Foreign Gnomes has returned with Everhood 2, offering us another delightful foray into its whimsical world. Honestly, I was surprised to see a sequel to Everhood, but the moment I dove in, it was clear this is exactly the continuation we all needed. Everhood 2 builds remarkably on its predecessor’s foundation, enhancing and expanding on its captivating elements. Sure, it nods to Undertale, just like the original did, but that’s part of its charm! Having reviewed Everhood on the Nintendo Switch back in 2021, I was eager to get my hands on its follow-up.
One of the key features in Everhood 2 is how your choices shape the game’s outcome. Your first decision involves picking what you most enjoy in games: Story, Battle and Challenges, Unique Experiences, or Funny Stuff. Next up is a question about your preferred challenge level, with options including Story Mode, Easy, Medium, or Hard, determining your difficulty setting.
You’ll also be asked about your habits within the game world, such as whether you talk to every character in a room, with Yes, No, and I Don’t Know as possible answers. This questionnaire might get a tad monotonous, but rest assured, it eventually leads to determining your soul’s color based on your responses.
Once you’re in the game, movement is controlled through the left analog stick or the D-Pad, and interacting with items or characters is done with the A button. The X button accesses your menu to review collected items. Switching between characters is as simple as pressing the L and R buttons. Everhood 2, like its predecessor, is packed with battles, though if you’re new to Everhood, the combat system might initially feel quite unique.
The game features musical battles, requiring you to sync with the rhythm to dodge attacks and find openings to strike back. Move your character between lanes with the left stick or D-Pad, jumping by pressing up or the B button. Attacks can be absorbed with the ZR or A buttons, and retaliated with the ZL or Y buttons.
A new addition allows you to press and hold ZR or A to absorb several notes consecutively, charging skills based on the energy accumulated. Higher energy absorption boosts your attack power, but if hit, you lose all stored energy. Also, colors can’t be mixed, so focus on absorbing single-colored energy for optimal casting. Note the barrier notes that can block attacks, and remember that once weapons are available, cycling through them with the L and R buttons is crucial for success.
This sequel also introduces a nod to games like Earthbound, with enemies roaming the overworld, providing experience points after battles. Treasure chests yield extra experience, and leveling up enhances your stats with more HP and attack power. Leveling also gives you new cosmetics to personalize your character’s appearance.
Now, I didn’t see Everhood 2 coming, but it turns out it’s just the sequel we were missing all along. The game not only stays true to the Undertale-inspired roots of its predecessor but evolves in unexpected ways. Your choices carry weight, influencing the journey’s direction, and you’re a unique being capable of shifting between realities with help from Raven, unlocking your full potential. Your first mission involves slaying a dragon to secure your Soul Weapon. Power Gems are crucial, allowing you to enhance abilities like Armor Break and overall attack damage, though each upgrade costs more than the last.
Everhood 2 is set to release on the Nintendo Switch tomorrow, priced at $20.00.
In conclusion, Everhood 2 is a delightful surprise that offers an adventure we didn’t realize we were missing. It vividly expands upon the quirky universe of its predecessor, cementing its place as a noteworthy and engrossing sequel.
Please note, this review of Everhood was conducted on a Nintendo Switch copy generously provided by Foreign Gnomes.
