Microsoft Announces Spiritfarer During E3 Conference

Microsoft Studios today announced during their E3 presentation a new game from Thunder Lotus, entitled Spiritfarer.

Spiritfarer is a picturesque, emotional platformer in which you play as a young woman named Stella, accompanied by her adorable cat friend.

The game features gathering elements and a Sim City-esque building system, in which you build the floating houseboat Stella inhabits into a floating city, in which she ferry souls into the afterlife.

‘Spiritfarer,’ is a cozy management game about dying,” according to a post from Xbox Wire. “You play Stella, ferrymaster to the deceased. Build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and finally release them into the afterlife. Farm, mine, fish, harvest, cook, and craft your way across mystical seas, as you learn how to say goodbye to your cherished friends.”

Thunder Lotus is best known for their previous releases, Jotun and Sundered. They describe themselves as “designing AAA quality games with an indie heart.”

Spiritfarer certainly looks the part, with a beautiful hand-drawn art style and haunting musical accompaniment. The souls that inhabit Stella’s arc are charming and very endearing, in particular, the cat shown faithfully following her about.

The characters are emotive and pleasing to look at it, which will make the farewells even more heartbreaking. Much in the manner of Valiant Hearts, presenting sombre material in the form of beautiful illustration is a particularly effective form of delivery.

The management systems look to be reminiscent of Stardew Valley and Moonlighter, with the player operating and optimizing a small community of like-minded individuals. Stella is shown harvesting materials and gardening and fishing, and even operating a small storefront.

Spiritfarer is coming to GamePass, and will also be available on PC and PS4. Check out the trailer below for yourself, and Twinfinite for loads of E3 coverage.