Spirit of the North

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 55
  3. Negative: 10 out of 55
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  1. JackytheRipper
    Jan 10, 2021
    3
    Not a good game. I love Indies, and I played a fair amount of walking simulaters, puzzle games and platformers. This is simply not good enough. It's boring, the graphics are poor and the controls are way too clunky and unprecise for this much jumping and platforming. It anoys me to fall down or get stuck on something every few seconds.
  2. Kinokee
    Aug 18, 2020
    7
    Controls are clunky but the game is very atmospheric and pretty to walk through. A lot of the story telling is actually done with the audio. Without the soundtrack I would have interpreted the story of the game in entirely the opposite direction. Playing this gave me a specific takeaway about Iceland which is more than I can say for some other games. I wasn't a fan of what felt likeControls are clunky but the game is very atmospheric and pretty to walk through. A lot of the story telling is actually done with the audio. Without the soundtrack I would have interpreted the story of the game in entirely the opposite direction. Playing this gave me a specific takeaway about Iceland which is more than I can say for some other games. I wasn't a fan of what felt like optional collecting becoming required for progression near the end. I understand why from the story perspective, but it could have been designed to be integrated without hindering the player better.… Expand
  3. SuperkenGaming
    May 8, 2020
    8
    Spirit of the North
    A Beautiful Adventure
    Spirit of the North is a 5 hour long puzzle platforming game where you play as a fox accompanied by a spirit, at first things are pretty straight forward, and this is when spirit of the north Is at its best, it’s at first a beautiful linear journey, with snow, and ice, and finding symbols to bring to life to move forward, all while beautiful    Spirit of the North
    A Beautiful Adventure
    Spirit of the North is a 5 hour long puzzle platforming game where you play as a fox accompanied by a spirit, at first things are pretty straight forward, and this is when spirit of the north Is at its best, it’s at first a beautiful linear journey, with snow, and ice, and finding symbols to bring to life to move forward, all while beautiful chill inducing music plays in the background, spirit of the north starts as a game that feels like hot chocolate on a cold day and then the second half of the game happens.. spirit of the north becomes more puzzle platform and less puzzle adventure, here you’ll be activating symbols still, but not so much in a linear fashion, they now act as switches, so you’ll be in the same area running round figuring out which switch to throw to move onto the next switch until your able to leave the area, sometimes being introduced to a new ability to help you solve new puzzles, such as the ability to leave your body and activate switches out of reach to your solid form… an ability that has potential, but these puzzles proved to be a nuisance thanks to them being tied to a timer, and the switch so far out of reach that you don’t have a moment to spare on your way to activating it… overall I wish the spirit didn’t leave your body when youd activate a symbol, or destroy an object.. it would’ve bee na much more enjoyable experience just playing with the mechanics and not having to constantly find a flower to pill your energy from in between every switch press… its all just feels overwhelming in the final stretch, really making me miss those beginning moments when things were simple, and it was about enjoying the experience.. I would’ve loved moments like this thrown in between the puzzle solving rather than new puzzle area after new puzzle area.. let me breathe… thankfully towards the end, things start to go back to the way they should be.. back to enjoying the environment and music.. back to enjoying the beauty that is spirit of the north…
    Spirit of the north does have its pacing issues for the 2nd half of this 5 hour long game, but the overall package makes spirit of the north a must play for adventure and platforming fans…
    I give Spirit of the North
    a 7.5/10    … Expand
  4. KICHZY
    Nov 4, 2019
    8
    Spirit of the North has a compelling journey and each Chapter brings beautifully crafted landscapes. The game only falls short sadly due to repetitive puzzle design.
  5. swallama
    Nov 2, 2019
    10
    Gorgeous landscapes with an engaging story. And who doesn't wanna scamper about as a fox?!
  6. bananatrees
    Nov 2, 2019
    10
    Very fun and unique game, with beautiful environments. Couldn't put it down.
  7. HB123
    Nov 2, 2019
    10
    Seriously beautiful graphics. Well done. Love the unique game premise. Refreshing!
  8. CricketBisquit
    Nov 4, 2019
    10
    This game is pretty awesome! Very refreshing with the landscape and scenery. A relaxing game for sure.
  9. AngryAnnie
    Nov 3, 2019
    8
    Great journey through a beautiful and magical landscape. Only the clunky control of Mr. Fox and the outdated (but still lovely looking) graphics made a little issue.
  10. ChipsAhoy
    Nov 12, 2019
    10
    Any fan of Journey and Abzu will probably love this game. The Puzzles are a bit easy but honestly, that's not what this game is all about. The adventure and story are worth it.
  11. Dale_Newby
    Nov 13, 2019
    10
    A video game that strays away from the norm of high octane action, to offer a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Its stunningly beautiful with surreal environments. The game has well designed puzzles, i just wished it offered more. The story is engaging and is something hard to achieve without voice acting or text. However this game manages to keep the pace and put its story across viaA video game that strays away from the norm of high octane action, to offer a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Its stunningly beautiful with surreal environments. The game has well designed puzzles, i just wished it offered more. The story is engaging and is something hard to achieve without voice acting or text. However this game manages to keep the pace and put its story across via memorials. The story is hidden in plain sight, but only recognised when a second play through is done. The way the story is laid out, allows for the play to make up their own assumptions on what unfolded within the games history. The game seems to take some influence from folklore around tulikettu the fox of the northern lights and is something i love. The game offers a variety of puzzles and platforming however one of its biggest strong points is the OST. The music offers a variety of emotions especially as you begin to piece the story together. Its unique to say the least and is easily in my top favourite indie titles along with Journey, Abuz and hellblade. Will be looking forward for future titles from this developer.… Expand
  12. Canela
    Nov 13, 2019
    8
    Such a fun game! Not very long or difficult, but I love the small plot and the graphics, and music are wonderful. It’s a nice game to pass the time and just relax. Which is always a huge plus. I hope to see more from them in the future.
  13. Yubexine
    Nov 13, 2019
    9
    This game is absolutely amazing. There are very few bugs/glitches that I've encountered, none of which are game breaking, and the devs have been on fixing them since release day. There are a couple of features I would have liked to see in order to streamline gameplay, but it's a great game nonetheless. The entirety of the maps and puzzles, the animations, the music - all of it is soThis game is absolutely amazing. There are very few bugs/glitches that I've encountered, none of which are game breaking, and the devs have been on fixing them since release day. There are a couple of features I would have liked to see in order to streamline gameplay, but it's a great game nonetheless. The entirety of the maps and puzzles, the animations, the music - all of it is so beautiful! I can't sing my praises enough! If you enjoyed games like Journey, and you think you might be interested, give it a shot. 100% worth it!… Expand
  14. Arkaynine
    Nov 13, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this game! It's the most beautiful game graphically I've dver played or seen! And the story line and mechanics make the game one of my favourites!

    However, there are a couple of things that let it down which is why I've rated this a 9 not a 10.
    Sometimes it is really confusing where you should go and you can spend hours running around trying to get back on track, I think it would be better if that light that follows you worked kind of like Sparx in Spyro and could have a function that hints you where to go.

    Also the fox near walls is super finicky and it can make some tasks almost impossible to do. And lastly, some places like the cave in chapter 6 need better lighting because it's nearly impossible to see.

    And the ending was a bit confusing, what actually happened? Also the ending doesn't save. Other than these things, it's a very enjoyable game and I would recommend, just maybe not to young kids. things    … Expand
  15. techwolf12
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    You get to play as a fox, which is amazing already. You can see that the creators put a lot of work and effort into the game. A must play if you like puzzle/story games!
  16. Kevin-N
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    A really amazing game with excellent music and lovely graphics. A masterpiece.
  17. Draculemihawkhe
    Dec 23, 2019
    10
    Great game.. I hope to also play it again on Nintendo Switch.. It'd be perfect to play it laying in bed ☺️
  18. MarcelinaBak
    Aug 3, 2020
    10
    Absolutely breathtaking adventure which I recommend to all. I've spend many hours traveling with this delightful fox spirit and I'm glad of every of those hours
  19. WhatAboutThat
    Oct 10, 2020
    7
    The novelty of playing as a fox remained a delight throughout the whole game. The scenery is stunning and I really enjoyed how relaxing the game play can be. The controls are sometimes not as smooth as I would have liked and the level designs are a little clunky at times, as it's not always clear where you can go and where you can't go or if there is something you missed. But overall I amThe novelty of playing as a fox remained a delight throughout the whole game. The scenery is stunning and I really enjoyed how relaxing the game play can be. The controls are sometimes not as smooth as I would have liked and the level designs are a little clunky at times, as it's not always clear where you can go and where you can't go or if there is something you missed. But overall I am glad to have played it and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a peaceful gaming experience.… Expand
  20. Fnu
    Dec 30, 2020
    1
    Frustrating and not relaxing. You have to start way back if you make a mistake and the mechanics are a real pain in the ass. After about the 25th time you've tried to get to a stone it completely looses it's charm. If you want to spend hours going round in circles and getting nowhere go for it. Otherwise spare yourself the BS.
  21. yaehokay
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    I love this game, my fave game ever i think! I give it a 10/10 i wish there was a second one!!
  22. Elias1750
    Jul 31, 2022
    3
    This game is mostly a waste of time.
    Graphically acceptable.
    ok story.
    Terrible controls.
  23. danknielv17
    Sep 22, 2022
    8
    In the technical section leaves much to be desired, but, in the artistic section it is a very beautiful game
  24. Vyesse
    Jun 5, 2023
    10
    really loved this game! If you want a game to chill and enjoy beautiful scenarios this is your pick

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 10, 2020
    65
    The puzzles, although repetitive, never stop encouraging the players to think. The game enchants with its visuals which are complemented by a truly masterful soundtrack. I am not going back to it after finishing it though. [01/2020, p.54]
  2. Gaming Age
    Jan 10, 2020
    50
    The biggest problem with Spirit of the North is that there’s far more of it than it needs to be. Take the story, for example: it’s a wordless tale about a fox wandering through the frozen wilderness to find its lost love (or so I gathered). While that’s certainly enough to go on, it’s also not enough to sustain the game for nearly four hours. That’s hardly a lengthy experience, but it still feels like the game’s length could have been cut by an hour or more, and nothing would have been lost.
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  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Nov 25, 2019
    80
    Spirit of the North is a poetic adventure through the Icelandicfolklore. This platform game is a great chance to discover the power of narration and the evocative power of videogames.
    Read full review
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