and environmental storytelling—citing the engaging journey of the fox and crow as a highlight—others express disappointment with its narrative execution and structure. Critics like Try Hard Guides and Impulsegamer appreciate the minimalist approach and emotional grounding, yet the criticisms from GamingBolt and PlayStation Universe suggest that the narrative may not resonate with all players. Ultimately, Spirit of the North 2 presents a compelling but polarizing story experience, with strengths in atmosphere and lore but weaknesses in narrative coherence and character development.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Spirit of the North 2 impresses with its open-world exploration and puzzle-solving elements, but suffers from frustrating controls and navigation issues. Critics praise the customizable characters and engaging quests, yet many find the gameplay experience marred by imprecise platforming and a lack of environmental clarity. While it offers a captivating adventure, execution flaws leave players feeling frustrated and the world often feels empty. The game has potential, but ultimately struggles to deliver a fully rewarding experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Spirit of the North 2 has garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its exploration and puzzle-solving elements. Reviewers such as Impulsegamer and Voxel highlight the engaging open-world exploration and the incorporation of combat, which adds depth to the gameplay. The game allows players to customize their characters and collect items, enhancing the sense of adventure. Critics like TheXboxHub and GAMES.CH appreciate the semi-open world structure that encourages exploration and offers a variety of quests, both main and side, which can lead to a fulfilling experience for players who enjoy discovery and puzzle-solving. However, despite these positives, many critics have pointed out significant drawbacks that hinder the overall gameplay experience. A common complaint is the imprecision of the platforming mechanics, with critics like IGN Deutschland and TheXboxHub noting that the controls can feel frustrating and unresponsive at times. Additionally, the navigation challenges mentioned by Movies Games and Tech and the lack of clear environmental cues highlighted by IGN Italia contribute to a sense of confusion during gameplay. Many reviewers, including GamingBolt and Gameliner, express that the world can feel barren or hollow, leading to a lack of rewarding experiences despite the potential for exploration. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Spirit of the North 2 offers a captivating world filled with exploration and puzzles, it is marred by control issues and a lack of engaging flow. Critics generally agree that the gameplay has the foundation for a compelling experience, but the execution falls short in several areas, leading to frustration for players. As noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Loot Level Chill, the game encourages organic discovery but may not provide enough guidance for players to fully enjoy the experience, resulting in a mixed reception that highlights both the game's potential and its shortcomings.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Spirit of the North 2 wows with breathtaking visuals and immersive landscapes thanks to Unreal Engine 5, receiving praise for its stunning biomes and dynamic lighting. However, critics point out significant flaws, including empty areas, performance issues like frame rate drops, and inconsistent graphical quality. While the game delivers on beauty, technical shortcomings hold it back from reaching its full potential. Overall, it’s a visually captivating experience with room to improve.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Spirit of the North 2 have garnered a largely positive reception among critics. Many reviewers have praised the breathtaking landscapes and immersive environments, highlighting the game's use of Unreal Engine 5 to create stunning biomes that enhance the exploration experience. For instance, Movies Games and Tech noted the "stunning visuals" and "beautiful environments," while Impulsegamer emphasized the "dynamic lighting" and "detailed textures" that contribute to a sense of immersion. Critics like IGN Deutschland and PlayStation Universe echoed this sentiment, describing the game as having "breathtaking landscapes" and "naturalistic environments" that foster a sense of freedom and discovery. However, despite the overall praise, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the game's visual presentation. GAMES.CH mentioned that while the game is prettier than its predecessor, it still feels empty in certain areas. Similarly, Gamesurf criticized the visual design as "decent for an indie game," but pointed out performance issues, particularly with frame rates and lighting. IGN Italia also noted that while there are improvements in some visual aspects, the overall graphics do not leave a strong impression, with some environments appearing barren. Critics like GamingBolt highlighted issues such as environmental pop-in and inconsistent brightness, which detract from the overall immersion. In summary, while Spirit of the North 2 is celebrated for its stunning visuals and immersive environments, critics are divided on the game's overall graphical performance. The consensus suggests that the game successfully creates beautiful and atmospheric landscapes, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Noisy Pixel, yet technical issues and inconsistencies in graphical quality, as pointed out by Gameliner and others, prevent it from achieving its full potential. Overall, the game presents a visually appealing experience that is somewhat marred by performance-related challenges, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Spirit of the North 2 boasts a largely positive reception for its atmospheric soundtrack, enhancing emotional depth and visual storytelling. Critics praise its orchestral and nature sound blend, but there are significant drawbacks: distracting sound effects, glitches, and jarring audio moments detract from the experience. While the music shines, the sound design needs refinement to fully elevate the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of Spirit of the North 2 is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's audio for its ability to enhance the atmosphere and emotional depth of the experience. Critics like Movies Games and Tech highlight the "rich soundtrack and sound effects" that capture the game's mysterious essence, while IGN Italia emphasizes how the soundtrack complements the visual storytelling, creating an ethereal experience. Impulsegamer also notes the dynamic evolution of the soundtrack, which adds emotional depth with its sweeping scores and tranquil melodies. Voxel's observation about the blend of epic orchestral compositions with relaxing nature sounds further underlines the game's effective audio design, contributing to an immersive experience. However, not all reviews are complimentary, as several critics point out significant drawbacks in the sound design. For instance, GamingBolt criticizes the sound design as "distracting," particularly noting the raven's voice, which they liken to Kazooie from Banjo-Kazooie, detracting from the overall experience. Gamesurf mentions issues such as stuttering and glitches that mar the audio experience, while TheXboxHub notes that some sound effects can be jarring, especially during distressing moments for the fox. These criticisms suggest that while the music may enhance the atmosphere, the sound effects have not been uniformly well-received. In conclusion, while the majority of critics agree that the soundtrack of Spirit of the North 2 significantly contributes to the game's immersive and emotional experience, there are notable concerns regarding the sound effects and occasional technical issues. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Gameliner commend the soundtrack for its ability to complement the game's ambiance and emotional journey, yet the negative feedback from critics such as GamingBolt and Gamesurf indicates that the overall sound design could benefit from refinement. This mixed reception highlights that while the musical elements are largely successful, the sound effects and technical aspects need attention to elevate the overall auditory experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Spirit of the North 2 has garnered mixed reviews, with some positive notes on Xbox Series X and PS5, but overwhelming criticism for technical issues across all platforms. Critics report sluggish controls, frame rate drops, crashes, and poor optimization—pointing to a game that needs major updates to enhance gameplay and fix persistent glitches.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

46%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Spirit of the North 2 across various gaming platforms, it is essential to highlight some of the positive aspects noted by critics. On the Xbox Series X, Movies Games and Tech acknowledged the game's potential, although the controls were described as sluggish. Meanwhile, on the PlayStation 5, Impulsegamer reported that the game performs well overall, suggesting that despite some issues, there are moments of enjoyment to be had. Voxel also noted a smooth performance without significant technical issues, indicating that not all players experienced the same level of frustration. On PC, Loot Level Chill mentioned fluid movement, which suggests that the core gameplay mechanics have redeeming qualities despite some minor issues. Conversely, the negative feedback regarding technical performance is quite pronounced across all platforms. On the PS5, multiple critics, including Gamesurf and IGN Spain, pointed out significant technical issues such as frame rate drops, lighting problems, and even game crashes that severely hinder the experience. PlayStation Universe and Vandal echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for more polish due to glitches and inconsistent performance. On the Xbox Series X, while the experience was less criticized, the sluggish controls noted by Movies Games and Tech still detracted from gameplay. On PC, critics like IGN France and Gameliner highlighted various technical problems, including clipping and poor optimization, with Gameliner specifically noting high system requirements that seem unwarranted given the game's graphical fidelity. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms suggests a troubling trend in technical performance for Spirit of the North 2. While there are isolated positive experiences, particularly on the PS5 and PC, the overwhelming feedback points to a range of issues that significantly impact gameplay. Critics like IGN Spain, who noted game crashes, and Gamesurf, who described lighting problems leading to complete darkness, illustrate the severity of these concerns. The game appears to be in need of substantial updates and optimizations to address the widespread technical issues reported by critics, which may detract from the overall enjoyment and immersion players seek.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Spirit of the North 2 offers substantial replay value for completionists, boasting 40-50 hours for item collection and a 20-hour main story. Critics praise its exploration and customization options but warn of technical issues and tedious gameplay that may deter players from returning. Lack of a detailed map and limited puzzle variety further hinder overall replayability. While some elements attract dedicated explorers, mixed reviews suggest it's not for everyone, appealing mainly to a niche audience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Spirit of the North 2 reflect a mix of positive aspects that some critics appreciate. For instance, Movies Games and Tech highlights the game’s significant replay value for completionists, noting that it can take 40 to 50 hours to collect all items, while the main story itself can be completed in about 20 hours. This suggests that players who enjoy thorough exploration and collection will find ample content to engage with. Similarly, Loot Level Chill emphasizes the game’s encouragement of exploration and discovery, indicating that players who favor open-world experiences may derive satisfaction from revisiting areas with new abilities. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming also mention the decent gameplay length of over 15 hours, which, combined with customization options, provides a solid amount of content for players. However, several critics express concerns that may hinder the game's overall replay value. Gamesurf points out that while the game offers a decent length, technical issues may detract from the experience, potentially discouraging players from returning. IGN Italia echoes this sentiment by noting that the tedious nature of exploration could deter players from replaying the game. Vandal raises another concern, mentioning the lack of a detailed map, which could affect players' willingness to revisit areas. Moreover, Noisy Pixel argues that the straightforward gameplay and limited variety in puzzles may not provide enough incentive for players to engage with the game multiple times. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Spirit of the North 2 has elements that can encourage replayability, such as exploration and collectibles, significant drawbacks exist that may limit players' desire to return. Critics like Gameliner and IGN France recognize some potential for replay through customization and lore collection, but they also highlight issues like unclear task indicators and technical problems that could diminish the experience. Therefore, while the game has its merits, the mixed feedback indicates that its replay value may be more appealing to a specific subset of players, particularly those who are completionists or enjoy exploration, rather than the broader audience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards Spirit of the North 2 reflects a mixture of admiration for its artistic qualities and exploration mechanics. Critics such as Movies Games and Tech and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the game's enchanting visuals and immersive atmosphere, describing it as a "magical and phenomenal" experience. TheXboxHub also commends its visual impressiveness and exploration opportunities, while GAMES.CH emphasizes its appeal to those who value atmosphere over action. Voxel and Impulsegamer further praise the game for building upon its predecessor, offering richer narratives and emotional depth, which resonates well with fans of the original game. Overall, the game’s aesthetic and exploratory elements are frequently recognized as standout features, making it a captivating journey for many players. However, the criticisms surrounding Spirit of the North 2 are significant and numerous. Many reviewers point to technical issues that hinder the gameplay experience, with IGN Spain stating that the game is "not ready for release in its current state." Critics like GamingBolt and Gameliner express disappointment over the game's rough edges and pacing, suggesting that it falls short of its potential. The lack of innovation compared to its predecessor is highlighted by Gamesurf, who sees it as a "missed opportunity," while IGN Italia notes that the game only partially succeeds in evolving from the original. Additionally, several critics mention control mechanics and platforming flaws, which detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while Spirit of the North 2 offers a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience, it is hampered by technical shortcomings and gameplay issues. Critics like Vandal and PlayStation Universe acknowledge the game's evolutionary strides but also stress the need for improvement in various aspects. The overall impression is that the game has the potential to be a beautiful and captivating experience, but it currently struggles with execution, leaving many players feeling both soothed and frustrated, as noted by IGN France. The game may appeal to fans of the first installment, but those seeking a more polished and challenging experience might find it lacking.

TL;DR

Spirit of the North 2 dazzles with stunning visuals and emotional depth, winning admiration for its artistic qualities and immersive exploration. However, it faces harsh criticism for technical issues, pacing problems, and lack of innovation compared to its predecessor. While it has potential, the game's rough edges leave players feeling both enchanted and frustrated, making it a mixed bag for fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

40 reviews found

Try Hard Guides

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spirit of the North 2 is a beautiful and relaxing exploration game that offers a magical journey, despite some design choices that may feel out of place.

Checkpoint Gaming

May 8, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spirit of the North 2 is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging adventure that improves upon its predecessor, offering a rewarding exploration experience.

Read full review

Voxel

PlayStation 5

May 8, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spirit of the North 2 successfully builds on its predecessor, offering a richer experience with emotional depth and a beautiful open world. It is described as a poetic video game that resonates with players.

Read full review

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

May 9, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spirit of the North 2 successfully builds upon its predecessor with an expansive world, deeper mechanics, and a richer narrative, making it a must-play for fans of the original.

Read full review

Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

May 8, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite control issues, Spirit of the North 2 is a magical and phenomenal game that captivates players with its lore and beautiful world.

Read full review

Loot Level Chill

May 8, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spirit of the North 2 offers a captivating adventure with a balance of challenge and exploration, though its lack of guidance may not appeal to everyone.

Read full review

GAMES.CH

PlayStation 5

May 8, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, 'Spirit of the North 2' is recommended for those who value atmosphere and exploration over challenging action.

Vandal

PlayStation 5

May 9, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spirit of the North 2 improves upon its predecessor with better graphics and gameplay, but still suffers from technical issues that detract from the experience.

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

May 12, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Spirit of the North 2 is visually impressive and offers a nice exploration experience, though it has some flaws in platforming and control mechanics compared to its predecessor.

Read full review

IGN Deutschland

PlayStation 5

May 8, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spirit of the North 2 builds on its predecessor's strengths but struggles with gameplay mechanics that could benefit from simplification. The exploration aspect is its highlight.

Read full review