Foreign Gnomes has once again invited us into their offbeat universe with Everhood 2, an unexpected sequel that’s both refreshing and intriguing. This new adventure builds enthusiastically on Everhood’s original charm, taking familiar elements and enhancing them in delightful ways. The nods to Undertale are unmistakable, yet they enrich rather than overshadow what makes Everhood 2 stand out. Having reviewed Everhood back in 2021 on the Nintendo console, I was eager to explore what this sequel had in store.
As you dive into Everhood 2, be prepared for the decisions you make to shape your gaming experience. Right from the start, you’re asked what excites you most about games: is it the story, the battles, unique experiences, or perhaps a touch of humor? Plus, the game tailors its difficulty to your preference, offering modes ranging from Story Mode to Hard. And don’t think for a second that this is where the customization stops—these early questions get more personal as you progress, ultimately revealing the color of your soul.
Navigating this vibrant world is intuitive, using either the left analog stick or D-Pad to move your character, and interacting with the A button. The menu, accessed with the X button, conveniently displays your collected items. Switching characters is a breeze with the L and R buttons. If you’re not familiar with the first game, the musical battles might surprise you. You’ll need to sync with the music to dodge and attack effectively. Movement occurs in lanes, and mastering jumps, absorbing attacks, and timing your counterattacks are essential for victory.
One of the great additions to Everhood 2 is the ability to hold the ZR or A buttons and absorb multiple notes, which builds up your energy for stronger attacks. But be cautious—getting hit means losing all accumulated energy. You’ll need to absorb the same color notes to maximize your attacks and be wary of barrier notes that obstruct your moves. Once equipped with weapons, switching them during combat with the L and R buttons can give you the edge you need.
Everhood 2 doesn’t just stop at musical combat; it incorporates RPG elements reminiscent of classics like Earthbound, with battles against overworld enemies yielding experience points. Treasure chests offer extra experience, and leveling up boosts your stats and grants new character cosmetics.
As the story unfolds, your character—capable of traversing realities—will team up with Raven to unlock their potential. One of your first tasks is to defeat a dragon to claim your Soul Weapon. Gathering Power Gems allows you to enhance your abilities, though each upgrade becomes progressively pricier. Excitingly, Everhood 2 is available tomorrow for the Nintendo Switch, priced at $20.
In conclusion, Everhood 2 reintroduces us to a beloved, peculiar world, evolving the thrilling aspects of its predecessor while staying true to its unique style. Engaging, thought-driven choices personalize your adventure, ensuring that each playthrough feels special. It truly is the sequel we didn’t realize we were waiting for.
A special note: This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Foreign Gnomes.
