Game Reviews

Exploring the Beauty of Spiritfarer by Thunder Lotus Games

A Cozy and Casual Review

Chuya Guo
Chuya Guo • May 17th 2023

At mudstack, we’re fixated on amazing and unique visual art in video games, storytelling, and the artists behind them. We finally picked up Spiritfarer by Thunder Lotus and are so excited to share with you some of our thoughts.

This review contains light story spoilers for Spiritfarer.

Embark on an enchanting voyage through the ethereal realms of Spiritfarer, a captivating indie game that artfully blends whimsical storytelling, heartfelt emotions, and gentle exploration. Developed by Thunder Lotus Games, Spiritfarer invites players to assume the role of a compassionate "Spiritfarer" tasked with guiding departed souls to the afterlife. Amidst a breathtaking hand-drawn world, players will construct and customize their own magical ship, foster deep connections with a diverse cast of endearing spirits, and unravel the profound themes of life, loss, and letting go. With its mesmerizing visuals, soul-stirring soundtrack, and empowering message of companionship and acceptance, Spiritfarer immerses players in a captivating journey that lingers in the heart long after the voyage has ended.

Spiritfarer is a beautiful game that has captured the hearts of players worldwide. From its unique and gorgeous watercolor-like art style to its deep and compassionate storyline, this game has a lot to offer. In this blog post, we will explore some of the things that make Spiritfarer such a great game to play and why we are excited to see what Thunder Lotus is making next.

The Gorgeous Watercolor-like Art Style

One of the most noticeable things about Spiritfarer is its beautiful art style. The gentle and sweet visuals are complemented by a hint of humor that makes the game stand out. Each main character has a “theme” color that matches their personality and life stories. For example, Gwen's elegant reading nook reminds us of the calming and sophisticated Miller Baker pink, while Atul's vibrant aquamarine matches his full-of-life and boisterous cheer.

Very Diverse Characters

The game features a diverse range of characters with different personalities, lifestyles, and choices. This diversity is what makes the game so realistic and relatable. While Stella, the main character, represents the best of people, it's great to see characters with flaws and challenges. Bruce and Mickey might not be the most polite guests, and Jackie's mistreatment of patients at the mental hospital might make us question his actions. Still, as a player, we can do our best to take care of them while they are on the boat.

The Activities and Challenges

Spiritfarer offers a wide range of activities and challenges that keep players engaged throughout the game. From cooking recipes to growing orchids and feeding cows and sheep, the game offers a healthy and wholesome lifestyle. The guests feel better with both food and hugs and want to work and help around the boat, which creates a positive cycle.

Spiritfarer is an absolute gem in the world of wholesome games. It's all about kindness, emotional connection, and heartwarming experiences. You get to guide departed souls, build a magical ship, and make deep connections with lovable characters. The game tackles themes of compassion, friendship, and dealing with loss in a beautifully crafted world. Spiritfarer creates a safe and cozy space where you can reflect, heal, and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It's a must-play for anyone who loves meaningful and uplifting gaming experiences.

Deeply Thoughtful and Compassionate Game Creators

The team behind Spiritfarer chose an overwhelming and often uncomfortable theme, death, and managed to handle its intricacies with grace and gentleness. Thunder Lotus didn't sugar-coat or downplay the heartbreak and darkness but handled it thoughtfully and compassionately. The characters' stories, such as Gwen's lung cancer and Alice's dementia, were heartwarming yet heartbreaking. The team included their loved ones who had already passed away but had left a meaningful impact on their hearts and brought inspiration to the game.

What We Don't Like About the Game

The only thing we don't like about the game is the fact that we can't wait for Thunder Lotus to release another game like this. It's been too long, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next!

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Spiritfarer is a game that offers beautiful visuals, a diverse range of characters, engaging activities, and a deep and compassionate storyline. The game has touched the hearts of many players worldwide and continues to be a favorite for those who seek a heartwarming and thoughtful gaming experience. We loved it so much that we named our car Stella after the main character and planted a daffodil for her cat Daffodil near our garage. We highly recommend giving Spiritfarer a try.