Much to our regret Apple and their iDevice platforms (Pod, Pad & Phone… so far) keep having the best community of developers supporting them. And when it comes to “artistic” gaming… (un)fortunately even more…
Just like some of the latest examples we’ve posted lately (Tap Numen, Pride & Prejudice…) the explosion of all sorts of imaginative interactive games happening right now within the iWorld is quite something…., something the rest of device manufactures would die for (because it’s €€ in the end).
Today let’s give 4-40 lines to “Spirits“, an action-puzzle game developed by the Berlin-based gaming studio Spaces of Play, in which players manipulate wind and ground elements to guide the Spirits towards the goal. This is done with four different actions: Blow or block wind, dig tunnels and grow bridges of leaves. Sound and music are done completely with orchestral musical instruments.
This jewel was selected for the Sense of Wonder Night Event at the Tokyo Game Show last September and it just won the award for “Best Aesthetics” at the IndieCade in LA Spirits.
The lovers of all Japanese-related things will love the obvious resemblance with the works by Hayao Miyazaki (in its philosophy, aesthetics & animation). A game which includes hand-drawn graphics (see the video below) & sound and music done completely with orchestral musical instruments… a lot of hard work in the end to create this piece.
“Foreground and background are played against one another, ie as you pan across your level they move in different speeds giving a sense of depth. Wind is represented using wonderfully light particles emitted both from the environment and spirits you assign this action to, all of this contributing to the beautiful environment to indulge and kill even most precious hours” (via can).
The game was just released a couple of days ago on the US Apple store (on the iPad for $4.99). A version for iPhone and iPod touch including Retina Display support will follow later this year.
You’ll have to agree that the artistic & visual aesthetics of the game are fantastic and we got a code for you to download (can only be used once so… first who grabs it…. MWA699499TXH), so please tell us what you think about these white creatures.
