Spirittea

Introduction to Spirittea

Spirittea, developed by Cheesemaster Games and published by No More Robots, is a charming simulation RPG that blends the cozy life sim genre with a unique spiritual narrative. Released on November 13, 2023, for platforms including Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, the game draws inspiration from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away and the iconic life sim Stardew Valley. Set in a quaint rural town, Spirittea invites players to step into the shoes of a fantasy author who discovers a mystical ability to see and interact with spirits after drinking a special tea.

Gameplay Mechanics

Managing the Spirit Bathhouse

At the heart of Spirittea lies the management of an ancient bathhouse designed for spirits. After gaining “spirit vision” from drinking the titular Spirittea, players are guided by Wonyan, a sassy cat-like spirit, to restore a rundown bathhouse on a mountain. The gameplay loop involves tasks like cleaning towels, chopping wood to heat baths, and seating spirits according to their seasonal preferences to ensure a harmonious bathing experience. For example, spring spirits prefer to sit next to summer or winter spirits but dislike autumn ones, adding a layer of strategic planning. This management sim aspect feels dynamic, requiring players to juggle multiple tasks while maintaining customer satisfaction, reminiscent of running a sushi restaurant in Dave The Diver but with a more relaxed pace.

Solving Spirit Quests

Beyond bathhouse duties, players must track down and resolve the issues of troublemaking spirits causing havoc in the town. These spirits, forgotten by humans who no longer worship or offer tributes, require anything from spicy noodles to lost treasures to regain their memories. Each quest is unique, blending detective-like investigation with a collection mechanic, as players uncover the stories behind spirits like Padug, born from human dietary frustrations, or Aurum, a former dragon turned goldfish-like spirit. These quests add depth and variety, ensuring no two tasks feel identical.

Conclusion

Spirittea is a delightful addition to the cozy life sim genre, offering a unique blend of bathhouse management, spirit quests, and community-building. Its charming pixel art, immersive audio, and whimsical narrative make it a standout for fans of Stardew Valley and Spirited Away.

Trending Games

Death by AI

That's Not My Neighbor