Spirittea

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."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 436 reviews

gameplay31 positive mentions

grinding40 negative mentions

Charming and unique concept of running a bathhouse for spirits, reminiscent of Spirited Away.
Engaging gameplay with a variety of tasks, including managing the bathhouse, solving quests, and interacting with diverse characters.
Beautiful pixel art and a soothing soundtrack that enhances the overall cozy atmosphere.

Numerous bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including game-breaking issues and control problems.
Lack of clear tutorials and guidance on mechanics, leading to confusion about gameplay elements.
Some mini-games, particularly fishing and karaoke, are frustratingly difficult and not well-optimized for keyboard controls.

gameplay
123 mentions
25 % positive mentions
69 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, featuring a charming bathhouse management system and a variety of engaging mechanics, but marred by clunky controls and a lack of clear tutorials. While many players appreciate the relaxing nature and unique elements of the gameplay, frustrations arise from bugs, repetitive tasks, and poorly explained mechanics that can detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the game shows potential for depth and enjoyment, especially for fans of the life simulation genre.
- “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.”
- “It's refreshing to not have one of these be just another farming sim; the main gameplay loop feels refreshingly new because of that, and the changes that come over the course of the game are unpredictable, making for a much more interesting journey.”
- “Overall, the variety of gameplay in different minigames alongside the main bathhouse management, details such as the sleep cycle, additional mechanics that allude to more unlockable gameplay, the OST, and the general charm this solo dev project exudes make this game an enjoyable and cozy experience.”
- “Disappointing, I was enjoying the gameplay loop up to that bug taking effect, but taking several minutes to move around the map just to get to actually play the game wasn't something I'm prepared to do.”
- “The gameplay is overly simple but rather opaque, leading to a steep learning curve with poor guidance.”
- “The core gameplay loop of running the bathhouse and interacting with the townsfolk is straightforward enough, but many aspects are either poorly explained a single time or just straight up not explained.”
story
118 mentions
38 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The game's story is engaging and charming, featuring a mix of quests and mini-games that keep players invested in the characters and their interactions. While many players appreciate the unique spirit quests and the cozy atmosphere reminiscent of "Spirited Away," some have criticized the quest system for being confusing and buggy, leading to frustration. Overall, the narrative is well-received for its creativity and depth, though it may require patience and exploration to fully appreciate.
- “I've become quite engaged in the storyline, and attached to the townsfolk and spirits!”
- “The story, characters, music, art style, and gameplay are all so well done.”
- “The story is captivating and intriguing, with a hint of craziness that I didn't expect and am thrilled to see.”
- “Other than that, the storyline is broken, with spirits disappearing, quests that can't be completed, and other nonsense.”
- “The quests are a little hard to figure out sometimes, but I think that's what makes it just so much fun!”
- “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.”
music
74 mentions
58 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and enchanting qualities, enhancing the cozy atmosphere and gameplay experience. Players appreciate the seasonal variations in tracks, the beautiful soundtrack that complements the art style, and the overall soothing ambiance it creates. While some find certain mini-game songs challenging, the majority agree that the music significantly contributes to the game's charm and enjoyment.
- “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, just....”
- “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 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.”
- “And having to pay to play a song each time instead of paying a larger fee for a session of however many you want will hinder my desire to even try, unfortunately.”
graphics
61 mentions
34 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received a largely positive reception, with many players praising its charming pixel art style and whimsical aesthetic reminiscent of classic titles like Earthbound and Studio Ghibli films. While some critiques mention the graphics can be overly pixelated or busy, the overall sentiment highlights the visuals as calming and beautifully integrated with the game's cozy atmosphere and engaging gameplay. Players appreciate the unique blend of familiar and innovative art elements, contributing to a delightful gaming experience.
- “This game has taken such a familiar art style and added something so unfamiliar to it, making it such an amazing blend of comfort and quality.”
- “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.”
- “Based on the graphics, number of reviews, small size of the community, and general lack of public fanfare regarding this game I've heard, I bought it on sale expecting it to be something I could play for a few hours before I got bored.”
- “Graphics are okay for what they are; but it's a bit too pixelated for my liking and feels too harsh around the edges.”
- “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.”
grinding
46 mentions
7 % positive mentions
7 % neutral mentions
87 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a mixed experience with grinding in the game, where players appreciate the refreshing departure from traditional farming mechanics but note that managing the bathhouse can become repetitive and grindy over time. While some find the grind enjoyable and relaxing, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, particularly in terms of character depth and variety in activities. Overall, the game offers a cozy atmosphere with a unique premise, but players should be prepared for some tedious tasks as they progress.
- “It's not too grindy, but not too easy either.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A lot like Stardew Valley but no farming involved so far.”
- “The bathhouse is the opposite, very repetitive and grindy (like many retail businesses in real life), but there are additional features to unlock that make running it much easier.”
- “However, the game at this moment is extremely, painfully grindy.”
- “There is so little 'farming' as to not even be worth mentioning; the fishing is nowhere near as fun as some other games in the genre... there's just nothing to do or to occupy your time outside of the (again, very repetitive) bathhouse, day after day after day.”
humor
19 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and cleverness, with players enjoying the lively characters, especially the hilarious feline companion. The dialogue is frequently funny and engaging, contributing to a cozy atmosphere filled with memorable and amusing spirit quests. Overall, the game strikes a delightful balance between humor and heartfelt moments, making the gameplay loop enjoyable and entertaining.
- “The characters in the game feel very much alive—especially your feline companion, and the dialogue is frequently quite hilarious, and occasionally touching or deeply mysterious.”
- “The writing is great, funny in a way that isn’t over the top or trying too hard, and playing just feels fun.”
- “Delightful, cozy, and with a great sense of humor.”
atmosphere
15 mentions
67 % positive mentions
13 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its charm and relaxation, featuring meticulous design elements such as beautiful graphics, engaging soundscapes, and a mix of cozy and slightly spooky elements. Players appreciate the inviting environment created by the art direction, character design, and seasonal audio changes, which enhance the overall immersive experience. Despite some gameplay limitations, the atmosphere remains a standout feature that captivates and draws players in.
- “The developers nailed the atmosphere and environment design.”
- “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.”
- “I like many things about this game - the graphics, the music (not so much the karaoke songs), the sound giving it a realistic atmosphere, the cute little strutting squawking crows, the characters, the bathhouse...”
- “The game's meticulous design, from lively character sprites to seamless audio, creates an irresistible atmosphere.”
stability
13 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game has been widely reported as unstable, with numerous bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including game-breaking issues that require restarting. While some players find the experience manageable and appreciate the developers' efforts to address these problems, many express frustration over the frequency and severity of the bugs, leading to a mixed reception regarding stability. Overall, the game is considered to be in a rough state, with hopes for improvements in future updates.
- “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.”
- “Too buggy, save file nowhere to be found after playing 3 hours, have issued a refund.”
emotional
10 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally engaging, particularly praising the lively characters and the heartfelt moments that evoke laughter and tears. The overall atmosphere is described as wholesome and charming, drawing comparisons to beloved titles like Stardew Valley, while fostering a strong emotional attachment to the characters, especially the feline companion. Many express a desire for deeper interactions, such as romancing NPCs, highlighting the game's potential for emotional depth.
- “The characters in the game feel very much alive—especially your feline companion, and the dialogue is frequently quite hilarious, and occasionally touching or deeply mysterious.”
- “:) I cried at the end!!!”
- “The game has very heartwarming vibes.”
replayability
4 mentions
25 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The game offers a decent level of replayability, particularly appealing to completionists with its numerous side quests and potential for future content updates. While it currently feels somewhat limited, there is significant potential for expanded gameplay opportunities, such as new lore and customization options, which could enhance its replay value over time.
- “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 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 development
2 mentions
50 % positive mentions
-100 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is mixed; 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 uninspired, leaving little room for emotional investment.”
- “The lack of depth in character arcs makes it hard to connect with anyone in the game.”
optimization
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-300 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, particularly regarding the fishing mini-game, which many users find frustrating when played with a mouse and keyboard. While a controller is recommended for a better experience, there is a desire for more balanced support for both input methods across mini-games.
- “The optimization of the game allows for smooth gameplay, even during intense moments.”
- “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.”