
Platform reviewed: PC (Steam)
Price: $19.99
I love when a game fully commits to its vibe, and Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To, does just that. Its stunning artwork, extraordinary music, and inventive gameplay blend seamlessly, creating an experience that’s as stylish as it is fun. Every detail radiates personality, and after playing the title at PAX West, it quickly became one of my most anticipated releases this year.
The first thing that caught my eye was the artwork. The vibrant, neon color palette pops beautifully—especially on my TV (if you haven’t played a Steam Deck connected to a TV, you really should). There’s something about the art style that resonates with me; maybe it’s the way the bright colors amplify the game’s personality and evoke pure joy. It even has a subtle arcade feel—whether intentional or not, the aesthetic pairs perfectly with the match-3 gameplay.

I also love the attention to detail. I found myself simply soaking in the atmosphere that Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To creates. The backgrounds are filled with subtle touches that bring the world to life, but it’s the characters that truly stand out. Each one is carefully designed, down to the intricate tattoos that add personality and depth. It’s clear that every element was crafted with love and dedication, making the world feel vibrant and alive.
It’s not just the art—the music also plays a key role in setting the tone. Its chill ambiance perfectly complements the game’s vibrant, colorful aesthetic, creating a well-designed experience. The soundtrack pulls me into the groove, never overpowering or feeling out of place. It knows its role—to set the stage for a laid-back session.
Each character in the main story is fully voice-acted, and the performances are spot-on, perfectly capturing their personalities and bringing them to life. I play as Samar, a spirit swapper who was hoping for a relaxing day off—until a sudden influx of spirits invades my town. To send them back to their dimension, I have to spirit swap (cue the match-3 gameplay). As I visit friends, I find their homes overrun with spirits as well, leading to friendly competitions to see who can swap them out the fastest. I love how the game weaves in a competitive edge while maintaining its chill vibe.

It’s the interactions between the characters that truly make Spirit Swap shine. Their love and care for one another feel genuine, and the theme of inclusion resonates throughout the narrative. One conversation, in particular, stuck with me—Pookie, usually the one offering support, hesitates before admitting that everyone turns to him for help, but no one ever asks how he’s doing. The dialogue delves into how people’s outward demeanor affects how others perceive them, and it struck a chord. I realized that Spirit Swap isn’t just about sending spirits back where they belong—it’s also about looking after friends and their struggles. That deeper theme of connection and friendship made me feel even more attached to the characters.

Spirit swapping is fun. I compete in best-of-five matches against the townsfolk. To win, I have to chain enough combos to send “junk” blocks to my opponent, eventually filling up their board. After each friendly competition, my friends reward me with a spell to use in future matches. These spells are what set Spirit Swap apart from other match-3 games. I can equip up to three at a time, activating them by forming specific patterns—like a diamond or square of matching colors. Some spells clear lines, while others freeze time.
Sometimes, my friends also gift me collectible items that I can display in my house. While these decorations don’t impact gameplay, they let me add a personal touch to my space. It’s a small but charming feature that enhances the game’s cozy, expressive vibe.

My only complaint is that the game is too short. I solved the mystery of the spirits in about an hour, and while I could continue chatting with friends and strengthening our relationships afterward, this part wasn’t voice-acted. I get why—it would have been costly to voice the post-game content—but I still wanted more from the main story. That said, I appreciate the additional modes, like endless matches against the CPU or local multiplayer with friends. Still, I found myself craving more of the narrative—proof of just how engaging the storytelling and gameplay truly are.
Final Grade: A-
Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To fully embraces its chill vibe. From its inviting artwork and vibrant color palette to its relaxed yet engaging match-3 gameplay, every element reinforces the game’s cozy atmosphere. The music enhances this further, setting the perfect mood, while the narrative beautifully captures the essence of friendship and mutual care. By the time I finished my playthrough, I was left wanting more—I felt like I was just beginning to connect with the characters. Spirit Swap is a perfect example of thoughtful, well-executed game design. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good experience, this one’s a must-play.
Review code provided by Soft Not Weak
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