From the moment you step into Spirit of the North, you are immediately enveloped by the beauty of its world. The landscapes are simply stunning, with snow-capped mountains, vibrant forests, rolling hills, and serene lakes that reflect the hues of an ever-changing sky.


At its core, Spirit of the North is an exploration game, with light puzzle elements and a focus on discovery. As you guide your fox companion through the expansive world, you'll uncover the secrets of an ancient, long-forgotten civilization. The game encourages curiosity, offering no hand-holding or intrusive tutorials, which fosters a sense of solitude and immersion. The puzzles you encounter are intuitive and often tied to the environment, requiring you to interact with natural elements such as light, wind, and nature spirits to unlock new paths.

The fox’s connection to the spirit world is central to the experience, as you harness its abilities to interact with ethereal forces and solve environmental puzzles. The interactions are simple but satisfying, adding a layer of mysticism to the adventure. The lack of combat is a welcome choice, as it shifts the focus entirely to the emotional and spiritual journey the fox undertakes, instead of mundane mechanics or stress-inducing challenges.


The auditory experience in Spirit of the North is one of its strongest assets. The soundtrack, composed by Alex Pfeffer, is a masterpiece of ambient music, blending sweeping orchestral scores with the natural sounds of the environment. The music gently ebbs and flows, rising and falling with the emotional beats of the story.


Spirit of the North is not a game for those seeking high-octane action or complex narratives. Instead, it is a meditative journey that invites players to explore a world where time slows down, and every step is an opportunity for introspection. The game’s stunning visuals, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and emotional storytelling create an experience that is both serene and profoundly moving. It is a celebration of nature, mythology, and the quiet beauty that surrounds us.

In the end, Spirit of the North is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful stories are those that are told without words, and that the heart of a journey is not always in its destination, but in the path we take and the moments of stillness along the way.

10/10