Game: Spirit Mancer
Genre: Action, Adventure, Board Games
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows) and PS5)
Developer|Publisher: Sunny Syrup Studio | Plug in Digital
Age Rating: EU 12+ | US Everyone 10+
Price: US $19.99 | UK £17.99 | EU € 19,99
Release Date: November 22nd, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to JF Games PR.
Spirit Mancer: An Incredibly Ambitious New IP
What is Spirit Mancer? In simple terms, it’s an action-adventure platformer with deck-building mechanics, well, at least that’s how it starts. Get through the first section, and suddenly, the game throws everything but the kitchen sink at you. Farming? Check. Strategy? Of course. Fishing? Naturally. Customization galore? Oh, absolutely. Local co-op? Why not? Spirit Mancer aims for the stars, and while it sometimes stumbles, it still lands closer to “majestic eagle” than “awkward pigeon.”
Enter the Inferno
The plot follows a group of demon hunters tasked with keeping emerging demons from…well, emerging through portals from a realm called the Inferno. But things go pear-shaped when Sebastian, one of the lead characters, makes a catastrophic mistake, and the entire team gets sucked into the said portal.
Now, stuck in the demon realm, you take control of either Sebastian or Mary. Your goal? Find a way home while duking it out with the Queen of the Inferno and her minions. Along the way, you’ll even team up with some unlikely allies. Each character has unique weapons and playstyles, whether you’re in a single-player or teaming up in a local co-op.
The story isn’t going to win awards for originality, but it’s told well. Short, snappy cutscenes act as rewards between levels, much like old-school games. The dialogue strikes a good balance between witty and serious, keeping you engaged through the adventure.
Three Ways to Attack
Combat revolves around three colour-coded attack types: green, blue, and purple.
Green is your basic melee attack. You start with a standard melee weapon. Sebastian uses his fists while Mary welds a Katana, but later unlocks options like ranged weapons for more variety.
Blue represents gun attacks. You begin with a basic firearm but can find temporary upgrades in levels, like crossbows, rocket launchers, or downright silly weapons. Have you ever wanted to wield a balloon gun or a pig-shooting cannon? Now’s your chance.
Purple is where things get magical. These are your card attacks, which let you summon demons, unleash devastating powers, or activate passive moves like healing.
Speaking of cards, sealing enemies into them is a big part of the gameplay. Each enemy has a weakness in one of the three attack types. Exploit that weakness, break their defence, and you can trap them in a card. Some tougher foes even have multiple weaknesses, so you’ll need to get creative (or just button mash and pray). You can’t hoard every enemy card you come across, though your deck has limited slots, so choose wisely.
Overall, it’s a flexible combat system. You can focus on sealing enemies, mowing them down with your favourite weapon, or a mix of both. Either way, there’s plenty of room to experiment and fail hilariously.
Extra Activities
Once you survive the game’s opening gauntlet, you’re introduced to a buffet of side activities:
Farming: Plant seeds, water them, and harvest materials to exchange at the potion shop for new cards. It’s a nice break from demon-slaying, but don’t expect Stardew Valley levels of depth.
Fishing: Because what game in 2024 doesn’t have fishing? It is a mini-game where you simply stop the slider at the right point and gain a chest of goodies.
Pig Warriors: Hire pig soldiers and send them on missions to gather resources. Each pig has a unique personality and look, which somehow made me feel emotionally invested in their survival. “Don’t die, Baconator!”
Upgrades are everywhere. You can enhance your character, weapons, and cards and even expand the pig mini-game. The sheer number of systems is overwhelming at first, and deciding where to invest your resources can feel like choosing which limb you’d most like to keep. Pro tip: try to avoid overthinking it.
Attention to Detail
The pixel art in Spirit Mancer is downright gorgeous. The Inferno is a vibrant, detailed realm filled with quirky NPCs, bustling backgrounds, and a surprising number of pigs. From sandy beaches to gloomy castles, every area feels alive. Pair that with a gripping soundtrack, and you’ve got a game world that’s a joy to explore.
Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly in both TV and handheld modes, which is always a relief.
The Niggles
No game is perfect, and Spirit Mancer has its share of hiccups:
The Opening Section: The game’s intro doesn’t make the best first impression. It’s a straightforward 2D platforming gauntlet followed by a surprisingly tough boss fight. The difficulty spikes early and aggressively, which might scare off casual players.
Lives System: The inclusion of a lives system feels outdated. Run out of lives, and you lose all your gold. It’s a frustrating mechanic that doesn’t mesh well with the rest of the game.
No Difficulty Settings: With no way to adjust the difficulty, less experienced players might hit a wall. That’s a shame because the game really shines once you push past the first area.
DLC: Optional paid card packs feel like a cash grab, especially for a new IP. It’s not a deal breaker, but it does leave a sour taste.
Conclusion: A Solid Deck
Spirit Mancer is an ambitious 2D adventure that tries to do a lot and mostly succeeds. It’s like a love letter to the 90s when games crammed in as many features as possible. While the difficulty spikes and overwhelming mechanics might deter some players, those willing to invest the time will find a lot to love. Plus, co-op mode makes everything better.
It’s not perfect, but as a first entry in a new IP, it’s a fantastic start. If the developers refine the formula in a sequel, we could have something truly special on our hands. A free demo is available on Steam, go give it a spin.
Final Verdict: I like it a lot 
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