As many other reviews say, this text based rpg is heavy on the text and is not voiced, so if reading is not your thing or isn't accessible to you this game may be a struggle. The atomopshere is an experience that shows the true vision of one person. The monochromatic illustrations, the background score and writing style sets a tone that is sombre and grim. Many memorable characters that you encounter that are so well written they feel real. If the creator of this game ever writes a book, I would certainly read it. Go in blind and let your choices take you through the branches of possibilities. Well worth the time spent to play it. I also listen to the soundtrack sometimes and I never do that!
I was expecting a cozy fridget type game with plucky sounds and the satisfaction of fitting things in just so, and that is what this is! All of that! However, there is a story revealed in such a subtle way that it will creep up on you with eventual realizations of our unseen character. I don't want to say any more and spoil anything, but let's just say -go into it blind and let it happen to you. I wish I could play this for the first time again. I would buy more of this in a series or dlc in a heartbeat.
...it just wasn't for me. It was clear from the beginning that a lot of work and creative energy went into the aesthetic and style, both of which are very pleasing to the eye. I even tend to enjoy slower paced point and click adventures and light puzzle games. there was just...something missing. One thing that has occured to me since playing and reading other reviews is that there may be a cultural gap. this game was designed in german and although it is translated to english and other languages, there were still non-essential details of the game that remained in german (such as most of the non-pertinent text in a guestbook and most book titles on a bookshelf), as it takes place in Germany. but I also wonder about german humour, mannerisms and social customs that just may not translate well. I will not say that this is a bad game. I got it steeply discounted and didn't feel it was neccessarily a waste of time, but I did find myself getting bored and rushing through toward the end. If you're looking for a chill-paced point and click where the puzzles can be solved through simple and guided process of elimination, something not fraught with big emotions and drama, pleasing art style and an interesting premise -go for it!
For someone with anxiety, this is the perfect game. The time pressure of this game is very low, you gradually learn the platforming skills as you go along. Frustration levels never seemed to mount for me, unlike other platforming type games where if you fall, you die. Beautiful, gorgeous scenery, smooth animation. You sail around the large world at your own pace, learning recipes and collecting ingredients. finding items and building things like a loom, a sawmill, a forgery. Grow your own vegetables and hug your passengers, if they want one. One of my favourite activities in the game is fishing during sunset. Gorgeous colour palettes as you cast a line, you cat by your side. Truly a pleasure. It's a lovely game, not only because it is relatively easy, yet still challenging and engaging -but it isn't a vapid story line, by any means. You learn about your passengers lives and personalities gradually over time and help them find resolution by performing tasks and unlocking memories. Eventually they will make the decision to request a trip to the Everdoor -where you learn to say goodbye. I won't lie, this game made me cry a few times, but experience the complex emotions connected to grief. That there is pain in saying goodbye, but there is also beauty in the cycle of life and in the value of love and friendship. With the free added content, this game is also comfortably long, with many collection type challenges, errands, favours and such. I have played it all the way through a couple times, but it lasted a long time, and it was my choice to end the game, I certainly could have gone on sailing and fishing and exploring. the game does not feel short, and you do have some control in how quickly you want it to progress. I did not expect to love this game this much, I don't even play games that often. But when I am in the mood to play something that will soothe my anxiety, yet keep me engaged -I come to Spiritfarer. Certainly worth your time.
