Spirit Island

Spirit Island

2017
Strategy
4.86 out of 5
2239+ people loved this game
Mechanics
Simultaneous Action Selection
Complexity
Heavy
Duration
90 - 120 minutes
Number of players
1 - 4 players
Minimum age
13+ years

Spirit Island review

Spirit Island is a cooperative game where you play as spirits defending your island home from colonizing invaders. It's a game that immediately drew me in with its unique premise, and after playing it, I can confidently say it lives up to the hype. I love the theme of fighting back against the usual narrative of colonization, and it's refreshing to be on the side of the defenders, especially with such powerful spirits at our disposal.

The game is complex, yes, but not overly complicated. The rules take some time to grasp, but once you understand them, the game feels intuitive and strategic. You really get into the groove of managing your resources, building your spirit's powers, and planning your actions to counter the invaders' relentless advance.

What really shines is the depth and variety of the spirits. Each one has its unique abilities, powers, and playstyle, making every playthrough feel different. The game also has a ton of replayability, thanks to the customizable difficulty levels, different adversaries, and scenarios.

I particularly enjoy the feeling of progression. It starts with feeling overwhelmed by the invaders, but as you develop your spirit's powers and coordinate with your fellow players, you slowly start to turn the tide. The moment you finally get the upper hand and start pushing back against the invaders is incredibly satisfying.

Spirit Island is not a casual game. It requires time and effort to learn, and even then, it's challenging. But for anyone who enjoys a good strategic challenge and a unique, thematic experience, I highly recommend it. It's a game that I find myself wanting to come back to again and again.