#Spirit of the north reviews full#

When the game does clearly make it known what and where you have to go to solve a puzzle, it’s glorious and rewarding. Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition is available now on PlayStation 5.

#Spirit of the north reviews full#

How is the player supposed to know they need a new ability, located in a hard to find puzzle, near the beginning of the level when, by design, there is no instruction that’s what you need to do? Why does the game let you wander so far into the level knowing full well you won’t get anywhere as you haven’t solved a puzzle near the start? The issue here is that the game does nothing to explain itself and therefore becomes very frustrating.

So back you trudge, bemoaning the fact you’ve just wasted 35 minutes of exploration for nothing. However, the frustration levels build when you eventually realize you can’t, and after consulting a YouTube walkthrough guide, realize you needed to find a cave entrance near the beginning of the level to solve a puzzle and unlock a new ability. It takes you five minutes to walk there, and you can spend 30 minutes trying and failing to progress, as it looks like there are jumps you can make to gain height and move further into the level. Unfortunately, Spirit of the North consistently does neither.Īt one point, midway through the game, you can wander all the way from the beginning of the level to what appears to be castle ruins. The second is letting you know what you need to do to solve it, eg, you need to get past this gate. The first is what and where the puzzle is. What makes a good puzzle is when the game clearly lets the player know two simple aspects. It works well as background noise and the game would feel empty without it. The music in this game is very calm and tranquil. The audio suits the game exceedingly well and adds a lot to the experience. The graphics in the rest of the game live up to the standards of the first area well.Īnother thing I should mention is the audio. Just this minuscule part of the game shows off the glorious artwork and movement. After that, you come across a glistening blue cave of ice. Shortly after, you’re thrown into the game to witness the smooth animation. The first area you start in, a snowy area, is introduced with a cutscene showing off the surroundings, and it is breathtaking. When you first start the game, the thing that will immediately impress you is the graphics. As you journey over the mountains and under red-stained skies you’ll discover more about your companion and a land left in ruin. Play as an ordinary red fox who’s story becomes entwined with the guardian of the Northern Lights, a female spirit fox.

Players must breathe in their surroundings to solve various puzzles and speculate the meaning of a lost ancient civilization.

The game is unique in that it purposefully has no dialog or narrative. The story takes root from various pieces of Nordic folklore. Spirit of the North is a game that leaves a lasting impression and reminds us of the beauty and harmony of the natural world.Spirit of the North is a single-player, 3rd-person adventure game inspired by the breathtaking and mysterious landscapes of Iceland. Prepare to embark on a soulful adventure as you explore the wonders of nature and uncover the secrets hidden within. The captivating visuals, engaging gameplay, and symbolic storytelling create an experience that is both calming and thought-provoking. In summary, Spirit of the North invites players on a serene and enchanting journey through a visually stunning world. Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition for PlayStation 5 offers players the. If you seek a tranquil and enchanting experience that celebrates the power of nature, Spirit of the North is a game that should not be missed. By Annette Polis Atmospheric adventure games are some of the best ways to relax and destress at the end of a long day. It's a game that encourages you to slow down, appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and reflect on the interconnectedness of all living things. The serene visuals, engaging gameplay, and symbolic storytelling combine to create a memorable journey through nature. A Peaceful and Memorable ExperienceSpirit of the North offers a peaceful and contemplative gaming experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.