[Nintendo Switch] Review of Everhood 2

Foreign Gnomes has brought us back to the wonderfully eccentric world of Everhood with its sequel, Everhood 2. This surprise continuation dives into an adventure we weren’t expecting but find ourselves delightfully engaged with. With its roots firmly planted in the original Everhood, this sequel expands upon its predecessor’s foundation, enhancing every aspect and venturing into new territories. Its nod to Undertale is both clear and charming, an inspiration worn with pride. Having reviewed the initial Everhood back in 2021 on Nintendo’s console, I was eager to dive into this new chapter.

One of the intriguing elements of Everhood 2 is the way your choices influence the game’s outcome. Early on, you’re asked to decide what you cherish most in gaming: Story, Battle and Challenges, Unique Experiences, or Funny Stuff. From there, you determine your challenge level—whether you’re in the mood for a light Story Mode or ready to tackle the Hard setting. As you proceed, you’ll answer questions about your gaming habits, like whether you engage with every character in a room. These inquiries dig deeper, gradually personalizing your journey and ultimately coloring your soul.

Gameplay is intuitive, allowing you to maneuver with the left analog stick or D-Pad, interacting with the world using the A button. Your inventory and stats are just a menu button away with X, and character switching is made simple with the L and R buttons. Combat is a major part of Everhood 2—an evolution that might surprise newcomers with its rhythm-based battles. These musical skirmishes require you to move in tune with the beats, dodging attacks as you seize your moment to strike.

This sequel introduces the ability to absorb multiple notes at once by holding down the ZR or A buttons, fueling your offensive capabilities. Absorb enough, and you’ll unleash powerful attacks, but beware: a single hit can drain your hard-earned energy. It’s crucial to collect energy from like-colored notes to amplify your attacks, while barrier notes will test your timing and precision. Armed with new skills and the option to switch weapons mid-battle, combat feels refreshingly strategic.

An added layer to the game is its overworld battles, reminiscent of classic RPGs like Earthbound. Victory earns you experience points, treasures, and eventually, levels. Each level increase boosts your stats and unlocks new cosmetic options to tweak your appearance—an incentive for players to explore and grow.

Getting back to Everhood’s universe with this sequel was a journey I didn’t know I needed. The game’s way of expanding on its predecessor while maintaining the charm of its inspirations makes for a captivating experience. Your character’s unique ability to traverse dimensions sets the stage for an epic quest aided by Raven, as you gather power gems to increase your prowess. Get ready to unlock your Soul Weapon by conquering formidable foes, as you collect gems that enhance your skills.

Everhood 2 arrives on the Nintendo Switch with a $20 price tag, offering a tantalizing adventure packed with innovative gameplay. For those seeking a sequel that revamps and reignites the magic of the original, this quirky adventure delivers in spades.

Disclaimer: This Everhood review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Foreign Gnomes.