Review: Everhood 2 for Nintendo Switch

Foreign Gnomes has once again welcomed us into their whimsical universe with Everhood 2, a game that effortlessly captures the spirit of its predecessor while offering fresh surprises. I must admit, I wasn’t on the lookout for an Everhood sequel, yet here I am, eager to tell you why this might just be the sequel we never knew we needed. Building upon the original’s foundation, this new installment enhances everything good about Everhood and then goes beyond expectations. It’s clear the game is inspired by Undertale, much like its predecessor, and it wears this influence proudly. I had previously explored Everhood on the Nintendo Switch back in 2021, so diving into this sequel was an exciting prospect.

The game starts off with choices that significantly affect your journey. First off, you need to decide what you enjoy most about games, selecting from options like Story, Battle and Challenges, Unique Experiences, or Funny Stuff. Right after that, you’re asked how you prefer your challenges, ranging from Story Mode to Hard. Naturally, this step sets the difficulty level of your experience.

The questions continue, including whether you communicate with every character in a room, with simple answers like Yes, No, or I Don’t Know. While these questions may seem tedious initially, they gradually become more personal. You can engage with this questionnaire as deeply as you like, and upon completion, it determines the color of your soul.

Jumping into the gameplay, you’ll maneuver your character using either the left analog stick or the D-Pad, utilizing the A button for interactions. Your inventory is accessible by pressing the X button, where you can check your findings. To switch characters, you’ll use the L and R buttons. Battle fans will find plenty to enjoy here, with Everhood 2 retaining the rhythm-based combat system of its predecessor. If you’re new to the series, the musical battles might surprise you at first.

Engaging in combat, you’ll need to tune into each song’s rhythm to dodge attacks and find opportunities to strike back. Navigating left and right with the analog stick or D-Pad, and jumping with either the up or B button, keeps the action fluid. You’ll also find yourself absorbing attacks by using the ZR or A buttons, and retaliating with the ZL or Y buttons.

This sequel introduces a new mechanic to absorb consecutive notes by holding down the ZR or A buttons. The more energy you gather, the more powerful your attacks become. Beware of getting hit, though, as that will deplete your accumulated energy. It’s crucial to manage the type of energy you absorb, as mixing different colors won’t boost your abilities. Barrier notes are also a tactical element here, blocking attacks, so be sure to strategize. Switching weapons when available is as simple as pressing the L and R buttons to find the right fit for the battle at hand.

In a nod to classic games like Earthbound, Everhood 2 also lets you engage enemies in the overworld and rewards you with experience points post-battle. Additional experience points can be found in treasure chests. As you level up, your stats improve, increasing your HP and attack power and unlocking cosmetic options for character customization.

Back in this quirky universe, Everhood 2 feels like a delightful extension we never anticipated. It continues to draw from its Undertale inspirations and adds further depth, allowing player choices to shape their adventure. You embody a unique being capable of traversing different realms, guided by Raven to unlock your potential. Initially tasked with defeating a dragon to obtain your Soul Weapon, you’ll collect Power Gems to enhance your abilities. Spending these on upgrades like Armor Break makes a notable difference, and each subsequent upgrade requires more investment.

For those eager to explore this vibrant realm, Everhood 2 becomes available tomorrow on the Nintendo Switch, priced at $20.00. It’s an adventure that promises to satisfy both old fans and newcomers to the series alike.

(Disclaimer: This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of Everhood 2 provided by Foreign Gnomes.)