Spiritfarer

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 14 June 2019