Foreign Gnomes has swung open the mystical portal once more with the release of Everhood 2, plunging us back into its whimsical world for a fresh adventure. If you hadn’t guessed, Everhood 2 was a surprise even for this veteran game reviewer, but as it turns out, it’s the sequel we never knew we needed. Building on the original Everhood’s illustrious groundwork, this installment not only matches but surpasses what came before in many exciting ways. Yes, it proudly dons its Undertale influences, much like its predecessor. Having experienced the first game on Nintendo’s console in 2021, I was eager to dive back into this universe.
Before embarking on your adventure, there’s something crucial to remember: the decisions you make in Everhood 2 will resonate throughout your journey. At the start, you’re faced with a simple but meaningful question: What do you enjoy most in games? Options range from Story to Battle and Challenges, Unique Experiences, and Funny Stuff. Another key question follows: How do you like your challenges? Depending on your answer—Story Mode, Easy, Medium, or Hard—you’ll set up the game’s difficulty.
Next, you’ll be asked if you chat with every character in a room. Whether you pick Yes, No, or I Don’t Know, these questions hint at how the game unfolds. You might even find them getting a touch personal as they progress. Once you finish, the game will determine the color of your soul based on your responses.
Now, let’s get into the nuts and bolts. You control your avatar with either the left analog stick or the D-Pad. Interaction with characters or items is as simple as tapping the A button, and pressing X opens your menu to review your inventory and strategize. Switching characters is done with L and R buttons, a familiar mechanic from the first game, which featured combat aplenty, and Everhood 2 doesn’t shy away from this tradition. For newcomers to the series, be prepared: this isn’t your standard fighting system.
Combat in Everhood 2 is rhythm-based, requiring you to groove with the music to evade attacks and seize the perfect moment to strike back. Your character will zip left and right using the D-Pad or left analog stick, transitioning from one lane to another. A jump can be executed with the up button or by pressing B, while absorbing attacks and launching your own is handled with ZR/A and ZL/Y, respectively.
The sequel introduces the ability to absorb multiple notes in one go by holding down the ZR or A buttons, unleashing more powerful skills as you gather energy. Just be cautious: take a hit, and you lose all accrued energy. Energy absorption also depends on color matching—mixing won’t boost your potential. Keep an eye out for those tricky barrier notes blocking attacks. When you gain access to weapons, alternate between them using the L and R buttons to tackle different foes.
In a nod to classics like Earthbound, you’ll now confront enemies in the overworld, earning you experience points after each victory. Treasure chests also contribute to your XP. Once you level up, expect enhancements to your HP and attack power—crucial for your progress. Leveling up also unlocks cosmetic upgrades for your character, allowing you to personalize your journey.
Everhood 2 plunges us back into this peculiar universe, offering an adventure brimming with quirky charm. I must admit, the surprise announcement of this sequel caught me off guard, but it’s a delight that enriches and expands the original’s foundation. Like its predecessor, it wears its Undertale influence proudly, but that’s far from a downside. Your choices will significantly sway your journey’s outcome, so think carefully!
You’re cast as a unique entity capable of slipping between realities, guided by Raven to unlock your potential. Your journey begins with a dragon slaying to secure your Soul Weapon. As you gather Power Gems, upgrade your capabilities, starting with the Armor Break for medium casts. Additional Power Gems amplify your attack damage, though subsequent upgrades become increasingly dear. Priced at $20, Everhood 2 lands on the Nintendo Switch tomorrow.
To conclude, Everhood 2 surprises and entertains with its quirky universe and inventive gameplay mechanics—it truly is a game worthy of your time and attention. For those curious, my review was based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Foreign Gnomes.
