Spirit of the North Lets Players Take On The Role Of A Fox Hero
Spirit of the North is a platforming adventure where players take on the role of a fox. The game starts in a snowscape with only a few signposts of where to go. This environmental story carries over to the narrative. Nothing is ever said out loud. The story is literally written on the wall in pictographs.
There is a magical corruption that (potentially) was brought about by the ruined civilization. There are shaman corpses in each area that players must find. There are hints at their attempts to clear the corruption, as well as its origin. On one hand, this gives the impression that players are telling themselves a story. That also leaves a feeling of distance. Even the fox protagonist feels like a random form until finally fox statues, that also give new powers, start to appear.
Spirit of the North has no combat, so it could be called a relaxing game in that regard. The challenge comes from the platforming which becomes more complex as different powers are unlocked. If players don’t pay attention to cutscenes and see where the spirit fox has gone, it may take some time to progress. For the most part, areas you aren’t supposed to go to yet are barred. Should the player not have both energy from blue flowers and a staff however, they may find themselves stuck. If this happens the only solution is to quit back to the main menu and start from the last checkpoint. Which feels oddly punishing.
There are eight chapters with beautiful biomes. From underwater ruins, to an old village and towering structures that defy physics in some cases. Corruption shows up as a red substance leaking between the stones. These areas are dark with twisting plant life that makes those areas feel dangerous despite the lack of roaming enemies.
Where the corruption is widespread, it can harm the fox but each of these instances is meant to happen. The game moves on quickly in most cases. Only once does it really drag out a sequence of the fox limping to the final statue. The spirit fox, which is usually flying above the player, is walking behind at an even slower pace. The last cutscene won’t start until it has taken its place.
While Spirit of The North is a gorgeous game, overall it’s a little underwhelming. Exploration consists of searching for a staff to release the shamans’ spirit so players can progress. These typically aren’t that hard to find and there’s only dead ends waiting to lead players back to the right path. Along with the vague narration, it feels hard to connect with the game beyond its visuals. Players who can lose themselves in the fantasy will be glad to know a sequel was recently announced.
