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Memories are a curious thing. They shape us, haunt us, and comfort us, yet their control eludes us. Arietta of Spirits, developed by Third Spirit Games, explores this complex relationship with the past through a poignant adventure between the worlds of the living and the dead. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of Arietta’s journey, examining its gameplay, narrative, and overall experience.

alt text: Arietta of Spirits Gameplay featuring the protagonist navigating a pixel art world.

Engaging Gameplay with a Retro Feel

Arietta of Spirits immediately evokes comparisons to classic 8-bit Zelda titles like Oracle of Seasons/Ages. The four-directional movement, interconnected map screens, and heart-based health system all contribute to a familiar yet refreshing retro aesthetic. Arietta’s mission, bestowed upon her by the otherworldly creature Arco, is to guide lost spirits to the afterlife. This task, however, is fraught with peril as malevolent spirits lurk, threatening both Arietta and the souls she vows to protect.

While visually reminiscent of Zelda, Arietta of Spirits features faster-paced combat. A fluid dodge mechanic allows for dynamic engagements, enabling players to weave through enemies with confidence. The game’s nuanced physics engine adds another layer of depth. Striking a solid object like a rock or tree results in realistic pushback, creating moments of vulnerability. The satisfying feedback from successful attacks further enhances the combat experience.

alt text: Arietta of Spirits combat screenshot, demonstrating the fast-paced action and enemy variety.

This focus on combat is central to Arietta of Spirits’ gameplay loop. Navigating the interconnected world, battling enemies, and confronting challenging bosses are the core activities. Encounters with intriguing characters, from enigmatic deities to the lost souls themselves, add narrative depth and further immerse players in the game’s mystical world.

alt text: Arietta of Spirits dialogue screenshot, showcasing interactions with other characters.

Gripping Boss Battles and Strategic Combat

The boss battles in Arietta of Spirits are a highlight. Each boss boasts unique attack patterns that evolve throughout the fight, demanding careful observation and precise timing. Combat is not about mindless button mashing; it requires strategic positioning and adapting to enemy behavior.

Shortcomings and Missed Opportunities

Despite its polished gameplay and charming pixel art, Arietta of Spirits suffers from several shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its full potential. The primary issue is the repetitive nature of the gameplay loop. While the combat is well-executed, the lack of RPG elements or character progression limits long-term engagement.

alt text: Arietta of Spirits environment screenshot, highlighting the pixel art style and world design.

The absence of complex dungeons or puzzles further diminishes replayability. While the narrative moments are touching, they feel fragmented and lack the depth to build a truly cohesive and expansive world. Perhaps the most significant drawback is the short playtime. Completing the main story takes only 5-6 hours, and while a New Game+ mode offers increased difficulty, it lacks substantial new content.

alt text: Arietta of Spirits gameplay screenshot showing exploration within the game world.

alt text: Arietta of Spirits overworld screenshot displaying the game's pixel art environments.

Conclusion: A Bittersweet Experience

Arietta of Spirits offers a compelling blend of retro charm and engaging combat. Its poignant narrative touches on themes of loss, family, and connection. However, the repetitive gameplay, lack of depth, and short playtime ultimately hold it back from being a truly memorable experience. While it provides a few hours of enjoyable entertainment, its potential remains largely untapped. It leaves players wanting more, much like the fleeting nature of memories themselves.