We analyze Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition, the improved version for next-generation consoles of this adventure title
Today we bring the analysis of one of those relaxing, contemplative and easy to digest titles. Spirit of the North: Improved Edition This is the improved version for next-gen consoles of the original title that arrived in late 2019. This time the game is also coming to Microsoft consoles. Xbox Series X | S, after going through the Sony and PC consoles.
Spirit of the North is an adventure starring a fox that lives in the impressive landscapes of Iceland. Where we can walk through its mountains, steep cliffs and caves that hide a story that we will discover as we move forward in its landscapes while following the red path that crosses the sky. Narrated only with visual stimuli, without dialogue or voice, yes, accompanied by a beautiful and relaxing orchestral soundtrack.
During the first few bars of the game we can do little more than walk and jump with our furry protagonist. After an important event, we will meet the spirit of the north, an intangible entity that will accompany us during our adventure giving us new capacities. To move forward, we need to complete some environmental puzzles, the difficulty of which will increase as the game progresses.
We will also find several collectibles that we can complete by carrying magic staves with corpses of the extinct civilization that inhabited these lands. Free their minds and send them to rest in the Hereafter. Although they have no direct impact on the adventure, they encourage exploration through its beautiful settings.
Enjoy the landscape
When we already have a few chapters at our feet, the gameplay of Spirit of the North becomes a little more enjoyable thanks to the skills that we are going to unlock. Even if we can say that none of them will dazzle us with their originality. Basically, we will have to activate certain pedestals to open up seemingly hidden paths, overcome certain platform areas, or destroy corrupted areas using our spirit form.
One of the things that I have perhaps missed the most is to take more advantage of its beautiful landscapes to develop its puzzles, because your proposals can become a bit repetitive in a short time. Since everything is based on obtaining the energy of our spiritual companion and his investment in the activation of the pedestals or the destruction of these corrupted areas.
The parts where the title shines the most are in its exterior settings, as its rugged landscapes invite us to sit for a while and enjoy the view. In addition to the wise decision to file a Totally clean HUD which helps make the experience much more immersive. Emphasizing, once again, its excellent artistic section.
The animations of our protagonist are very well done, which will shake the fur after a dive or when it slides on many of the slopes that we will find. And the next-gen graphics give its oil paint layer a tasteful look that stands out with its slightly more photorealistic landscapes.
Excellent picture quality, better sound
In terms of performance, we can say that Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition runs at 4K resolution and 60 fps. Although in some areas of the game we have experienced significant frame drops, even if only for a moment.
In terms of sound, the title is a real marvel, with a soundtrack composed of 14 orchestral pieces of great beauty. Without a doubt one of the strengths of the game of Merge games during the 6-7 hours that this adventure can last us.
As we progress through the story, we will unlock different aspects for our furry protagonist. We will have a total of 9 different colors unlock, be 2 of them exclusive to this improved edition.
Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition Final Conclusions
In general terms, Spirit of the North seemed like a good game, albeit with light and shade. The positive part of the title mostly focuses on its spectacular artistic conception, both in its landscapes and in the conception of our protagonist and his animations. If you like relaxing and contemplative games, you will surely find an enjoyable experience in this title. Which also has a spectacular soundtrack.
On the other hand, the mechanical part of the gameplay is surely where this title falters the most. Since their scenarios are completely empty in terms of other living things, and their puzzles can become somewhat repetitive, more so given their duration. The control over our character is also not due to being too pleasant, having to repeat certain areas of platforms due to rough camera control rather than due to its difficulty per se. Its reduced price is another reason to give it a try if you like this genre. In addition, it benefits from a discount applied that will last a few more days.
Spirit of the North: Improved Edition
$ 24.99
Benefits
- Beautiful artistic design
- Spectacular soundtrack
- Very immersive adventure
The inconvenients
- A little repetitive mechanics
- Occasional frame drops
- Control something rough
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