[Análisis] Spirit of the North for Nintendo Switch – iGamesNews

Infuse Studio, a small team made up of three people, jumps into the pool to bring us their first video game that, under an alleged groundbreaking premise in the indie scene, hides a classic development It does not innovate within the genres it proposes, neither in its playable section nor in the narrative commitment.

Venturing into Iceland

Spirit of the Nort seeks to tell us one subtle story fragmented without dialogues, raising several unknowns in its first minutes and suggesting various topics as we progress. In her we embody a Fox chasing an intriguing crimson trail that crosses the skies as he develops his spiritual powers along the path that brings him closer to the source of the mystery. This empty introduction is not a sufficient engine to maintain attention, so the only hopes are placed in its gameplay and in the artistic section, not insignificant in television mode with all those flashes of the boreal but in mode portable makes you wonder if the visit to the eye doctor is necessary or just the fault of the low resolution.

The game is divided into eight chapters, and each one does everything possible to place us in a different environment inspired by Iceland, while incorporating improvements in mystical abilities of the character that allow him to face the new mechanics that are being added. The scenarios are linear –Which are not evident- although with a lot of margin for exploration, encouraged by its conscientiously hidden collectibles. To advance through the beautiful places glacial or dilapidated – reminiscent of Hyrule Castle at its best in Breath of the Wild – we will have to face simple puzzle built based on platform and the transmission of our light energy to petroglyphs scattered around the map that will allow the activation of mechanisms to open paths for us.

The philosophy of accessibility

Up to this point we could say that, without boasting of any kind, it is at the level of many titles in the eShop. Now, let's talk about design flaws that go beyond its erratic platforms, camera failures, questionable animations, the lack of presence in its music or its inconsistent rhythm of play.

You can't die no matter how high the cliff you jump, There's no enemies to be chased, Spirit of the Nort wants to be an accessible emotional fable but the camera must be handled by you, the rules are misleading and the history carved in stone is hidden. Spirit of the Nort wants to be a nice walk in the woods, wants to be art, but stays in a tantrum wanting to attract attention.

Main collectibles of the title are some staves that we must pair with their corresponding shamans. As we have already seen, the collectibles are very good, they extend the life of the game, they encourage exploration, it is wonderful that they are optional elements to collect during five episodes … but it is very ugly that at the end of chapter five we decide by magic that now yes they were important and essential to open the mountains as the only way to access the next chapter.

This null clarity when it comes to exposing its mechanics and objectives, to which the possibility of backing up on stages is added, is present throughout the game, but it hurts more here. If the idea is that we learn the rules as we progress without the need for written instructions and if these shamans are going to be relevant, the gathering of staves should have been imposed from the first episode, not surprising you mid-game making you go back to the beginning of the level because "oh, surprise, now the collectibles are not an extra": you have to learn to make plot twist.

It is worth reaching the credits: Possibly the best of the game. Hopefully they take note of all these shortcomings so that their next job is a better work.

Recommended for …

Anyone who wants a game starring little animals, with nature as the backdrop, seasoned with a bit of mystery, mysticism, platforms and love.

Other titles you refer me to

• The First Tree is another calm adventure available in the eShop of Nintendo Switch in which you put yourself in the skin of a fox with more polygonal graphics and at a more adjusted price.
• Spirit of the North almost seems to have taken Faith as a role model, a title that can be found in the eShop and that it is carried out by a little animal that uses light and sound to progress in a story that is revealed through images scattered on maps.

Spirit of the North is already available in the eShop of Nintendo Switch At a price of € 20.99 and with a download size of 2013.00 MB. You can also purchase the physical edition from June 12 by € 34.95.