Spirittea

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 353 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Spirittea Game Cover
A crea-tea-ve twist on life simulation with a fun management mechanic.
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"Spirittea is a single-player Mystery RPG with masterful graphics, music, and humor, but with plenty of grinding and bugs. As a player who can now see spirits, you'll solve their problems to help them regain their memories and become paying customers, while also befriending the townspeople and exploring the mountain. The townspeople have their own schedules and hobbies, providing various activities to engage in."

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Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 353 reviews
story33 positive mentions
grinding25 negative mentions
  • Charming and calming Ghibli-inspired atmosphere with cute and interesting spirits.
  • Engaging gameplay with a satisfying bathhouse management system and a variety of quests.
  • Developers are responsive to player feedback, continuously working on fixes and quality of life updates.
  • The quest system can be frustrating, with unclear objectives and potential game-breaking bugs.
  • Controls can be clunky, especially for mini-games like fishing and karaoke, which may not be intuitive.
  • Some players find the game repetitive and lacking in depth compared to other life simulation games.
  • story99 mentions

    The game's story is generally praised for its charm and engaging characters, with many players enjoying the unique premise of managing a bathhouse for spirits and the episodic nature of the quests tied to each character. However, numerous reviews highlight significant issues with the quest system, including bugs, lack of direction, and frustratingly obtuse mechanics that detract from the overall experience. While the narrative has potential and is often described as captivating, the execution suffers from inconsistencies and a need for clearer guidance.

    • “Absolutely beautiful game, such a good story and a joy to play.”
    • “The story is captivating and intriguing, with a hint of craziness that I didn't expect and am thrilled to see.”
    • “This is a delightfully cozy game, with a really interesting story and interesting cast of characters.”
    • “Other than that, the storyline is broken, with spirits disappearing, quests that can't be completed, and other nonsense.”
    • “It doesn't help that sometimes Wonyan won't even recognize I have a certain quest active even though certain events in the quest have started, so I can't ask for hints if I get stuck.”
    • “Overall it's a great game just play it for the management sim aspect not for any story or interacting with the villagers as I personally feel there isn't much substance to it.”
  • gameplay91 mentions

    The gameplay in this title is characterized by a charming bathhouse management mechanic that offers a relaxing core loop, complemented by various minigames and interactions with quirky spirits. However, players have noted significant issues with bugs, clunky controls, and poorly explained mechanics, which can detract from the overall experience. While the game has potential for depth and enjoyment, many feel that it requires further refinement to enhance engagement and reduce repetitiveness.

    • “The core gameplay loop of managing the bathhouse is nice, and there's a lot of different minigames and objects to play around and interact with.”
    • “The gameplay loop of the bathhouse is very relaxing while still giving enough activity and thought to be a distraction and entertaining.”
    • “Mechanically, the gameplay has a good dopamine loop without being tedious or too difficult, and you feel like you're making real progress as you play.”
    • “I have had endless bugs with this game and have only been able to get a few hours of true gameplay while the other hours were spent having to completely restart.”
    • “The gameplay loop at the bathhouse is okay, although it can get pretty old and repetitive pretty fast.”
    • “The way the game explains its mechanics, i.e., fishing, stamina, and overall tutorials is just not good enough.”
  • music62 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and enchanting qualities, enhancing the cozy atmosphere and overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the seasonal variations in tracks, the soothing ambient sounds, and the beautiful soundtrack that feels reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films. However, some users find certain mini-games, like karaoke, to be challenging and suggest improvements for better accessibility.

    • “The music is absolutely gorgeous, the pixel art is adorable, the game has different mechanics that you need to use throughout your adventure, characters are endearing.”
    • “The music is wonderful, the challenges are challenging without being so hard I get discouraged.”
    • “Spirittea is a delightfully cozy life sim with stunning pixel art and a beautiful soundtrack that feels like stepping into a Ghibli movie.”
    • “The mini games, especially the karaoke, are hard. Trying to manage hitting the keys at the right moment, plus multiple ones coming in at the same time on a keyboard, and the choices of songs is slim.”
    • “The songs are way too long -- there's only a few of them so far and they're difficult, boring, and just far too long.”
    • “Having to press the 'c' key in addition to WASD is too much considering the notes don't feel like they coincide with the music.”
  • graphics49 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received a generally positive reception, with many players praising the charming art style, calming aesthetics, and nostalgic pixel graphics that evoke a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films. While some users noted that the visuals can be overly pixelated or busy at times, the overall consensus highlights the beautiful artwork and engaging character designs that enhance the gameplay experience. The combination of lovely music and unique visuals contributes to a soothing and enjoyable gaming environment.

    • “The aesthetic is so calming and honestly, this game soothes my soul!”
    • “The game itself is beautiful, the characters are very fun and the art/aesthetic of the game is lovely.”
    • “I love the relaxed gameplay and beautiful graphics.”
    • “Graphics are okay for what they are; but it's a bit too pixelated for my liking and feels too harsh around the edges.”
    • “It's very unclear from the visuals where the characters will get stuck when walking (tea plantation?), and where they would just walk all over (veggie fields?).”
    • “Also, the graphics are really busy, which hurt my eyes a little, and the map has the buildings dancing to its music, which makes it quite hard to read.”
  • grinding29 mentions

    The reviews highlight a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with many players finding the repetitive tasks—such as washing towels and managing the bathhouse—tedious and monotonous. While some appreciate the cozy atmosphere and the focus on relationships over traditional farming mechanics, others feel that the gameplay can become painfully grindy, lacking engaging content outside of the main tasks. Overall, the game appeals to fans of life simulation genres but may frustrate those sensitive to repetitive gameplay.

    • “It's not too grindy, but not too easy either.”
    • “A lot like Stardew Valley but no farming involved so far.”
    • “- No farming, just a life sim that thinks outside the curry noodle cup.”
    • “The premise is great, but actual gameplay is so grindy.”
    • “However, the game at this moment is extremely, painfully grindy.”
    • “But it does become a very grindy, repetitive, and monotonous one after a fairly short amount of playtime.”
  • humor13 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and cleverness, with players enjoying the funny dialogue from NPCs and the antics of a hilarious cat companion. The writing strikes a balance between being amusing without being over-the-top, contributing to a cozy and engaging gameplay experience that keeps players motivated to explore further. Overall, the humor enhances the game's iyashikei vibes, making it a delightful and entertaining experience.

    • “Also, your cat companion is absolutely hilarious and likes to hit other spirits with its glowing coin!”
    • “I love the gameplay loop of working in the bathhouse and a lot of the dialogue is hilarious.”
    • “The writing is great, funny in a way that isn’t over the top or trying too hard, and playing just feels fun.”
  • stability12 mentions

    The game has been reported to be quite unstable, with numerous bugs and glitches that can lead to game-breaking issues, requiring players to restart or override saves. While some users appreciate the game's charm and are hopeful for future updates, many feel that it needed more testing before release due to its rough edges and frequent technical problems. Overall, the stability of the game is a significant concern for players at this time.

    • “It's very buggy, often in a game-breaking way.”
    • “There are bugs and glitches that require you to exit the game and restart from your last sleep-to-save point.”
    • “However, as of now the game is very buggy.”
  • atmosphere11 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its charm and relaxation, featuring meticulous design, compelling character interactions, and a blend of cozy and spooky elements. Reviewers highlight the excellent sound design and music, which enhance the inviting environment, despite some limitations in gameplay. Overall, the atmosphere is described as immersive and captivating, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “It manages to create a really interesting and altogether inviting atmosphere where things are kind of charming and kind of spooky.”
    • “While it's small and some things are a bit limited, this game has a really charming atmosphere, tight art direction, and a cast of characters who are strangely compelling given their limited dialogue and lack of events.”
    • “The developers nailed the atmosphere and environment design.”
    • “The game's meticulous design, from lively character sprites to seamless audio, creates an irresistible atmosphere.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting its wholesome and cute atmosphere that evokes feelings of joy and nostalgia, similar to titles like Stardew Valley. Many users report being moved to tears by the end, indicating a deep investment in the characters and story, while also expressing hope for future features like NPC romance to enhance their emotional engagement. Overall, the game's charming spirit designs and endearing elements contribute to a heartfelt gaming experience.

    • “I cried at the end!!!”
    • “I am emotionally attached; I'm really hoping romancing NPCs comes in the future!”
    • “People have been comparing it to Stardew, which I have 500+ hours on, and I can understand why they would say it, but I find it to be very different, yet equally as wholesome and cute as Stardew.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    The game offers a solid foundation for replayability, particularly appealing to completionists with its numerous side quests. While it currently feels somewhat limited in replay value, there is significant potential for future content updates to enhance gameplay opportunities and keep players engaged.

    • “I really hope that this game's developers follow a similar path as ConcernedApe with new release content fairly regularly: as it is now the game doesn't feel empty but does feel like it has limited replayability and has so much potential for new gameplay opportunities (more lore, romance options, designing the bathhouse and your own house's aesthetics, neighboring towns/play areas, pets?!).”
    • “I do think it can be replayable.”
    • “Provides replayability and is a haven for completionists with a plethora of side quests and more to come.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while players appreciate the charming designs and animations of the spirits and townsfolk, many feel that the characters themselves lack depth, serving primarily as functional elements to support gameplay rather than undergoing significant development.

    • “There's lots to do between managing and upgrading the old bathhouse to service all kinds of different spirits, each with gorgeous character designs and beautifully animated pixel art, and hanging out with more than a dozen of the townsfolk.”
    • “The characters are rather simple; don't expect much character development at this point. They are merely a means to an end to help you at the bathhouse, and that's it.”
    • “Character development feels shallow and underwhelming, leaving little room for emotional investment.”
    • “The lack of depth in character arcs makes it hard to connect with them on any meaningful level.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The optimization of the game is criticized for favoring controller use, particularly in mini-games like fishing, which many players find frustrating when using mouse and keyboard. There is a desire for better support and balance for keyboard controls in these activities.

    • “The optimization of the game allows for smooth gameplay, even during intense action sequences.”
    • “I appreciate how the developers have fine-tuned the performance, making it accessible for a wider range of hardware.”
    • “The user interface is well-optimized, providing a seamless experience that enhances overall gameplay.”
    • “I find the fishing mini-game to be incredibly frustrating on mouse and keyboard. It is recommended to play on controller, but I still wish a lot of the mini-games weren't so focused on being controller optimized.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

67% average critic score

Buy Spirittea

Play time

15hMedian play time
21hAverage play time
5-30hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs

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