“Spiritfarer” is a cozy management game about dying, developed and published by Thunder Lotus Games. Released in 2020, the game combines aspects of simulation and platforming genres. In “Spiritfarer,” players take on the role of Stella, a ferrymaster to the deceased. With her cat Daffodil, Stella guides the spirits of the dead to the afterlife, ensuring their journey is comfortable and fulfilling.
The game stands out for its unique and thoughtful approach to themes of death and letting go. Players build and upgrade a boat to explore a vast, mystical world, befriend spirits, and care for them by crafting, cooking, and farming. The relationships with these spirits are central to the game, as each spirit has its own story, personality, and unresolved issues that players help them come to terms with.
“Spiritfarer” is acclaimed for its beautiful hand-drawn art, serene music, and emotionally impactful narrative. It encourages players to reflect on loss and the importance of saying goodbye, making it a memorable experience that combines heartwarming moments with the melancholy of farewells.
