| Spiral | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Spiral is an emotional adventure game that explores memory loss through the life of Bernard, a writer. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Spiral Review Overview
What is Spiral?
Spiral is a narrative-driven adventure that explores the poignant theme of memory loss, through the life of Bernard. The game takes players through chapters of Bernard’s life as he revisits key memories. Set in a world where memories fade, Spiral weaves a story that balances beautiful moments with bittersweet heartbreak. The gameplay is largely centered on interactive mechanics tied to Bernard's memories, making the experience as emotionally resonant as it is engaging.
Spiral features:
⚫︎ Deeply Emotional Narrative
⚫︎ Blend of Interactive Mechanics
⚫︎ Visual Cues That Reflect the Fragility of Memory
⚫︎ In Game Journal
⚫︎ Slow Paced
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Spiral's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 Xbox |
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| Price | $23.99 | ||||
Spiral Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Clever Integration of Gameplay Mechanics Strong Character Development Deep and Emotional Narrative |
Elfie's Role Feels Underutilized Limited Replayability |
Spiral Overall Score - 80/100
Spiral is a masterfully emotional game that delivers an impactful narrative, but it’s not without its shortcomings. While the game’s strengths lie in its storytelling and character dynamics, there are moments where the pacing can drag, and the lack of a consistent guide, such as Elfie, detracts from the experience. Still, it’s a beautiful journey worth taking for anyone seeking a narrative-driven experience.
Spiral Story - 9/10
The story of Spiral is its greatest asset. Bernard’s journey through his fading memories offers a touching portrayal of cognitive degeneration, and the relationships he formed throughout his life make each chapter feel deeply personal. Whether it’s the sibling bond between Bernard and Sophie or his circle of friends, the game beautifully captures the highs and lows of life. However, the blurring of memories toward the end, while intentional, can leave players feeling a bit lost. Nevertheless, the emotional impact is undeniable, especially in Bernard’s final reflections.
Spiral Gameplay -8/10
Spiral’s gameplay mechanics are cleverly woven into its narrative. Each chapter introduces unique gameplay elements that reflect Bernard’s memories, whether it’s fishing with his father, cooking at the diner, or playing C&C with his friends. These activities immerse players in Bernard’s past and make each memory feel tangible. The only drawback is the lack of consistency with Elfie’s guidance, which could have made the experience even more poignant. Still, the mechanics fit perfectly with the game’s themes and storytelling.
Spiral Visuals - 8/10
Visually, Spiral uses a soft, dreamlike art style that mirrors the fragility of memory. The environments and character models evoke warmth, while also conveying the passage of time through subtle visual shifts. The spiral staircase motif that ties the game together serves as a beautiful representation of Bernard’s fading recollections. While the graphics are not technically groundbreaking, they suit the tone and emotional weight of the story perfectly.
Spiral Audio - 7/10
The audio design in Spiral is subtle but effective. The ambient sounds and soft music complement the reflective nature of the game. The voice acting delivers when it needs to, particularly in Bernard’s monologues. However, there are moments where the audio could have been used more dynamically to enhance key emotional beats. While not the strongest aspect of the game, the audio still plays a role in creating the game’s emotional atmosphere.
Spiral Value for Money - 8/10
For $23.99, Spiral offers a memorable and emotionally charged experience that lasts around 8-10 hours. The game’s linear nature means it lacks replay value, but its storytelling and unique gameplay mechanics make it worth the investment. Anyone interested in narrative-driven games or exploring themes of memory and loss will find great value in Spiral.
Spiral Review: Beautiful Mess Of A Memory
Spiral stands out with its deeply emotional story centered on Bernard, a man navigating his fading memories due to cognitive degeneration. The game begins with him in an unfamiliar place, a reflection of the disorientation people with memory loss often feel. Elfie, the dog, acts as Bernard's guide, but her presence is fleeting, representing the limited yet impactful moments shared between them. What struck me right from the start was the narrative’s raw honesty. The game doesn’t shy away from showing the confusion, joy, and heartbreak of remembering — or failing to remember — important moments in life.
Each chapter unfolds Bernard's life from his early years, painting a picture of a kind-hearted writer whose relationships were the foundation of his experiences. We unravel memories of his family and friends, discovering the joys and sorrows he endured. It's a bittersweet story, balancing moments of levity with the weight of forgetting. One of my favorite scenes involved Bernard and his sister Sophie sneaking into the library’s restricted section, a mischievous yet tender moment that showcases the complexities of sibling relationships. You feel the bond between them deepen, even when they’re at odds.
Bernard’s memories of his friends — Luna, Danny, and Wren — are particularly heartwarming. Their connection was largely built through C&C, a Dungeons & Dragons-like game they would play together. I loved that we got to participate in one of their sessions, complete with in-game encounters. It added a layer of immersion, making me feel like I was a part of their tight-knit circle. But as time goes on, Bernard’s sharpness in recalling these events fades, a representation of the heartbreaking reality of cognitive degeneration.
The way memories start to blend together is beautifully portrayed. As the chapters progress, it becomes harder for Bernard — and for the player — to distinguish between one moment and another. This clever narrative technique mirrors the way cognitive degeneration affects the brain, blurring the lines between what is real and what might have been altered by time. It creates an emotional resonance that hits close to home.
Memory as Mechanics
What makes Spiral so unique is how its gameplay mechanics tie directly into Bernard’s memories. Every key moment in his life is represented through a mini-game or interaction that mirrors the memory itself. When Bernard remembers his father, for example, we engage in a simple fishing mechanic that recalls quiet days spent by the water. It’s these small details that make the game feel deeply personal, as if we’re experiencing the memories right alongside him.
Similarly, when we’re recalling his friends, we partake in activities that reflect their shared history — working at the diner, driving a car, or simply fooling around. These moments aren’t just flashbacks; they’re interactive experiences that help us connect with Bernard’s emotions at the time. I found myself growing attached to each of his friends, just as he did, and the gameplay made those connections feel tangible.
The brilliance of Spiral lies in how these mechanics evolve as Bernard’s memories start to fade. Early on, the mini-games are clear and concise, much like Bernard’s recollections. But as the game progresses, the mechanics become more jumbled, harder to navigate, and less defined. It’s a subtle but powerful way to show how cognitive degeneration distorts memories, turning once-clear experiences into something more chaotic and confusing.
The Role of Elfie and Her Impact
One of the more unique aspects of Spiral is Elfie, the dog who serves as Bernard’s guide in the beginning and the end. While Elfie’s role is minimal in terms of screen time, her presence is deeply symbolic. She represents loyalty, memory, and the unbreakable bonds we share with those we love. Though I wished Elfie had a more prominent role throughout the game, her appearances always came at crucial moments, guiding Bernard when he needed her the most.
In many ways, Elfie’s role mirrors the way pets can act as silent witnesses to our lives. They are there for the big moments, but they also quietly observe the small, everyday events that shape who we are. Elfie’s absence in much of the game could be seen as a reflection of how Bernard’s memories of her have faded over time, but her impact on his life remains. It’s a subtle but powerful narrative choice that adds emotional depth to the game.
By the end of Spiral, Elfie’s role takes on an even greater significance. She leads Bernard to his final memory, a bittersweet conclusion to his journey. While I would have loved for Elfie to accompany Bernard on the train in the final scene, the fact that she waits for him on the other side adds a beautiful layer of meaning. It’s as if, after all these years, Elfie has been waiting for Bernard. This final moment was one of the most emotionally resonant parts of the game for me.
The Emotional Weight of Spiral's Storytelling
Spiral’s storytelling is where the game truly shines. It’s a delicate balance between melancholy and joy, as we watch Bernard navigate his memories with a mixture of fondness and sadness. The game doesn’t shy away from the realities of memory loss, portraying it as something that is both deeply painful and strangely comforting. One of the game’s most powerful lines comes from Bernard himself: "I am no longer in control of what I can remember and what I can’t, this used to bother me but now it doesn’t hurt so much. Their faces have blurred and softened, their bodies are just faint lines and it’s okay because it’s all I need."
This line, more than any other moment, hit me hard. It encapsulates the theme of the game perfectly — the idea that even when we can’t remember the details, the essence of the people we loved remains with us. Bernard’s acceptance of his fading memories is both heartbreaking and uplifting, and it brought me to tears. It’s rare for a game to evoke such strong emotions, but Spiral handles its subject matter with grace and sensitivity.
The game also serves as a quiet comfort to those who have experienced cognitive degeneration in their lives, whether personally or through a loved one. It doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles, but it offers a sense of peace by the end. Bernard’s journey is not about fighting to remember, but about accepting what has been lost and finding joy in what remains. This message stayed with me long after I finished the game.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
The ending of Spiral left a lasting impact on me. As Bernard’s memories fade, we witness his gradual acceptance of what he can no longer control. He may not remember the faces or the names of the people who were once important to him, but the joy and love he felt remain. This final message is both comforting and devastating, offering a poignant reflection on life and memory.
Elfie’s role in this final memory is the perfect culmination of their journey together. She leads Bernard to the one thing he has been searching for all along — the memory of his family. It’s a bittersweet moment, as Bernard can no longer fully recall who they were, but the love he feels for them is undeniable. The game doesn’t end with a grand revelation or a clear-cut conclusion, but with a quiet, emotional farewell that lingers.
In this final memory, Spiral solidifies its place as a game that is not just about cognitive degeneration, but about life, love, and the bonds we share with those around us. It’s a gentle reminder that even when our memories fade, the emotions and connections we’ve built remain, shaping us into who we are.
Is Spiral Worth It?
Bernard’s Memories Are Worth Remembering
For $23.99, Spiral is an incredibly emotional and beautifully crafted game. Its storytelling is masterful, and the way it blends gameplay with narrative to reflect Bernard’s fading memories is nothing short of genius. While there are a few minor issues, such as the underutilization of Elfie, the overall experience is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
For those who enjoy narrative-driven games that delve into deep, emotional themes, Spiral is an absolute must-play. It’s not a game you rush through, but one you savor, allowing yourself to feel the full weight of Bernard’s journey. By the end, you’ll likely be left in tears, but also with a sense of peace, knowing that love and memories transcend even the hardest of times.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Xbox |
||||
| Price | $23.99 | ||||
Spiral FAQ
Does Spiral Have Multiple Endings?
No, Spiral follows a single, linear narrative with one ending, although the emotional impact may differ based on your interpretation of the story.
Does Spiral Require a Lot of Reading?
Yes, a significant part of the story is told through letters and journal entries, so expect to do some reading throughout the game.
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Spiral Product Information
 | |
| Title | SPIRAL |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 20, 2024 |
| Developer | Folklore Games |
| Publisher | Folklore Games, SpaceJazz |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One |
| Genre | Story-driven, Walking Simulator, Emotional |
| Number of Players | Single-Player(1) |
| Rating | ESRB E |
| Official Website | Spiral Official Website |
