The continuation of the whimsical world created by Foreign Gnomes in Everhood 2 pulls us back for a thrilling new escapade. Dig deeper into my thoughts with this detailed Everhood 2 review!
Returning to the eccentric universe, Everhood 2 delivers a sequel that might just surprise you with its necessity. It picks up where Everhood left off, pushing its boundaries and enhancing everything it touched upon… and more! Indeed, its homage to Undertale is as prominent as ever, but that’s far from a downside. Having scrutinized the original Everhood on the Nintendo console back in 2021, I was eagerly anticipating this latest chapter.
Starting off, one pivotal element in Everhood 2 is the impact of your decisions on the overall narrative. Right from the get-go, you’ll face a straightforward question: What do you value most in games? Your options range from Story, Battle and Challenges, to Unique Experiences, and Funny Stuff. This is followed by another inquiry: How do you want your challenges to be? With choices like Story Mode, Easy, Medium, and Hard, this sets the difficulty level.
Next up, you’ll be asked if you make it a point to converse with every character in a room. Choose from Yes, No, or I Don’t Know. Feeling a bit tiresome, isn’t it? Yes, there are additional questions, but these examples give you a taste of how you’ll be personalizing your adventure. Answer to your heart’s content, as the depth of this questionnaire is up to you. When finished, you’ll learn the hue of your soul.
When you dive into the game, your character navigates the world either with the left analog stick or the D-Pad. Objects and other characters can be interacted with via the A button. When it’s time to review your inventory or get a status update, simply press X to access the menu. Need to switch personas? Press the L and R buttons. Battles, reminiscent of the first game, await you throughout Everhood 2, and if you haven’t experienced Everhood, you might find its unique combat system intriguing.
The battles in Everhood 2 unfold like electrifying musical showdowns. You’ll need to sync with the soundtrack, utilizing the rhythm to dodge attacks and strategically strike. Dodge left and right using the left stick or D-Pad, switch lanes, and jump either with the up direction or B button. Survive the onslaught by using ZR or A to absorb attacks, readying yourself to retaliate with ZL or Y.
This sequel introduces a twist: you can now hold the ZR or A to absorb sequences of notes. This builds up energy that translates into powerful skills. But beware, any hit will deplete your painstakingly gathered energy, so savvy play is key! Likewise, energy colors can’t be mixed, demanding you absorb the same hue to charge your assault. Keep an eye out for barrier notes, as these will obstruct your attacks. Once weapons are in your arsenal, L and R buttons will help you choose the right tool for the task.
Everhood 2 spices things up with encounters against overworld foes, evocative of old favorites like Earthbound. This feature brings experience points into play post-battle, with treasure chests occasionally providing a little extra bonus. Accumulate enough experience and your character levels up, gaining enhanced stats. Each level also offers optional cosmetic upgrades to personalize your journey.
Reenter this quirky universe with Everhood 2 for an adventure that, initially, seemed improbable. Nevertheless, it solidifies its place as the unexpected sequel we’ve come to realize we needed. Expanding and refining what its predecessor offered, it wears its Undertale inspiration boldly. Remember, your decisions will steer the adventure’s outcome.
In your quest, you inhabit a unique being capable of traversing various realities, guided by Raven in unlocking your full potential. The initial endeavor involves vanquishing a dragon to claim your Soul Weapon. Along your path, collect Power Gems to boost your abilities. Enhance your medium cast with Armor Break, then elevate your damage output with subsequent Power Gems, though expect the investment to rise with each upgrade! Everhood 2 is hitting the Nintendo Switch tomorrow, priced at $20.00.
In summary, Everhood 2 emerges as the quirky sequel we never knew we wanted.
Please note: this review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Foreign Gnomes.