Foreign Gnomes’ Everhood 2 is back, inviting players into its whimsical universe once more for another journey. I remember diving into the first Everhood back in 2021 on the Nintendo Switch, and I must admit, I didn’t anticipate a sequel. But here we are, discussing a follow-up that turns out to be delightfully unexpected. Featuring inspirations drawn from Undertale, this game builds on its predecessor’s strengths, introducing expanded mechanics and layers of depth that make it uniquely its own.
Upon starting Everhood 2, you’ll notice the impact of your choices right from the get-go. You’re greeted with questions about your gaming preferences: Do you gravitate towards Story, Battle and Challenges, Unique Experiences, or Funny Stuff? Then, there’s the matter of how you enjoy your in-game challenges: Story Mode, Easy, Medium, or Hard. Your selections here will not only set the difficulty level but will also personalize your gaming experience.
But the questions don’t stop there. They start easy—like whether you chat with every character in a room—but gradually become more personal, shaping your journey’s path. These questions ultimately determine the color of your soul, a tangible in-game manifestation of your choices.
From maneuvering your character with the D-Pad or left stick to interacting via the A button, the controls are intuitive. Press X to access your menu, allowing you to see what items you have and plan your strategy. Switching between characters is as simple as pressing the L and R buttons, and if you’re new, the combat might seem a bit unconventional at first.
In Everhood 2, battles are rhythm-based affairs. Pay attention to the beats and rhythms, as getting these right will help you dodge attacks and deliver damage effectively. Move between lanes with the left stick or D-Pad, and jump with the up button or B button. Absorb attacks with ZR or A, and use ZL or Y to strike back. A new twist lets you hold ZR or A to absorb a sequence of notes, enabling you to unleash powerful moves proportional to the energy you’ve collected.
Note that greed can be your downfall – absorbing mixed-color energy won’t work, and taking a hit means losing your gathered energy. When you have weapons, experiment by cycling with L and R to find the most effective ones for different opponents.
Additionally, fights now spill into the overworld, drawing comparisons to classics like Earthbound. As you vanquish foes, you’ll earn experience points, augmenting your stats and unlocking new visual options for your character. This progression is essential because stronger stats and a customized look make for a personalized journey.
The central narrative of Everhood 2 sees you as a singularly special entity capable of traversing different realities. Teaming up with Raven, you embark on missions to unlock your true potential. The adventure begins with a dragon to defeat, granting you a Soul Weapon. As you gather Power Gems, your arsenal grows stronger. Initial upgrades are affordable, but subsequent enhancements ramp up in cost, adding a layer of strategic resource management.
Everhood 2 arrives on the Nintendo Switch with a price tag of $20.00, inviting players to sink into a familiar yet novel experience. Remember, your choices here play a significant role in your adventure, impacting the final outcome in unexpected ways. Foreign Gnomes has crafted a sequel that’s undeniably charming — a game that we might not have anticipated but one that many are sure to appreciate.
In conclusion, Everhood 2 is an intriguing follow-up that expands the universe of its predecessor in exciting ways. Its charming nods to the genre and affection for rhythm combat make it a must-try for fans old and new.
Disclaimer: This review reflects my take on a Nintendo Switch copy of the game provided by Foreign Gnomes.
