The Spirit Engine is a side-scrolling role-playing video game created by Mark Pay for Natomic Studios, with a soundtrack composed by Josh Whelchel.
The graphics of the map screens consist of small-scale representations of the party members on a backdrop which shows the world at large.
The player can rotate the three party members: changing who is in front, in the middle, and in the back; that is the only movement possible during combat.
Actions range from simple attacks to effects such as immobilizing an enemy to aiding oneself or one's friends.
The player's characters' actions begin relatively weak, but can be improved by investing skill points.
They are working in a mine shaft for a mysterious corporation, whose precious material turns out to be a monster.
After each character's backstory is introduced, they are transported to a mysterious location, where they meet a fairy who begins leading them to an unknown place.
[2] Patrick Gann of RPGFan described The Spirit Engine as "more playable and enjoyable than some high-profile RPG", calling it "a good case study" despite being "something of a guinea pig experiment" for its sequel that was made with "fairly primitive" tools.
Noting that the "well-written" dialog was a highlight of the game, he called it "fun, if unrefined", with "good" sprites but "subpar" animations.