Indie games have had a tendency to be very experimental. This is one of the reasons indie game development is so important. AAA publishers don’t take chances, because experimentation is usually not a sound investment, but in the world of indie gaming, experimentation flourishes, and the line between video games and abstract art continues to blur. Another game that hopes to shatter classic gaming conventions is the first foray into video games by filmmaker Holden Boyles. Spirit isn’t a game about a quest. There’s no combat, and there are no items to collect. The goal of the game is to explore, learn, and uncover the truth that lies behind a seemingly uninteresting façade.
In Spirit, you play the role of an older man. You’ve retired, and you’ve built your dream home in one of the most serene and beautiful places on Earth, which is portrayed as such through masterful pixel art and immersive sound design. As you roam and meet the locals, you soon hear rumors of an ancient temple not far from the village, and after further inspection, you find that there is something truly magical to be found deep within the confines of this nearly forgotten ruin.
Spirit is intended as a work of art above all else, and an experiment in interactive exploration and storytelling. Spirit is currently under development and seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a playable demo available for PC. If you’re unclear about what kind of game this really is, go give it a look, give it a play, and see if it’s right for you. Games like this are shaping the future of interactivity, and Spirit may be a moving experience.
