Spiritfarer, The Artbook

by Thunder Lotus Games

The Spiritfarer Digital Art Book chronicles the artistic journey of Spiritfarer® the cozy management game about dying, of our small team of artists and how we ended up making what became Thunder Lotus’ most ambitious game ever.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

49 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[L.L. MacRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritfarer is one of my favourite games of all time, and I highly recommend you play it! It is a cosy management game about dying, is thematically deep, with many characters rich with their own stories and influences.

This stunning artwork book shows many of the story, theme, characters, and locations, from concept to their final form, and also provides additional backstory and explanations of some parts in the game. Most of it is there if you are paying attention, but a few bits of information are more abstract or vague, and this was a beautiful way of shining a light on it.

A gorgeous book to accompany this story’s emotional journey.

[Karolina Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great companion to the Spiritfarer game. It allows to dive deeper into the stories of each of the characters, and appreciate the intricacy of the world in the game down to the symbolism of the smallest events. Just wonderful with breathtaking art style and interesting insights into the creative process of the game.

[Nadja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this game sm😭✨

[Angua · Rating 4 out of 5]

It contains lots of really beautiful artwork and gives plenty of background information on the place and the characters, as well as artistic choices. It makes the game an even more emotionally touching experience and made me appreciate all the effort put into details, like the building shapes, or color schemes.

[Katryne · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can’t recommend this game enough. absolutely lovely

[Emmaleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art was nice and it added more depth to the characters and locations. A good companion to the game

[Audrey E · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Spiritfarer is one of my favorite games of all time. It’s deeply emotional and personal. So obviously I purchased and read the digital art book. I loved getting the insight on the game and the character designs. However with it only being 58 pages I feel like I didn’t get as much information as I wanted. I wanted to see more concept art, more scrapped ideas, more planning. I wanted more of everything. Game design is so hard and it’s even harder when you have a deep story like how Spiritfarer does. However, the information included is amazing and enlightening. I got to learn more about the characters and their backstory. Since most of Spiritfarers story is subtext. I got to hear directly what things meant. Which was good for me.

There were some grammar issues and some visual misplacement with the text in the art book. That was a bit disappointing. However, it didn’t blemish much of my enjoyment.

In the end I just wish I got more, but it’s definitely worth reading if you like this game.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritfarer, the cosy management game about death, has a very special place in me. It is probably my favorite video game of all times. So reading the artbook and getting to know all the fun facts was a treat. Who knew Stella was meant to be two people, a brother and a sister? I am glad they opted for Stella and Daffodil the cat at the end anyways!

It is such a well designed game, not only the story and the gameplay, but also very, very detailed artwork, subtle and hidden beauties scattered all around the game and the script. They harmonise and give you an unforgettable experience. I had so much fun going through the pages of this art book and learning about these little gems. A must read if you enjoyed the game!

[mishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this short digital art book after I finished playing Spiritfarer on the Nintendo Switch. It helped me understand the character's backstories better, especially Atul's. It was interesting to see the differences in how I interpreted the game versus what the creative team intended. Also, the art is just beautiful and it's lovely to see it up close. It was a pleasure to learn more about Thunder Lotus's creative process in creating this wonderful game. I highly recommend this art book if you enjoyed playing Spiritfarer.

[Neverland Stories · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never thought I could love this game more than I already do, that is until I've read this Artbook. Everything has been thought through and up to the tiniest detail, that has the power of making you believe everything is real. And, indeed, to some extent, it really is.

Couldn't have started my reading year any better that this!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favourite game. SO BEAUTIFUL, so meaningful, so moving, every art choice was made with such care and consideration, it's so beautiful and precious. I am so glad this game exists I think it would be do carthatic for people who have lost close ones. Highly recommend reading this once game is completed. Gives you insight into it all, and feels like the perfect way to wrap up an emotional ending.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brillante, precioso, triste. Es un diario de desarrollo del juego que incluye un montón de cosas interesantes, no sólo para entender un poco algunos por qués, sino también para contrastar la mirada fúnebre de uno con la idea que habían querido transmitir los desarrolladores de este juego magnífico

[Emmarae · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite game!! This art book was so wonderful! So thankful to my friends who gifted this to me for the Holidays.

[rainforest (Fati) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritfarer es y siempre será el mejor juego que he jugado en la vida, gracias spiritfarer por regresarme las ganas de vivir aunque sea un ratito.

[johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wish i could play this game for the first time again

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried! Binding this over winter break 🫡

[angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

i played. i cried. i read. i cried.