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MONSTER

Spiritfarer

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Spiritfarer
Item: Spiritfarer
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Open World, Simulation, Side View Perspective, Drama, Casual, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 18, 2020

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperThunder Lotus Games

Overview

Spiritfarer is a cozy management game about dying. You play Stella, ferrymaster to the deceased, a Spiritfarer. Build a boat to explore the world, then befriend and care for spirits before finally releasing them into the afterlife. Farm, mine, fish, harvest, cook, and craft your way across mystical seas. Join the adventure as Daffodil the cat, in two-player cooperative play. Spend relaxing quality time with your spirit passengers, create lasting memories, and, ultimately, learn how to say goodbye to your cherished friends. What will you leave behind?

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the story of Spiritfarer for its emotional depth, unique approach to the theme of death, and the touching narratives of the characters. GameSpew, from a positive perspective, described the game as a "heartwarming game about death," highlighting the protagonist's role as a spiritfarer guiding the departed on their final journey. PlayStation Universe also commended the story, comparing it to other emotional games like Transistor and Pyre. The Digital Fix appreciated how the game explored themes of change, loss, and acceptance in a Studio Ghibli-like purgatory, creating a poignant and meaningful narrative experience. These critics, among others, found the storytelling in Spiritfarer to be engaging, heartfelt, and thought-provoking. On the other hand, some critics, such as New Game Network, felt that the story fell short due to a lack of character depth and emotional impact. Forbes mentioned that the narrative was not a significant portion of the game, suggesting a potential inconsistency in the depth of storytelling across different playthroughs. While these critiques point out areas for improvement in character development and narrative impact, they are in the minority compared to the overwhelming positive reception of the story by the majority of reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Spiritfarer. Critics like Game Informer praised the engaging and clear story-driven experience, while DualShockers highlighted the emotional and personal connections players can form with the characters, leading to introspective moments. The game's ability to tackle heavy topics like death, grief, and acceptance in a positive and heartwarming manner resonated with many reviewers, making the narrative a standout feature of Spiritfarer. With its unique approach to themes of life and death, well-developed characters, and emotional impact, Spiritfarer's story has left a lasting impression on players and critics alike, solidifying its reputation as a standout narrative-driven experience in the gaming industry.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praised Spiritfarer for its emotional depth, unique take on death, and touching character narratives. While some felt the story lacked depth, the majority lauded its engaging, heartfelt, and thought-provoking storytelling. With comparisons to emotional games like Transistor and Pyre, Spiritfarer's poignant exploration of themes like change, loss, and acceptance in a Studio Ghibli-like purgatory resonated strongly with reviewers. Overall, the game's ability to tackle heavy topics in a heartwarming manner and create personal connections with players made its narrative a standout feature, solidifying its reputation as a top narrative-driven experience in the gaming industry.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Spiritfarer has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many critics appreciated the variety of tasks and mechanics the game offers, such as managing resources, crafting, farming, and engaging in mini-games. Critics like PC Gamer and GameSkinny highlighted the engaging gameplay loops, with tasks that are fast, simple, and fun, creating an addictive and satisfying experience. The platforming elements, as mentioned by Screen Rant, added a frenzied aspect to the gameplay, making each new item feel significant and keeping players active and engaged. The combination of management simulation, platforming, and quest completion, as noted by Eurogamer Italy, provided a challenging yet enjoyable experience that fit well with the life sim formula. The cohesive integration of various gameplay mechanics, as pointed out by LevelUp, offered a well-rounded and engaging gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the repetitive nature of tasks in Spiritfarer. New Game Network and Game Informer mentioned that certain tasks can become mundane and tiresome over time, leading to a feeling of repetition and busywork. Noisy Pixel noted that the slow burn of resource management could become grindy, potentially affecting the overall pacing of the gameplay. GameMAG also highlighted that while the game starts engaging and emotional, it can become repetitive and tiresome after extended playtime, particularly after around 30 hours. The emphasis on daily tasks like cooking, farming, and crafting, as mentioned by Everyeye.it, may overshadow the emotional depth of the game at times, potentially impacting the overall player experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Spiritfarer offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience that blends management simulation, platforming, and social interactions effectively. The game's mix of activities, intuitive mechanics, and relaxed gameplay style have resonated positively with many reviewers, providing a comforting and satisfying experience for players. Critics like Worth Playing and Pocket Tactics appreciated the simple controls, scaling challenges, and various activities available in the game, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players. While some critics raised concerns about repetitive tasks and potential grindiness, the majority of reviewers found Spiritfarer's gameplay loop to be rewarding, immersive, and well-balanced, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere for players to enjoy.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Spiritfarer's gameplay has received a mix of feedback from critics. Positive points include engaging tasks, fun mechanics like resource management and crafting, and a cohesive blend of simulation and platforming elements. Critics praised the addictive gameplay loops and variety of activities, although some expressed concerns about repetitive tasks and potential grindiness. Overall, Spiritfarer offers a unique and immersive experience that resonated positively with many reviewers, providing a serene and satisfying atmosphere for players to enjoy.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Spiritfarer, highlighting its stunning hand-drawn art style, vibrant colors, and charming animations. GameSpew commended the beautifully crafted 2D art style with unique atmospheres for each location and gorgeously designed animal characters. PlayStation Universe described it as one of the prettiest games of the year, while Push Square appreciated the positive and comforting visual design with recognizable animal forms for the characters. Critics like DualShockers, IGN, and Eurogamer Italy also lauded the fantastic use of color, detailed animations, and whimsical art style that contributed to a joyous and mesmerizing experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few critics did mention minor drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of Spiritfarer. Malditos Nerds noted that while the hand-drawn animations were visually stunning, the design of environments could feel rigid at times. SpazioGames pointed out some graphical bugs and frame rate drops, although they still found the artistic style engaging overall. LevelUp mentioned that the visual abstraction in the hand-drawn art inspired by Studio Ghibli could sometimes lead to confusion in platforming sections. These criticisms, however, were minor in comparison to the overall acclaim for the game's aesthetics. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Spiritfarer excels in its graphics and visual design, offering a visually stunning and emotionally immersive experience. Critics like IGN Italia appreciated the modern cartoon style that suited the game's theme, while Nintendo Life praised the gorgeous animation and character design. The Indie Game Website highlighted the striking visuals with vibrant hand-drawn character animations inspired by ancient Japanese tapestry. The majority of reviewers found the art style of Spiritfarer to be beautiful, unique, and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the overall gameplay and storytelling. The game's ability to convey emotions through its visuals, attention to detail, and diverse world filled with charming characters received widespread acclaim, making it a standout title in terms of graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praised Spiritfarer's stunning hand-drawn art style, vibrant colors, and charming animations, calling it one of the prettiest games of the year. While some mentioned minor drawbacks like rigid environments and graphical bugs, the game's fantastic use of color and whimsical art style contributed to a joyous and mesmerizing experience. Overall, Spiritfarer excels in graphics and visual design, offering a visually stunning and emotionally immersive experience that stands out for its beautiful, unique, and aesthetically pleasing art style.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Spiritfarer, highlighting its positive impact on the overall gaming experience. Critics like DualShockers, GameSpot, and PC Gamer commended the emotional depth and immersive quality of the soundtrack, with GameSpot specifically mentioning how the music enhances the gameplay and storytelling effectively. The music was described as calming, enchanting, and emotionally impactful, with various reviewers noting how it complements the serene atmosphere of the game. IGN Italia emphasized how the sound design enhances the narrative and gameplay experience, while RPG Fan appreciated the tracks that pull at the heartstrings without being intrusive. Despite the overall positive reception, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Spiritfarer. New Game Network mentioned that the soundtrack lacked variety and felt limited in capturing the leisurely sailing atmosphere of the game. While this was a minor point of contention, it stood out among the overwhelmingly positive feedback from other critics. Additionally, SpazioGames highlighted the potential limitation in accessibility due to English exclusivity in the soundtrack, which could impact players who prefer localized audio options. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Spiritfarer. The majority of reviewers appreciated the emotional depth, immersive quality, and thematic resonance of the soundtrack, with many praising its ability to enhance the overall gaming experience. Critics like PlayStation Universe, IGN, and KeenGamer lauded the serene and lovely nature of the music, emphasizing its seamless integration into the gameplay. The varied and complementary nature of the music to the gameplay was a common point of praise, with critics noting how it added to the immersive atmosphere and emotional journey of Spiritfarer. Despite a few minor criticisms, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music significantly contribute to making Spiritfarer a memorable and emotionally resonant gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised Spiritfarer's sound design and music for its emotional depth, immersive quality, and thematic resonance. The serene and lovely soundtrack was commended for enhancing the gameplay and storytelling effectively. While some critics noted minor issues like lack of variety and limited accessibility, the general consensus is that the music greatly enhances the overall gaming experience, making Spiritfarer a memorable and emotionally resonant journey.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Spiritfarer received mixed reviews. On the positive side, the game was praised for its stable performance on PC by critics like GameSpot and IGN, who did not encounter any significant technical issues during their playthroughs. Generación Xbox also mentioned good performance on Xbox One, although some tasks could disrupt the narrative flow. Additionally, The Indie Game Website highlighted that the game ran smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, providing a seamless experience without performance concerns. However, there were notable technical issues reported by critics on various platforms. New Game Network and Twinfinite experienced technical issues on the PS4, such as characters getting stuck, textures flashing, and crashes, impacting the overall gameplay experience. LevelUp noted occasional animation slowdowns on the Nintendo Switch, which could affect the overall flow of the game. Moreover, iMore encountered performance issues on the Switch, including game crashes and slowdowns, particularly when many buildings were present on the boat. Noisy Pixel also faced glitches that forced a game restart, resulting in progress loss. Overall, while some platforms like PC and Xbox One seemed to offer a relatively stable technical performance, the PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions of Spiritfarer faced more significant challenges. Critics like TrueGaming and USgamer highlighted the enjoyable and technically sound aspects of the game, suggesting minor improvements for better resource guidance. However, the consensus among reviewers indicates that technical issues, such as bugs, crashes, and performance hiccups, were present across different platforms, impacting the overall experience for players. It is essential for the developers to address these technical issues to enhance the gameplay experience for all players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Spiritfarer received mixed technical reviews across gaming platforms. While PC and Xbox One offered stable performance, PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions faced notable issues like crashes and glitches. Critics highlighted enjoyable aspects but emphasized the need for developers to address technical issues for a smoother gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Replay Value of Spiritfarer has garnered positive feedback from several critics. GameSpew appreciates the freedom to explore and tackle tasks at one's own pace, the 'collectathon' aspect, and the museum feature for rewards. Additionally, DualShockers notes that emotional connections and impactful moments with characters may encourage revisiting the game post-main story completion. PC Gamer and TrueGaming also highlight the emotional storytelling, relationships with characters, and the game's focus on compassion and selflessness as factors contributing to its replay value. On the flip side, some critics express concerns regarding the Replay Value of Spiritfarer. New Game Network mentions slow pacing, repetitive gameplay, and lack of significant progression in crafting systems as deterring factors for replaying the game. Hey Poor Player and IGN point out that the late stages of the game may become repetitive for some players, affecting overall replay value. Nintenderos suggests that extensive resource gathering requirements could hinder the experience for some players, impacting the game's replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Spiritfarer offering a meaningful and emotionally engaging experience with varying degrees of replay value. While some critics like Eurogamer Italy and Game Informer find certain aspects lacking in terms of collaborative gameplay elements or incentives to continue sailing post-completion, others such as Multiplayer.it and LevelUp appreciate the diverse activities, engaging storytelling, and rich gameplay experience that make Spiritfarer worth revisiting. The game's blend of emotional depth, character relationships, and customization options seems to resonate positively with most critics, making it a title that many find worth experiencing multiple times despite some minor drawbacks mentioned by a few reviewers.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Spiritfarer for its emotional depth, character relationships, and compassion-driven gameplay, leading to high replay value. However, concerns arise about slow pacing, repetitive tasks, and resource gathering hindering the overall experience for some players. Overall, the game offers a meaningful and engaging journey with varying levels of replayability, appealing to those who value rich storytelling and diverse activities.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

Spiritfarer has garnered widespread praise from the majority of critics for its unique and emotionally impactful gameplay experience. Critics such as LevelUp and Game Informer commend the game for its beautiful art style, engaging storytelling, and touching exploration of themes like life, death, and friendship. The game's ability to deliver a heartfelt narrative while incorporating management simulation mechanics is highlighted by reviewers like Generación Xbox and GameSpot. The charming characters, well-fleshed-out world, and rewarding upgrade system, as noted by Noisy Pixel and Pure Nintendo, contribute to the overall positive sentiment towards Spiritfarer. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did point out certain drawbacks in Spiritfarer. RPG Fan and Hey Poor Player mention repetitive tasks and pacing issues that hindered the game's potential. Cubed3 and GameStar highlight the slow and repetitive nature of the gameplay, while GameSkinny and TheSixthAxis point out the disconnect between gameplay and narrative depth in certain sections. These criticisms suggest that while Spiritfarer excels in many aspects, there are areas where it falls short in terms of keeping the player engaged consistently throughout the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Spiritfarer is a standout title that offers a unique and emotional journey for players. The game's ability to tackle complex themes with grace and compassion, as praised by IGN Italia and Siliconera, resonates with many reviewers and players alike. The blend of engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and profound storytelling has left a lasting impression on critics such as Eurogamer Italy and DualShockers. Despite some minor flaws, the majority of critics highly recommend Spiritfarer for its touching narrative, well-crafted world, and emotional impact, making it a must-play title for those seeking a deep and meaningful gaming experience.

TL;DR

Spiritfarer is widely praised for its emotional depth, beautiful art style, and engaging storytelling, exploring themes of life, death, and friendship. Critics laud its heartfelt narrative paired with management simulation mechanics. While some mention repetitive tasks and pacing issues, the majority agree that Spiritfarer is a standout title offering a unique and emotional journey. With its charming characters, well-crafted world, and touching narrative, it's a must-play for those seeking a profound gaming experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

101 reviews found

100

Siliconera

Nintendo Switch

Sep 15, 2020

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

The review describes Spiritfarer as a masterpiece and one of the best things to come out of 2020. It praises the game's emotional impact, storytelling, characters, and artistry.

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100

GameSkinny

Nintendo Switch

Aug 23, 2020

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

Spiritfarer is described as emotionally challenging but worthwhile, offering a special experience that transcends being just a game. The game is praised for its moving story, smart writing, art design, and engaging gameplay loops, making it a standout title in 2020.

100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Aug 20, 2020

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

The reviewer highly recommends Spiritfarer, praising its graphics, engaging story, and subject matter.

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100

GamingTrend

Aug 18, 2020

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

The game is described as a beautiful and haunting experience that no one should miss out on

God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Aug 29, 2020

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

A unique and special game that blends management sim mechanics with a poignant and bittersweet look at life and death

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Sep 18, 2020

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

A highly recommended game that combines beautiful visuals, rich storytelling, and engaging gameplay.

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DualShockers

Aug 18, 2020

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

Spiritfarer is a touching and charming management simulator that excels in storytelling, gameplay variety, stunning visuals, and emotional impact. Despite minor technical issues, the game offers a cathartic experience that resonates with players long after playing.

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IMore

Nintendo Switch

Mar 5, 2021

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

Spiritfarer is a beautiful, heart-breaking, and enjoyable experience that combines calming gameplay with thought-provoking themes, making it one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch.

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IGN

Aug 18, 2020

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

Spiritfarer is praised as one of the reviewer's favorite games of the year, offering a gorgeously animated adventure with charm, excitement, and a positive feel despite its heavy themes, making it a highly recommended experience.

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GameSpot

Aug 18, 2020

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

Spiritfarer is a compassionate and rewarding game that excels in storytelling, gameplay mechanics, visual design, and overall experience. It offers a unique and emotional journey that leaves players feeling fulfilled and connected to the characters and world.

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