As 2024 came to a close, I had the privilege of completing one last title. That game was none other than Spiritfarer and it was absolutely breathtaking. I really can’t think of a better way to end 2024. This game will always have a special place in my heart.
The Everdoor
As Stella, the protagonist of the game, begins her journey as the new Spiritfarer, she is quickly introduced to the Everdoor. Arguably the centerpiece in this beautiful story, the Everdoor acts as a bridge between our world and the world beyond. Stella acts as a guide for lost spirits, helping them finish up any loose ends tying them to our world.
As the story progresses, you’ll meet a number of wonderful spirits, all with their own unique personalities and problems. It is up to Stella to ensure each of these spirits can move on without leaving any unresolved business behind.
Once a spirit is ready to move on, Stella will take them to the Everdoor and say her goodbyes. This was by far the hardest part of the game as spending time with these spirits meant growing attached to them as well. However, it is also very bittersweet. These spirits have, in fact, already passed away. And of course, as the game progresses, you start to get a handle on things and what to expect.
Our Spiritfarer, Stella
As the newly appointed Spiritfarer, Stella begins an unforgettable journey with the spirits she encounters. As she helps them through their unresolved issues, you get a glimpse of the life they lived before meeting Stella. In fact, some knew Stella beforehand, as well. Each spirit has their own identity and they all feel completely different from one another.
Throughout the game I certainly had a few spirits that were my favorite, but I genuinely enjoyed each spirit for what they offered. Every spirit taught Stella a little bit more about what it meant to be the Spiritfarer and in turn, taught her what it meant to be alive. Each lesson added to the gameplay a bit too, whether in the form of a new minigame or game mechanic.
Naturally, as you get to know these lovable spirits, you also get to know our fearless Spiritfarer. Stella grows alongside every spirit she meets and finds a way into your heart. I really think they did a fantastic job with Stella’s story.
A Boatful of Love
Sailing around the world helping spirits cross over sounds pretty fun right? I am here to tell you, that’s exactly what it is. However, this game has so many layers to love. On the surface, Spiritfarer is a cozy management sim but it’s unlike anything I have ever played before.
You’ll be tasked to upgrade your boat, build houses for you spirit passengers and ultimately take care of them while they are aboard. This will include feeding them, talking to them and making improvements to their houses. It all blends together beautifully and before you know it, you’ll be the best Spiritfarer anyone has ever seen.
There are many islands to visit, all filled with new spirits to invite aboard, materials to use in crafting and, of course, side quests. There are plenty of world events that play out like minigames as well that will provide you with some much-needed materials. As the story progresses, so will the size of your boat. Eventually you’ll have farms, buildings for crafting and even cows aboard!
Explore to Your Heart’s Content
When Stella is off her boat, the game plays out like a 2D platformer. Much like many other games in the genre, you can add to Stella’s abilities. Certain items the spirits will give you for inviting them onto your boat can be taken to shrines to learn those abilities. I don’t want to spoil anything but once Stella is all juiced up, you’ll be able to reach all those pesky treasures that teased you in the early hours of the game. And that’s a good thing too because some of those chest will contain recipes for food or blueprints to improve the facilities on your boat.
Materials are out and about as well. Stella can use what’s called the Everlight to mine minerals, cut down trees with her cat Daffodil, and navigate the world in new ways. I personally love a game that lets you hoard materials and this was happily one of those games. As far as I could tell, there were no inventory restraints.
A Game About Life and Death
Spiritfarer truly changed my outlook on both life and death. It tugged at my heart strings but also continued to make me think. Each spirit I saw through the Everdoor left me with raw emotions in the very best way possible. The writing in this game is flawless and I couldn’t help but connect with every spirit that came onto my ship.
Each spirit dealt with very real but also very different issues so there was never a moment where I felt like things were repeating. While the gameplay is one big loop, the stories of each spirit made for such a unique and wholesome experience.
As I get older, games like Spiritfarer are starting to become favorites of mine. I love a game that lets you relax and cut loose as much as the next guy, but top-tier storytelling is hard to come by these days. Leave it to another indie gem to steal the spotlight.
