Foreign Gnomes has once again whisked us away to their distinctive world with the release of Everhood 2. It’s honestly a pleasant surprise to see this sequel, a follow-up we didn’t even realize we were yearning for. Building on what made the original so charming, Everhood 2 not only revisits the magic but also elevates it, drawing heavily yet effectively from its Undertale roots.
Reflecting on my time with the original Everhood on Nintendo’s console back in 2021, I was more than ready to dive into its successor. And right off the bat, Everhood 2 sets the stage for an adventure colored by the choices you make. It kicks off by asking players to answer some interesting questions which impact your adventure’s outcome. The first of which is determining what you enjoy most in games: Story, Battle and Challenges, Unique Experiences, or Funny Stuff. Following that, you establish your preferred challenge with options like Story Mode, Easy, Medium, and Hard. Then, you’re hit with another question about the extent of character interaction you prefer, offering insights into how immersive the experience can get.
As you step into this captivating world, you control your character with ease, using either the left stick or the D-Pad for movement. Interacting with your surroundings is as simple as pressing the A button, while the X button opens up your menu for inventory management. Switching characters is straightforward with the L and R buttons. What truly sets Everhood 2 apart, though, is its battle system, a delightful mix of rhythm and strategy. You’ll groove to the in-game music, moving left or right to dodge attacks while seeking the perfect moment to strike back. The controls for combat—jumping with the B button and using ZR and ZL for absorbing and launching attacks—introduce a fresh layer of rhythm-based fun.
This sequel introduces new mechanics as well. You can now hold the ZR or A buttons to absorb multiple notes in succession, increasing your attack’s potency based on the energy absorbed. However, a hit resets your energy, so timing and precision become key. Each battle you engage in contributes to your experience, allowing you to level up your character and enhance your stats. Additional perks, like unlocking new cosmetics, add another dimension to customization.
In a nod to classics like Earthbound, Everhood 2 lets you roam and combat enemies wandering the overworld, gaining valuable experience points along the way, sometimes even from treasure chests. Leveling up not only enhances your HP and attack but also brings delightful cosmetic upgrades for personalizing your character.
Beyond the gameplay lies a narrative that positions you as a unique traveler across realities. Guided by Raven, your quest involves slaying a dragon to obtain your Soul Weapon and collecting Power Gems for enhancements. Upgrades like Armor Break are just the beginning, though subsequent ones will require more investment.
As Everhood 2 makes its debut on the Nintendo Switch, priced at $20, it offers a fresh blend of whimsical storytelling and innovative gameplay. It’s clear that this quirky sequel packs charm and complexity we didn’t know we were missing until now.
Disclaimer: A Nintendo Switch copy of Everhood 2 was provided by Foreign Gnomes for the purpose of this review.
