If you have ever wished for a game that feels like playing The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past on the SNES, wrapped in a modern indie package with pixel art and a slightly melancholic twist, then Spindle is absolutely worth a look. It nails the nostalgic feel, delivers a surprisingly emotional narrative, and keeps the mechanics simple and fun. It just does not always land as smoothly as its inspirations.

Narrative

You take on the role of Death, the Grim Reaper, though this version is more symbolic than scary. A strange curse has caused the cycle of life and death to stop. Souls can no longer move on, and it is up to you and your talking pig companion to set things right.

The story begins lighthearted but becomes surprisingly emotional as you uncover more of the world’s mystery. Beneath the humor and charm, there is a thoughtful message about loss, duty, and balance. The story works because it mixes whimsical elements, like your pig sidekick, with genuinely heartfelt themes about mortality and meaning.

Gameplay

Spindle plays like the kind of top-down adventure that defined an entire generation. You explore towns, tackle dungeons, fight enemies, solve puzzles, acquire new abilities, and gradually unlock the world. The “old-school visual and gameplay” style feels both familiar and comforting. Combat is straightforward and satisfying, and the exploration loop keeps you moving from one discovery to the next.

What makes it enjoyable is that it delivers what you would expect from a modern take on A Link to the Past. While I may be biased a bit towards ALTTP (It was/is my favorite Zelda game), Spindle still provides a sense of progression, fun exploration, and that “just one more area” feeling that makes classic adventures so timeless. While not exactly right there on the same caliber, it’s a nice nod and I couldn’t help but have that nostalgia blast while playing. And hey, you can fish. Whenever you can fish in a video game, I am sold.

Audio and Visual Style

Spindle’s pixel art aesthetic is a highlight. Colors are bright when they need to be, but also somber when the story calls for it. Each area feels carefully designed, and the old-school visuals add a strong dose of charm without feeling dated. You can tell it’s an indie that is making reference to the past and I am perfectly okay with this. You also get nice character designs, dialogue boxes and just overall flavor in the world. It’s a joy to play.

While I did get some frustration with the map not being more transparent, and some minor loading issues when going from screen to screen (keep in mind I played the Switch version), it was not anything too detrimental to my experience.

The soundtrack deserves mention too. It brings back the style of older adventure games with familiar chimes and ambient tones, yet it keeps its own identity. The sound design is clean and complements the visuals pretty well.

Strengths

• Nostalgia at its best. Spindle captures the feel of SNES-era adventures.
• Beautiful visuals and good audio design.
• Emotional storytelling that sneaks up on you from time to time.

Weaknesses

• Puzzles are simple and may not satisfy players looking for tougher challenges.
• The map can be difficult to read and makes navigation confusing at times.
• Occasional pacing dips caused by low difficulty or repetitive sections.

Final Verdict

Spindle earns a 7.5 out of 10. It is a nostalgic, heartfelt adventure that feels like a cozy trip back to gaming’s golden age. The visuals and soundtrack shine, and the story leaves an emotional impact.

Its simplicity can be both its strength and its weakness, depending on what you are looking for. Fans of classic adventures will find a lot to love, while others may wish for a little more depth and challenge.

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