Everhood 2’s sequel by Foreign Gnomes catapults us back into its delightfully strange universe, presenting a fresh journey that’s both unexpected and compelling. Initially, I didn’t foresee Everhood 2 appearing on the horizon, yet here it is, proving to be the follow-up we didn’t even know we craved. This game not only stands firmly on the shoulders of its predecessor, but it also manages to push beyond its limits, improving and expanding in every conceivable way. It proudly nods to its Undertale inspiration, much like the first installment did, and that’s a wonderful thing! Having had the opportunity to delve into the original Everhood on Nintendo’s platform back in 2021, I was eager to explore what this sequel had to offer.
As you dive into Everhood 2, keep in mind that decisions here impact your adventure’s trajectory. Right from the outset, the game throws a question your way: What do you value most in games? With options like Story, Battle and Challenges, Unique Experiences, and Funny Stuff, the choice is yours. It doesn’t end there. You’re also asked about your preferred challenge level, ranging from Story Mode to Hard, setting your difficulty right from the get-go.
There’s also a quirky questionnaire that asks if you chat with every character in a room, offering answers like Yes, No, and I Don’t Know. Although it seems mundane at a glance, the questionnaire gets intriguingly personal as it progresses, allowing you to determine your soul’s color based on your choices.
Once you’re all set, controlling your character is a breeze. Use the left analog stick or D-Pad to move, the A button for interactions, and browse through your collected items by hitting the X button. Combat might surprise newcomers, especially if you haven’t experienced the original. It features musical battles, where syncing up with the rhythm is key to dodging attacks and finding openings to strike back.
In this musical maze, you switch lanes with ease and attack by mastering rhythm—dodging takes precedence over brute force. Absorb attacks with ZR or A, and respond in kind with ZL or Y. A neat trick new to this installment is holding ZR or A to absorb multiple energy notes, charging your attack strength inventively.
With the sequel, tactical depth is enhanced with abilities to gain from your collection of energy, but beware—getting hit means losing all accumulated energy. Your success depends on matching energy note colors diligently, avoiding clashes that offset your attack.
In Everhood 2, you’re not just contending with foes in battle arenas—you’ll now encounter enemies around the overworld similar to the style of Earthbound, earning experience points to level up from victories and treasures. Progressing through levels means beefing up stats, unlocking new character cosmetics, and preparing for more intense combats ahead.
This sequel not only resurrects the charming strangeness we loved but also introduces a plot twist where you, as a uniquely powerful entity, explore varied realms. As Raven aids you on this quest, you’ll vanquish dragons, uncover Soul Weapons, and utilize Power Gems to upgrade abilities, such as Armor Break and increased damage as you progress—though these upgrades will become more taxing on resources as you push forward.
Everhood 2 arrives tomorrow for the Nintendo Switch, priced at $20.00, serving a spellbinding blend of narrative choices and musical adventures. Prepare for an engrossing journey that’s as unpredictable as it is entertaining.
This review of Everhood 2 is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Foreign Gnomes.
