Review: Spindle

Roberto Nieves
12 minutes ago
4 min read

Developer: Wobble Ghost

Publisher: Deck 13

Available on: PC (Steam), Switch,

Review system: Switch

There's one thing I know about life, and that is that it goes on. Death isn't easy to talk about. Even in the digital fantasies of video games, it can be a difficult subject matter, being that it's a very real thing that we will inevitably all experience one way or another. Video games have this unique ability to take serious subject matter and turn it into something we can better understand

Spindle isn't going to set the world on fire, but this latest game from Wobble Ghost and Deck 13 provides a memorable adventure where death, grief, and life mix for a short but incredibly solid adventure.

Death is a natural part of life

A mysterious darkness envelopes the land, and our young hero awakens from the darkness. A talking pig arrived to help this young hero, who has become Death. Something has gone awry in the world, and death is out of balance. It is up to the hero to find out what has happened, reclaim souls, and solve the mystery of this evil.

Spindle is a top-down adventure game in the spirit of the older Zelda games. Players play the role of death and set out to solve the mystery of the land and themselves. Players are guided by a talking pig that seems connected to you somehow. The pig will become a playable character that becomes useful in solving puzzles. Eventually, players are given access to their scythe and can use the scythe for attacking, from a charged attack to slashes. Players encounter various enemies and confront mid-bosses and major bosses on their journey.

A whimsical world

Players move about the map to different towns and zones. Players are given a map early on that can mark where they need to go and what to do. The duo comes across Charon the Ferryman, in a surreal interpretation where he has a flying air balloon. Charon is the key to moving the game’s plot by discovering more lost souls. While the game does provide a direction of where to go, Spindle contains secrets within the game world that do require using magic powers and being keenly observant.

Some of these puzzles are simple, such as using water to cool off a lava pool, but others may involve freezing an enemy into stone to open a door. At one point, you do take control of the pig with its own set of puzzles and shenanigans.

Warm and Wholesome

There's a heartwarming and touching tale to tell in Spindle. Storytelling is at the central focus of the game. Why is there an evil sweeping the land, and why did the main character become death are interesting questions that inevitably get answered, but at the heart is this focus on death, letting go, and being at peace.

Spindle handles this topic well with a light-heartedness. One of the earlier souls that had to be taken care of involved a father. After bringing that soul in peace, there is a mixture of emotions. The daughter is wrought with grief, while the other is hopeful in taking on the reins of succession.

There is a sense of humor among the townsfolk and what they do on a day-to-day basis, and the lightheartedness of the pig companion. There's even an optional moment where players can share the night sky with a towns person and ponder the stars above.

Life surrounds all of Us.

I do wish that Spindle had focused on more moments like this. These pauses in the story felt wholesome, warm, and further underscored the atmosphere that Spindle is trying to achieve. Regrettably, the game's short length keeps moments like these sparse, but they are nonetheless memorable. Spindle does give you quite a bit to think about, and that's a profound storytelling mechanic.

There are many ways to have focused on the themes while keeping the warmth and thoughtfulness of the story. There are many layers to death and passing, but part of those processes is making peace to move on. I feel that topic wasn't pursued enough here, and should it had been, it would have made Spindle even more memorable.

Keeping things simple

Fighting enemies and bosses also takes a simple turn. Players dodge, swipe, heal, and continue. Occasionally, there are moments to use the special magic powers to defeat an enemy, but these fights are more straightforward. Spindle could have used more in the combat department with more powers and attacks, but I appreciate its simplicity.

Visually, Spindle makes quite the impression with its colors and simple visuals. The retro inspirations and soothing music make for a delightful adventure, though with a little more time, I feel the world could have been a bit more densely populated and animated. The musical score is surprisingly strong and emotional, using its tunes to great effect and to underscore emotional moments in the story.

Take care of the Spindle

Overall, Spindle is a charming adventure. While the entire experience can be completed in less than 10 hours, its presentation, gameplay, and heartwarming story make this an adventure worth delving into. Death is a tough subject, but life is precious, and it goes on. Make the minutes count.