Spiritfarer Explained: Letting Go Is Everything

[@TimThoughts]

Hi all, really hope you enjoyed the video. Would you like to discuss Spiritfarer further? Or maybe some games or ideas in general? Consider speaking with some like minded individuals in the Thought Space! (aka the Tim Thoughts Discord server): discord.gg/9ngJcnXh2x We'd be glad to have you, talk to you soon! 🙂

[@the1andonlycjhayes]

My wife and I beat this game together, and the first thing she said when we were done was, "can we go watch videos about it now?" We watched at least a dozen before yours (typically from much larger channels), but yours was the best we've found. Thanks for the breakdowns of the characters and digging more into the lore. I'm writing a substantial comment as much to communicate my appreciation to you as I am to (hopefully) help your metrics. This was a great video.

[@TimThoughts]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. I'm glad you appreciated the video and I was able to share my perspective of this experience with you. Hope you both have a great day!

[@LightKing1237]

Funny thing. Spiritfarer isn’t just a game about learning to say goodbye, it’s also a game about moving on yourself and accepting death

[@TimThoughts]

Amazing how they managed to successfully build a game around such a profound premise

[@frannyannie2041]

my grandpa had just passed away when i played this game. it destroyed me but also healed me. you said the most beautiful thing about death i’ve ever heard and it sums up exactly what i’ve been trying to say about my grandpa death. i miss him more and more every day

[@TimThoughts]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm sorry for your loss - your message means more to me than you know and I truly appreciate it.

[@WormsMaster100]

I think the reason why this game works because it's not really depressing. Everything is in fact quite cheerful, full of color and vibrant. You do stuff like crafting and minigames and feel happy... Then the inevitable hits you, the realization that no matter how long you'll spend distracting yourself with other things, you can only delay the inevitable. Just like life. Game states clearly what is it about but never actually tries to be depressive, in fact I'd say it's quite the opposite : it's hopeful and calming.

[@TimThoughts]

Great point! I agree with you, the game isn't depressing - in fact it subtly and remarkably reframes the perspective around death that we've become conditioned to feel is depressing. Really an amazing game that teaches so much

[@TimThoughts]

Hello! Thank you for watching, I hope you enjoy(ed) the video. I poured a lot of myself into this. Spiritfarer is an incredible game that resonated with me on so many levels, much more so than just at face entertainment value. The depth of the writing, characters, and story are amazing and, in my opinion, are completely deserving of all respect and praise it can get. The message and themes extend beyond the boundaries of a simple game and challenge the player to understand and accept death in a way that makes sense to them. This video stands as a representation of my own interpretation of the game, the emotional implications it had for me, and the lessons I came to understand through my experience with it. Thank you for watching this video, reading this comment, and taking the time to interact with a video that resonates deeply within me. You have my sincerest gratitude and I wish you the best. Stay safe out there and see you guys in the next video!

[@okokayy]

33 year old man here, about to go replay again because of this beautiful overview. I actually just took stella and lilly to the everdoor hoping for more dialogue (aka more tears lmao) and yet i didnt cry like a baby the first time i still shed a tear. the music, the artwork, the writing, thunder lotus really gave us a timeless classic. the spirits, npcs, enviroments and more importantly stella (and daffodil) all touched my heart. thanks for this awesome reminder of how great this game is.

[@TimThoughts]

I hear you man, an absolutely wonderful and unforgettable gem of an experience. I appreciate the kind words ✌️

[@marias.2957]

Thank you for this video. I am myself a gamer and palliative care nurse and was shocked by the depth of this game (especially the last encounter with hades the owl). I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@TimThoughts]

It really is a surprisingly deep and poignant game. My wife is a cardiac ICU nurse, so I have a small bit of perspective when it comes to the work that you all do and the things you see day in, day out (especially in this upside down modern day). You have my thanks for everything that you guys do and I'm glad that the insights I gained from this game were able to resonate with you on some level. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and comment, take care!

[@Randompersonnumber3]

I finished this game over the weekend and ended up bawling after my spouse asked how it ended.

[@TimThoughts]

I hear you! It seems to start off so innocent and charming, then slowly evolves into such an emotional and beautiful journey. This game is truly a memorable and impactful experience.

[@King_cosmetics9]

I’m not crying your crying..

[@sarabenaquista4352]

I’m a nurse, and my husband has been playing this game non stop the past two weeks. I was super interested in it, but he just told me that Stella is a nurse and I just started balling my eyes out. Awe. This is so beautiful.

[@TimThoughts]

My wife is a nurse too! 🙂 That's a lovely story. I can't speak for your husband, but this game definitely gave me better perspective (and appreciation) for what my wife's work is like. Glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for sharing!

[@sarabenaquista4352]

@@TimThoughts when he told me “oh, this one character loves pizza, and I have to cook it for her,” I started to wonder about the caregiving aspects of it…I’m still in shock about how awesome it is that they honored nursing in this way…it’s really cool! Thanks for making your awesome video!

[@TimThoughts]

@@sarabenaquista4352 lol I love that! It really is great how it makes you feel for and care for these characters to the extent you want to cook them their favorite foods! Thanks so much for your comments, really brightened my day!

[@heartlacies]

I wish I had this game when my dad passed two years ago, it might have helped my healing process but I’m glad I got the chance to play and finish it this week. Love this video essay, it actually brought me to tears at one point. Thank you.

[@TimThoughts]

Thank you, your comment is much appreciated. I'm sorry for your loss, but I am glad you were able to find some peace in your own time. It really is a wonderful experience of a game! I wish you all the best! :)

[@amber5936]

My one and only Dad died 3 weeks ago. He was also one of my best friends. I was playing this game for his last remaining year, on and off. Now to help heal feelings of grief for my nieces and nephews, (they are 10-14) I mailed a copy of the game and handwritten notes. 🎉 Tim Thoughts your analysis of this game is spot on and just as gracious. I’m thrilled to support your channel and Thunder Lotus! 💜

[@TimThoughts]

My condolences and sincerest thanks. I'm sorry for your loss, but I am glad you were able to find some solace in this game and my video. Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts and experience! It genuinely means a lot to know I'm reaching wonderful people like yourself out there. Take care, and it's an amazing thing you've done for your nieces and nephews! 🙂❤️

[@Ghostlyking-tc3vu]

I love this game it’s helping me let go of the pain of loss, my mother pass away all the way back in July of 2015 and it still hurts so much but this game is helping me move on.

[@TimThoughts]

My condolences for your loss. It really is something the way that this game was crafted - how it helps so many find a bit of peace and solace in grief. Wishing you well, and all the best 🙂

[@kittysmith8365]

Why is this not a bigger seen video, this was beautiful thank you

[@hollsdxo]

I'm so happy I stumbled across this video. You have made me fall in love with this heart-wrenchingly beautiful game all over again and I can't wait to re-play. You've gained a new subscriber here!

[@TimThoughts]

Indeed a bittersweet, yet beautiful game. Thanks for the kind words and welcome aboard, glad to have you!

[@Emma-mj3pz]

you worded everything so well and I ended up crying by the end of the video. I loved learning about the meaning behind the mini games and the beautiful symbolism behind the everdoor. I just finished the game yesterday and can't stop thinking about how impactful the message is. I think the theme of letting go really shows in the spirit flowers and how you can't upgrade your boat without them- you have to let people go to move on and improve in preparation for the next person. it's also interesting how Stella's life story isn't revealed until you're over halfway through the game. yes, it's wonderful to learn about the spirits, but it's equally important to learn about the spiritfarer herself. I think the late reveal of Stella's backstory represents how she put others before herself and became a nurse and cared for others as a response to her own personal grief (her father's death). you have to learn about the others before you truly meet Stella because the others had a huge impact on her life.

[@TimThoughts]

Beautifully said. The game really does an incredible job of exploring these complex and often taboo topics in our modern society. Stella is the perfect vessel for it and it is notable the way that they enabled you to slowly learn about her and the characters while simultaneously allowing you the chance to slowly let go.

[@matijamilosevic5440]

Absolutely beautiful, this channel deserves alot more attention.

[@TimThoughts]

Thank you, I appreciate the sentiment.

[@sabiajahang8660]

my dad died a couple days ago :(... i needed this. Your conclusion, i just hit repeat from 9 minutes onward. So beautifully stated....

[@TimThoughts]

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad that you were able to find at least some solace in this video. May your father rest in peace.

[@sabiajahang8660]

@@TimThoughts thank you very much. He lived a full and rich life my dad, he was blessed in many ways. I just can not find the same comfort in Allah like he and my family do as a atheist. The funeral is going to be confusing to me. I love the way you are talking about how we come from the same energy so much, I feel like it bridges the gap between my fathers belief and mine. Thank you for that.

[@TimThoughts]

@@sabiajahang8660 Thank you as well. Your kindness means more to me than you know. I wish you all the best.

[@BenMirro]

Played the Game and Cried. Viewed your video and cried again. You Sir got a talent for Voice over. Good day to you. Thanks

[@TimThoughts]

Thank you as well. Always a pleasure and greatly appreciated to hear positive feedback from people like you. Take care! :)

[@funkykongfan8071]

This such a great video. I played this game a few months back and it was probably the first game to make me cry. I wasn't expecting such a happy looking game to be so emotional. I watch a ton of video essays, and I was surprised to see this had less than 1k views, as it is easily one of the best I've seen! I really hope your channel gets the attention it deserves, as well as this game.

[@TimThoughts]

Thank you, the sentiment means a lot to me. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I totally agree it's an incredibly emotional game beneath the cheery looking exterior!

[@Solidarity1024]

To me it's about embracing pain and joy. It is a natural emotion. I feel I am better for it.

[@mingching1440]

Thank you so much for this video and your thoughts. Spiritfarer is one of my favorite games of all time and you've put many of the feelings I've had about the game so succinctly.

[@TimThoughts]

@@mingching1440 Thank you as well. It brings me great solace to know that you found the video meaningful. It really is a beautiful game 🙂

[@Snot8888]

I dont know why but i have to atleast watch this video once a month. Its just so beautiful and it helps me.

[@TimThoughts]

Thank you, I'm glad you're able to find some peace in it

[@Dlcarber]

Thank you for making this video. It is as beautiful as the source material.

[@TimThoughts]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@godfunk]

A truly inspired thought piece, and proof you shouldn't only go by views when searching for videos about something you love

[@TimThoughts]

Words to live by! However you managed to find my video, I'm sure glad you did! Thanks for the kind words :)

[@s.crawford12]

Just lost my mother over this past week. I was there holding her hand as she left us. Hopefully she is at peace and with the love of her life once more. I miss you mom and dad, I will always carry the love of life you gave us and the guiding light you were for me and my sister. You touched so many lives for the better and you made this world a much better place. Thank you both for being such wonderful parents.

[@TimThoughts]

I'm sorry for your loss. May your loved ones rest in peace.

[@s.crawford12]

@@TimThoughts Thank you.

[@Ghostly_scarf]

This was such a well written video essay. I love the connections from the characters to the sea events, showing what it represents, and telling about the characters pasts to help us as the viewer gain an idea of what this game is really like. Personally as a person who finished it recently, this covers almost if not, everything that this story telling masterpiece of a game is about.

[@TimThoughts]

Thanks for the kind words, really appreciate it. And glad you enjoyed the video! :)

[@gauravaaditya]

This was an amazing video essay!

[@jude8462]

If I told you that this was the review that made me buy the game and not only that, but it also made me cry a lot despite knowing nothing about the game. It’s one of my favorites now :D

[@TimThoughts]

Honestly it's comments and experiences like yours that make this whole process worthwhile. Thanks so much for sharing with me and I'm glad I could help you discover this wonderful gem of a game! Wishing you the best!

[@kenrock2]

very soothing commentary... love to find more games like this

[@wolfm33]

Playing the game right now and i can easily say it's a very moving experience.

[@TimThoughts]

Hope you have a wonderful playthrough, it really is something else!

[@jacksonthompson7445]

Thank you for this incredible video. After playing the game I wanted to share the experience with my parents and friends yet was unable to convince them to play it. Thankfully I was able to show them what you had created. I'll be excited to see your future work!

[@TimThoughts]

Much appreciated, I'm glad that I could express and share with others how impactful of an experience this game is. Thanks for your support!

[@Yashtag]

This is a beautiful video essay about a beautiful game. Well done!

[@TimThoughts]

Much appreciated!

[@crowcoregames1785]

perfectly said, i dont think any video has put it into better words before how i felt about this game as someone who lost his grandad who ment the world to me, allace i could say mirrored him

[@TimThoughts]

I'm sorry for your loss, and thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it. :)

[@StarshineStranger]

Just finished the game today. This was a great analysis and breakdown of a beautiful game, and I'm glad I stumbled across it. Cheers!

[@TimThoughts]

I appreciate the kind words, thanks so much! Cheers to you as well! ✌️

[@Yggi11]

I'm crying again...

[@kyrajager907]

Found your channel through the Junji Ito video, and I loved both videos. The love and respect for the topics you choose I palpable. Wonderful writing and editing, I am enjoying your thoughts on topics Tim and wanna thank you for your hard work that makes your videos easy to watch! Spiritfarer is such a wonderful game and you presented information that was new to me, which make its story even deeper for me. Thank you. Truly wonderful, what media/games can do. Looking forward to your thought catalogue. Speaking of thought catalogue, maybe Disco Elysium would be a great video topic :) Either way, all the best!

[@TimThoughts]

Thanks so much! Your kind words mean a great deal to me and I'm lucky to have your support. Really glad you found my channel and I completely agree that spiritfarer is a truly remarkable game and experience! Also, funnily enough I actually did a video on disco elysium! Here's the link, or I'm sure you could find it on my channel eventually :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5LMZ2uki9tjb6M

[@kyrajager907]

@@TimThoughts thank you that's awesome :D!! I'll check it out now :D

[@lucywdym]

this game made me sob

[@eliljeho]

Palliative care is not limited to End of Life (EoL) care. Hospice is specific to EoL. You are not wrong, just there's a little more correct way to describe something.

[@TimThoughts]

Appreciate the insight, thanks!

[@britebomber2571]

Where do you find the information about the characters and the minigames?

[@TimThoughts]

The official spiritfarer art book, which can be purchased at this link: thunderlotus.itch.io/spiritfarer-art-book 🙂

[@britebomber2571]

Tim Thoughts Thanks! Great video btw :D

[@TimThoughts]

@@britebomber2571 No problem! And thank you too!

[@christianharris7567]

so stella is dying

[@TimThoughts]

Yes, the entire game could be considered an imaginary journey that Stella crafted in her mind to come to terms with her own death. Or perhaps it does actually exist somewhere between her world and the next. But yes, it does appear that behind the Spiritfarer Stella is a real person who is coming to her own end.

[@maxchavelev3107]

Is it just me or does this video contain plot spoilers?

[@spaghettiman512]

Needed a spoiler warning much?

[@TimThoughts]

I did think that "explained" in the title was self explanatory, but I do see how you could have missed it. I'll add a spoiler warning to the thumbnail, thanks!

[@donny5302]

Tbh I don't like this message, we have too many games like this that try to get the audience to accept the nihilistic despair ridden thought process of the ones that created them, This train of thought I feel is the antithesis to all it means to be alive and strive, Accepting death is defeatist and filthy, Why can't we have artsy games about someone refusing to let go and winning in the end? Something truly cathartic and thought provoking that doesn't just take the easy "WELL IT PART OF LIFE DURR" Viewpoint, Lazy ass uninspired game fr.

[@Sgt_Foley]

Cry About It

[@donny5302]

@@Sgt_Foley I actually went outside and raped someone about it.