First Play: Hands-On with Spilled
On March 23, 2025, Video Games Chronicle (VGC) released their latest First Play video, spotlighting Spilled, an indie game hitting PC via Steam on March 26—just days away. Crafted by solo Dutch developer Lente, this cozy, eco-conscious title puts you at the helm of a boat cleaning a polluted waterway. With its soothing gameplay and heartfelt mission, Spilled is making waves ahead of launch. Here’s the full scoop on this charming adventure!
The Mission: Restore the Waters
In Spilled, you’re the captain of a modest boat navigating a region trashed by a tanker’s oil spill. Your job? Scoop up oil slicks, bottles, and barrels, then haul them to a recycling dock for coins. Spend that cash on upgrades—faster speeds, more significant storage, wider scoops—and watch your vessel evolve. As you clear each of the eight zones, murky waters turn crystal-clear, revealing fish, plants, and 16 rescuable animals (two per area). It’s a short, hour-long journey ending with a tanker showdown, but a level selector keeps it replayable. Think PowerWash Simulator on the waves—simple, satisfying, and green.
First Play Breakdown
VGC offers two versions of their preview:
- YouTube (16 minutes): Free on their channel or site, this cut covers the basics—steering, scooping, and early upgrades like a speed boost. It’s a chill intro to the clean-earn-upgrade loop, with vibrant visuals setting a tranquil tone.
- Patreon (33 minutes, ad-free): Subscribers get more—unlocking advanced boat perks and exploring a new biome (snow or sand, perhaps). It’s a deeper dive into the game’s progression, teasing bigger challenges.
X posts from @LenteGameDev (March 12) hyped the “2 weeks to launch” mark, and with 67,000+ Steam wishlists, fans are all in—@mcmacko365 today called it “cozy perfection.”
Lente’s Vision
Lente, living on her boat, built Spilled from late 2022, fueled by a waterlogged childhood. A 2024 Kickstarter raised €31,600 (316% funded), upgrading its art to a stunning, hand-painted style. At $6.99 (demo free now), with 10 cents per sale aiding Whale and Dolphin Conservation, it’s a steal with soul.
Why It’s Special
Spilled shines in a tough 2025 for toys and games—short, polished, and purposeful. The First Play nails its appeal: easy to pick up, hard to put down. Grab it March 26—will you sail in day one? Let’s hear it!
