SpiritSphere
- January 23, 2017
- Eendhoorn
SpiritSphere is a local multiplayer game that draws inspiration from classics like Zelda and Windjammers and mashes it together with the nostalgic feel of playing air hockey at your local arcade.
Reviews
- SpiritSphere DX features a charming retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic 8-bit games, which evokes nostalgia and enhances the overall experience.
- The gameplay is easy to learn but hard to master, making it accessible for players of all ages and providing hours of fun, especially in local multiplayer settings.
- The game includes a variety of unique characters and stages, each with distinct abilities and mechanics, adding depth and replayability to the gameplay.
- The AI can be frustratingly predictable, leading to unbalanced gameplay where defensive strategies often outweigh offensive ones, especially in single-player mode.
- There are significant issues with character balance, as some characters are overpowered while others are nearly useless, which can detract from the competitive experience.
- The user interface and controls feel unpolished, with a lack of customization options and unclear instructions, making it difficult to navigate and fully enjoy the game.
- gameplay34 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Spiritsphere is characterized by its smooth controls and engaging mechanics, blending elements of air hockey with deeper strategic layers, reminiscent of classic titles like Windjammers and Sanrio World Smash Ball. While the game offers a variety of characters and power-ups that enhance the experience, some players find the mechanics can be frustrating at times, and the lack of online multiplayer may limit its appeal. Overall, it is praised for its unique charm and addictive local multiplayer experience, making it a noteworthy title despite some minor drawbacks.
“Even the gameplay and controls are smooth.”
“Spiritsphere appears to represent developer Eendhoorn Games' attempt at such a reinvention, melding 8-bit fantasy iconography with gameplay reminiscent of air hockey to create a wholly unique experience.”
“The game is basically air-hockey with much deeper mechanics - stages transform, you can collect and use power-up items, and each player has different moves for hitting the ball.”
“The gameplay itself is basically hitting a sphere back and forth from your side to your opponent's side. Now, although that may sound boring and not unique, there are other elements that make it different.”
“Spiritsphere is undeniably beautiful in its visual design and admirable for its efforts, but it's hard to recommend something as mechanically frustrating as this.”
“In all seriousness, the gameplay is very basic.”
- graphics28 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming retro aesthetic, heavily inspired by classic 8-bit and 16-bit styles reminiscent of the NES and Game Boy era, particularly the Legend of Zelda series. While the art style and character designs are noted for their distinctiveness and nostalgic appeal, some users report performance issues such as lag and choppy animations when using certain compatibility tools. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point, effectively blending nostalgia with modern graphical effects.
“It has a retro aesthetic and is paired with very pretty effects that the developer has gone to the effort of matching to the graphical style.”
“The graphics are a 16-bit style which is a staple in the indie gaming scene, and was executed nicely.”
“The animations and graphics chop, skip, and lag way too severely when playing it in the Proton compatibility tool for it to be playable.”
“The graphics of this game really give me, and maybe others, a very nostalgic feeling as the game's graphics are heavily based upon older Zelda games.”
“That's essentially what this game does, but with a Game Boy-era Zelda aesthetic.”
- music11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its charming 8-bit soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience without being overwhelming. Reviewers highlight its energetic and engaging qualities, noting that it complements the gameplay and fits the game's concept perfectly, especially in multiplayer modes. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a key element that drives the action and keeps players immersed.
“The 8-bit soundtrack really brought the game together and was not blaring like most games that use music.”
“The high energy of the music does an amazing job of keeping you engaged.”
“The soundtrack is jumpy and energetic.”
“Gas1312's soundtrack really drives the action and keeps the party jumping.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in Spiritsphere is highlighted by its amusing music that complements the game's concept, contributing to a lighthearted atmosphere. Players report that the game offers plenty of funny moments, especially in multiplayer mode, enhancing the overall experience.
“I discovered that Spiritsphere brings much more... except for the things I've already mentioned. It has cool, funny music that perfectly fits the whole concept of the game. Single-player is also fine for a while until you unlock all spheres and understand the differences between characters and maps, but the best is multiplayer.”
“But otherwise, it will give you tons of funny moments.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is enjoyable but suffers from significant bugs and clunky controls, impacting overall stability.
“Somehow fun, but buggy and clunky controls.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it hard to enjoy.”
“I experienced constant lag and frame drops, which ruined the gameplay.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's presentation effectively creates the expected atmosphere and setting, instilling a sense of safety and immersion for players.
“The presentation is on point, delivering the atmosphere and setting that players would expect.”
“The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into its world from the very first moment.”
“Every detail contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that keeps you engaged throughout the experience.”