Foreign Gnomes has done it again, bringing us back to the whimsical world of Everhood with the much-anticipated Everhood 2. This sequel takes everything we loved about the original and expands it in thrilling new directions, enhancing what was already a standout experience. If you, like me, were surprised by the announcement of a follow-up, let me assure you: this is the sequel we didn’t know we needed.
Drawing clear inspiration from the likes of Undertale, Everhood 2 wears its influences proudly. Back in 2021, I had the pleasure of delving into the first installment on the Nintendo Switch, and the memories of that experience had me eagerly anticipating the journey that lay ahead in this new chapter.
One of the game’s standout features is its impactful decision-making process. Right from the start, you’re asked to define your gaming preferences with questions like, “What do you enjoy most in games?” Do you lean towards Story, Challenges, Unique Experiences, or are you all about the laughs with Funny Stuff? Your answers don’t just disappear into the ether; they actively shape the difficulty and feel of your adventure. Expect things to get personal as the game probes further, eventually assigning you a soul’s color based on your responses.
As you kick off your quest, familiar controls greet you: move your character with the left stick or D-Pad, use the A button for interaction, and manage your inventory with the X button. Switching characters is just a press of the L and R buttons away. If you’re new to Everhood, get ready for battles that might initially catch you off guard. They unfold in a musical rhythm game style where you must dodge attacks and strike back in time with the beat. Movement is key, as you dance across lanes and leap over obstacles, with the B button giving you a timely jump when needed.
But Everhood 2 doesn’t just stop at familiar mechanics; it introduces new gameplay layers. Absorbing the notes thrown your way becomes crucial for building energy and executing devastating attacks. With the press down of ZR or A, you can soak up multiple notes, each one filling your power meter and amplifying your attacks. Just be careful—taking a hit drains all your hard-earned energy! As you progress, weapon switching adds even more strategic depth, allowing you to tailor your approach to each battle’s unique demands.
In a charming nod to classics like Earthbound, you’ll find yourself squaring off against foes visible in the overworld, earning experience and treasure chests to boost your stats and unlock new character cosmetics. This RPG twist adds satisfying depth to the game’s structure.
In Everhood 2, you have the power to traverse realities, guided by Raven, as you strive to unlock your full potential. Your adventure will take you face-to-face with a dragon, aiming to secure your Soul Weapon, while Power Gems offer tantalizing upgrades. Be prepared, though, as each new enhancement comes at a steeper cost.
Everhood 2 is set to drop on Nintendo Switch tomorrow, priced at $20—a small price for an adventure that combines charm, challenge, and creativity in equal measure. It’s a whimsical sequel that exceeds expectations and is sure to delight fans old and new alike.
This assessment of Everhood 2 is courtesy of a review copy provided by Foreign Gnomes.
