TetherGeist: Mae’s Astral Journey With the Spirit Bao

If one day you suddenly realized you possessed the abilities of a Shaman, capable of using "Astral Projection" to move around, yet your soul was restricted by a tether to your physical self, what would you do? That is exactly what happens in TetherGeist.

The Ultimate Precision Platformer Experience with a Unique Tether Mechanic

TetherGeist is an indie game in the precision platformer genre (similar to famous titles like Super Meat Boy or Jump King). It was released on May 7, 2026, by O. and Co. Games and Out of Space Games.

The game follows Mae, a young girl on a challenging pilgrimage toward adulthood. In Mae’s world, mountain Shamans typically use "Astral Projection" to travel. However, Mae is different: her soul is restricted by a tether. Instead of flying freely, Mae must overcome all terrains through her own effort. Alongside her companion Bao—an axolotl spirit—Mae must face these trials to grow.

The core of the game lies in mastering the Astral Projection system. The tether linking Mae and the spirit Bao is the primary source of power for solving environmental puzzles and overcoming obstacles. Throughout the journey, players will unlock spirit skills (azae). There are a total of seven different types of spirit skills to be unlocked, and each changes how the soul interacts with the surrounding world.

TetherGeist features no combat system, power-ups, or skill trees; everything depends entirely on the player's control skills. It is considered quite difficult, requiring patience and precision, but it features frequent checkpoints to reduce frustration.

The game utilizes a pixel art style that is nostalgic yet sophisticated and cute, giving players a gentle, wholesome feeling regarding the story while remaining intense in terms of action. Currently, TetherGeist has a "Very Positive" rating on Steam (approximately 98% positive reviews) and is praised for its smooth and precise controls, creative level design, and excellent music and visuals. Many players compare the experience to the famous game Celeste.

The game is currently available in Standard, Supporter Edition (including an artbook), and Deluxe Edition (which includes the soundtrack and artbook). If you love high-skill platformers with emotional storytelling, this is a choice well worth considering. Remember to use our comparison tool to purchase TetherGeist at the best price!