Foreign Gnomes has done it again with Everhood 2, and let me tell you, diving back into this oddball universe is a trip worth taking. I didn’t see this sequel coming, but now that it’s here, I’m thrilled it exists. Expanding on everything the original Everhood did so well, this game takes its unique charm to a whole new level. Yes, you’ll notice its influences from Undertale are still present, but that’s all part of its quirky charm. Having reviewed the first game on Nintendo Switch back in 2021, I was more than ready to see what new twists awaited in this sequel.
One of the first things to note is that your choices in Everhood 2 will shape your journey in surprising ways. Right from the get-go, you’ll be asked what you most enjoy in games: Story, Battle and Challenges, Unique Experiences, or a bit of Humor. Then you’ll set your challenge level: Story Mode, Easy, Medium, or Hard. Your selection here sets the tone for your entire adventure.
You’ll also face a series of questions—do you talk to every character in a room, for example? Whether you choose Yes, No, or I Don’t Know, prepare yourself for an increasingly personal questionnaire. And yes, your answers determine something as fun as the color of your soul!
Once the game kicks off, you’ll be guiding your character using either the left analog stick or the D-Pad. Interaction is as easy as pressing the A button, and hitting X will open up the menu where you can view your inventory or strategize your next move. Want to switch characters? Tap the L and R buttons. Just like the first game, Everhood 2 is packed with battles, and if you missed out on the original, the combat might take some getting used to.
Here, combat is all about music and rhythm. Each song carries a beat that you need to master in order to outmaneuver attacks and unleash your own strikes. Switching lanes with your analog stick or the D-Pad, jumping with the B button, or absorbing attacks with ZR or A are all part of this rhythm-based ballet. Your counterattacks are launched using ZL or Y.
New in Everhood 2 is the ability to absorb multiple notes by pressing and holding down ZR or A, which increases the potency of your attacks based on the energy you’ve gathered. Just be cautious; if you get hit, all that accumulated energy vanishes. Stick to absorbing the same color notes; different colored notes won’t mix, and barrier notes will block your attacks. Plus, with weapons in play, using L and R lets you pick the best tool for the battle ahead.
An added layer to this sequel is battling enemies on the overworld, reminiscent of the classic Earthbound. Winning these battles nets you experience points you can also find in treasure chests. Leveling up enhances your stats, boosting health and attack power, which is invaluable for tougher challenges. And as your level increases, you’ll unlock new cosmetic options for your character.
You’ll embark on a journey through various realities, aided by Raven, as you seek to unlock your full potential. Slay the dragon to earn your Soul Weapon, and collect Power Gems for upgrades. These gems will enhance your abilities, but upgrades get costlier with time, adding a layer of strategy as you plan your progression.
Costing $20.00, Everhood 2 is launching tomorrow on the Nintendo Switch. It’s a colorful and enriching sequel I didn’t realize I needed. For fans of the first game—and newcomers curious about this enchanting world—it builds beautifully on the charm of its predecessor.
This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of Everhood 2 provided by Foreign Gnomes.
