Developer – Infuse Studio

Publisher – Silver Lining Interactive

Platforms –   PS5, Xbox One , Xbox Series S|X,PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

Spirit of the North 2 picks up the ethereal torch from its 2019 predecessor, inviting players into a more expansive and visually captivating world. Developed by Infuse Studio, this sequel enhances the original’s serene exploration with deeper mechanics and a richer narrative, while retaining the quiet, introspective charm that made the first game stand out.

You once again play as a lone fox in a world steeped in myth and ruin, now guided by a wise raven companion. The pair set out on a journey to rescue the once-revered guardian beasts from the grip of a menacing dark shaman named Grimnir. It’s a story told almost entirely through visuals and environmental cues, a design choice that feels both artful and at times overly opaque.

This sequel brings a major upgrade to scale. The world is now an interconnected, semi-open realm dotted with distinct biomes—lush forests, frozen peaks, haunted crypts, and more. Each area presents its own set of traversal challenges, puzzles, and secrets, making exploration rewarding. The increase in environmental variety alone makes this a far more dynamic journey than the first.

Gameplay has also evolved. You’re no longer just wandering from one glowing point to another; now, you unlock and equip powerful runes that grant new abilities like double jumps, spirit dashes, and puzzle-solving powers. These allow for more verticality, more intricate environmental storytelling, and the sense that you’re steadily becoming more capable.

A welcome addition is the raven companion. Not only does it serve as a narrative presence, but it also introduces gameplay variety. It can scout paths ahead, activate mechanisms from a distance, and even help in locating secrets. It’s a subtle but smart evolution of the fox’s lone pilgrimage, adding more character to the adventure.

Customization adds even more personality to your fox. From coats of fur that reflect spiritual energy to tailoring ability sets, the game lets you create a version of the protagonist that feels truly yours. While not as deep as an RPG system, this feature makes replays more engaging.

Boss encounters have also been reimagined. Instead of combat-focused fights, each corrupted guardian is tied to a unique puzzle-based battle, requiring smart use of your earned abilities. These sequences are often the most memorable parts of the game, blending spectacle and strategy in a way the original never attempted.

Despite these improvements, Spirit of the North 2 isn’t without its flaws. The visuals, while often stunning in terms of lighting and landscape design, are let down by stiff animations and dated character models. The fox, in particular, lacks the fluidity and nuance you’d expect from a creature designed to evoke grace and speed.

Technical issues also hold the experience back. Glitches, such as falling through the map or objects failing to load correctly, can be frustrating. Performance hiccups occur more often than they should, especially in larger open areas or when using abilities in rapid succession.

Exploration, while rewarding, can occasionally feel too open for its own good. With minimal guidance and a sparse map system, it’s easy to become disoriented or to spend long stretches backtracking without much payoff. A few quality-of-life improvements—like a more intuitive fast travel system or clearer navigation cues—would go a long way.

Still, the game’s strongest moments are when everything clicks: when you’re gliding through the air alongside your raven, cresting a frozen ridge as ambient music swells and ancient ruins reveal themselves in the distance. The world is brimming with atmosphere, and it never stops being beautiful to look at.

Spirit of the North’s signature quietude is intact, for better or worse. Some may find the lack of dialogue and overt narrative refreshing, while others may feel disconnected from the story. There’s a certain loneliness built into its design, and it won’t resonate with everyone.

The soundtrack remains a standout, layering piano, strings, and ambient textures into a score that enhances the emotion of every step. It’s understated but deeply effective, especially in moments of revelation or triumph.

For fans of the original, Spirit of the North 2 is a meaningful continuation. It respects the meditative tone of the first game while broadening its horizons with smarter mechanics, better pacing, and a more expansive world.

This sequel doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines almost every part of what made the original special. It’s still more about reflection than action, more about feeling than plot—but with more tools, more challenges, and more world to lose yourself in.

Ultimately, Spirit of the North 2 is a thoughtful evolution of a niche experience. It may stumble at times, but its beauty, ambition, and spirit are undeniable. This is a game that asks you to slow down, to observe, and to immerse yourself in a place where nature and magic intertwine.