Spiritfarer is a game that I did not expect to love as much as I did. On the surface it is a cozy farming game with animal buddies that you take around the world on a boat. Beneath its depths, however, I found an emotional story with compelling characters that had me tearing up every time we came to the Everdoor.

The world is simply gorgeous with its beautiful hand-drawn art style and captivating music. I found myself wandering around islands aimlessly while trying to fulfill various requests. The farming minigames are a clever way to pass time while the boat travels around the sea, with no shortage of items to collect. My total playtime ended off at over 40 hours when I saw the credits screen.

The most impactful aspect of the game for me is how it causes you to reflect on your own life. Several of the characters you meet on your journey will undoubtedly remind you of someone you know, whether it’s a friend or family member. The characters are written so believably as you unravel what their lives were about before they come to accept their own passing through the door. All of it becomes an analogy for death and how to deal with loss. Nothing is ever explicitly told, but the implications are there as the game trusts the player to draw their own conclusion. I felt like the story-telling was masterfully crafted as even I did not want the game to end. But of course, that is merely delaying the inevitable.

This game has earned a special place in my heart much like some of my favourite books. It’s certainly not for everyone, but for those who enter it with an open heart, you’re sure to find an absolute gem of a story. The experience is surely one I’ll never forget.