Spiritfarer

As part of xbox game pass, I picked this up a few weeks ago. I've spent time playing the game - and thinking about it.

You manage a ship. Picks up passengers. Tend to their needs and learn their stories. Some of the passengers are strangers. Some are closer. In the end you will have a relationship. It's sort of a simulation paired with exploration. You start out with nothing and end up with a massive(!) ship, filled with buildings you've collected and built yourself. Garden, fields, orchards for the cooking in your kitchen. Sheep, cows for tailoring. Sawmill, smithy, foundry, crusher, cellar. Lounges and habitats.

There are platforming elements when you collect materials etc through events or on the islands you visit.

If you've checked out the trailer and read the above, you probably know by now if this is something for you. I hope you try it out. It's one of the most interesting and 'deep' games I've played in a good while; and I play a lot. I very rarely write reviews, though. But after completing the game, I felt compelled to write this review because I wish for as many to feel and experience this cool game. Main campaign takes around 20hours. My guess is I've played double of that. Only missing 1 post-ending 'quest' and some collecting for 100% avhievements. Oh, and you can fish! Enjoy.

Spiritfarer puts you in the shoes of Stella, a ferry captain for spirits transitioning to the afterlife. Right off the bat, the game's art is stunning-it's hand-drawn and full of vibrant colors, creating a beautiful world filled with charming details. The character designs are whimsical and downright adorable, making each spirit you encounter feel special and unique. Gameplay revolves around managing your boat, gathering resources, and discovering new islands. You'll craft and upgrade your vessel, using materials found in the environment, which feels super satisfying. The best part is interacting with the spirits you take on board, each with their own rich backstories. As you help them with their unfinished business, you also build friendships, which adds an emotional depth that really tugs at the heartstrings. The pacing is lovely - it encourages you to take your time rather than rush through. It's all about the journey, not just the destination! The soundtrack is beautifully composed and matches the gentle tone of the gameplay perfectly-it's relaxing and melodic, making it a joy just to sail along. It is such a unique blend of crafting, exploration, and narrative-driven gameplay. If you're looking for something touching yet uplifting, this game is a must-play. Just be ready for some feels. This one might make you tear up a bit!

Got quite obsessed with this game when I played it. Beautiful music and animation, very atmospheric. An interesting and emotional narrative as well. I love a bit of farming and crafting but this is more than that. Very relaxing but definitely might make you sniffle at times.

I really liked the game and I played it with my kids, that was part of the problem. A game designed and geared toward a younger audience shouldn't of had the language that it did in it. It lowered the score for me. It was unnecessary. Other then that, game was great.