Arietta of Spirits, by French publisher Red Art Games, in partnership with Third Spirit Games, is a solid, enjoyable game. Akin to a simpler Legend of Zelda game, it follows the main character, Arietta, on her journey around an island with her parents. This is the first time they’ve all been back since her grandmother died, and the game is partially about her exploring her grief and partially about exploring the island and its past. For fans of Celeste, this game has very similar undertones and graphics, with significantly less difficult gameplay (depending on the game mode you choose). For experienced gamers, this can be a really relaxing and enjoyable game without necessarily being boring, while newer players can still enjoy it. The different game modes mostly affect the amount of time that breakable objects will hold health, which is important in the early game when you don’t have many hearts. It is easy to avoid health damage during the game if you have the patience, but if you play on easy or normal, you can somewhat recklessly play through the game on the run.
Despite all of these upsides, Arietta of Spirits does in fact have some flaws and cons for experienced gamers. First off, the game is quite simple, and for people used to complicated games and difficult puzzles, the difficulty of this might be disappointing. The same goes for its depth. After playing complex games with sympathetic villains and crazy plotlines, this can be either a simple, relaxing game or a boring, easy game to run through with little regard or respect for the enemies you fight. Another thing that can be frustrating about the game, regardless of experience level, is keeping a mental map of all the areas, of which there are many. The game doesn’t provide you with a map, and while there are only three main paths, there are a number of hidden areas and caves that can make it quite complicated. The last annoyance is that the game vibrates the switch a fair amount, but you can turn it off in the settings.
At the end of the day, Arietta of Spirits does in fact fulfill its promise of no-filler gameplay; there are only two side quests, neither are necessary to the game nor have any story impact. They simply make the game easier to complete if you feel like fully exploring the island. Another thing the game doesn’t advertise but is quite present is humor. The game isn’t funny all the time, mind you, but there are a few one liners and jokes from the father that really emphasize the family dynamic and make it feel real. Another satisfying thing that this game does is it sticks the ending. There are many would-be great games that don’t stick the ending and fail. This game isn’t one of them. The ending is emotional and speaks to grief and ties the story off excellently.
Lastly, I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the sound design of Arietta of Spirits. It’s simple, but satisfying, and the soundtrack reminds me of Minecraft in the sense that it is soothing and fun. It really helped keep me engaged without stressing me out at all. If you’re looking for a relaxing, fun game that’s not trying to be anything it’s not, this is the game for you. 7/10.
Check Out the Arietta of Spirits Trailer:
Arietta of Spirits will launch digitally on Steam for $14.99 / €14,99 / £12.99 and on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Store, Xbox One for $19.99 / €19,99 / £17.99 on August 20, 2021.
For more information, visit: www.redartgames.com
Nintendo Switch Review
I play videogames all the time and have played all sorts of games, from Pokémon to Sekoro to Valorant and Apex Legends. I often prefer difficult or competitive games with high skill ceilings, but still love the beauty of more open world games like Breath of the Wild. The community of a game is also a determining factor for me, which is why I'd rather have an Animal Crossing friend than a Rainbow Six Siege friend."
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