Foreign Gnomes have once again invited us into their whimsical world with Everhood 2, a sequel that wasn’t anticipated but pleasantly welcomed. The game builds on the charm of its predecessor, integrating elements from popular indie gems like Undertale while adding its unique flair, making it a noteworthy continuation that enhances what fans loved about Everhood.
When you dive into Everhood 2, one of the first things you’ll notice is how much your choices shape your journey. You’re prompted to answer a series of questions—what do you love in games: Story, Battles and Challenges, Unique Experiences, or Humor? Then, you’ll select your difficulty level: Story Mode, Easy, Medium, or Hard, which sets the tone for your adventure right from the start.
There’s also a question about whether you chat with every character in sight, digging deeper into how you engage with your virtual surroundings. The game’s questionnaire can be quite the saga on its own, guiding you to discover the coloration of your soul, which, let’s just say, is a nice touch of personalization.
As you get started, the controls will feel familiar to anyone who’s tackled the first game. Moving around is straightforward with the left stick or D-pad, while interactions are a button press away. Battles are back with the musical flair that made Everhood stand out, requiring you to find your rhythm as you dodge and retaliate to the beat. Mastering the controls, toggling between characters with the L and R buttons, and timing your moves can be a real rush.
In this new installment, the battles have evolved. You can now absorb multiple notes to unleash potent attacks, depending on the energy you’ve mustered. But watch out—if you’re hit, your accumulated energy vanishes, forcing strategic thinking about when to strike. It becomes a careful dance of timing and efficiency.
One of the neat additions is the experience and leveling system, reminiscent of classic RPGs. Defeating foes and finding treasures nets you experience points, which in turn level you up, boosting stats like health and attack power. Plus, leveling unlocks cosmetic options, giving you a chance to personalize your character as they become stronger.
Your journey through Everhood 2 will also involve crossing different realities, guided by Raven, as you unlock your true potential. The narrative skillfully winds through fantastical scenarios such as dragon slaying and collecting Power Gems, revealing an enticing gameplay loop as you build up your abilities.
Everhood 2 is set to expand the horizons of those who appreciated the original’s quirky charm, adding layers of complexity and appeal. Launching on the Nintendo Switch with a $20 price tag, it promises to deliver more than just a déjà vu experience—it’s an exciting new trip that fans of the original and newcomers alike should consider embarking on.
Worth mentioning, this review of Everhood 2 was made possible through a review copy provided by the developers, Foreign Gnomes.
