The new slice-of-life simulation game Spirittea combines elements of Stardew Valley with the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away for a unique adventure. Similar to the recently announced inn-keeping game Yokai Inn, Spirittea is a simulation game that differs from the standard farm-keeping and town-building narratives that have remained popular in the genre over the past few years. Because simulation games have become increasingly popular for their relaxing gameplay and low-stress objectives, Spirittea could offer more variety to those searching for something different.
Life sim games like Stardew Valley have a fairly similar premise throughout each narrative. The protagonist is usually a young person who has left a hard life in the city behind to start fresh in a small town. The farmstead is usually important to the protagonist's backstory, with the property they take over either inherited from a family member like the grandfather in Stardew Valley or gifted by an old friend. From here, the newly appointed farmer must rebuild the property, upgrade the town, and build relationships with the local NPCs in order to get married.
However, this formula has been flipped on its head in the game announcement for Spirittea, shared by RaveofRavendale on Twitter. Instead of inheriting a farm, players find themselves entangled with a dilapidated bathhouse frequented by spirits. While the trailer shows many familiar slice-of-life mechanics like fishing, exploring, and crafting, players will spend more time learning about and helping spirits than farming virtual potatoes and strawberries. Spirittea also differs from JRPG simulation games like Rune Factory 5, with no obvious combat elements currently announced.
One of the most exciting aspects of Spirittea is the similarities to the well-loved Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. The movie, which follows the story of a young girl trapped inside a magical bathhouse, offers a good deal of inspiration to those looking for a mythology-influenced and emotionally charged adventure. In Spirittea, players will be able to help solve the problems certain spirits are struggling with, similar to the quests in Cozy Grove, by bringing them desired items or treasures they are in search of. Players will also be able to manage and decorate the bathhouse, providing players who enjoy the decorating mechanics of Animal Crossing: New Horizons a way to add personal touches to bathhouse layouts.
Currently, the projected timeframe for Spirittea's release is sometime this year, with no official window offered on the Steam page for the game or in the tweet shared by RaveofRavendale. However, with the game now officially announced, it is likely those interested in learning more will see updates in the coming weeks or months. In the meantime, simulation fans can take a look at the teaser trailer for Spirittea, and get a glimpse of the interesting, pixelated adventures planned for the game upon release.
Source: RaveofRavendale/Twitter