Okay, so picture this: Two years ago, I’m at PAX West 2023, right? Just roaming around, trying not to trip over my own feet, and then I stumble on this game — Everdeep Aurora. I have to admit, it totally got me with its chill vibes. No bad guys, just puzzles and exploring. It was like, “What is this serene little slice of escapism?” I walked away intrigued — more like hooked, honestly. So, yeah, I grabbed the chance to dive deeper for a review ASAP.
Alright, so here’s the deal with Everdeep Aurora: it starts off simple. You’re this kitten, Shell, and guess what? You’re looking for your mom. (Classic tale, right?) But it’s a bit more dramatic ‘cause a meteor shower’s tearing up the surface, and things go subterranean. You’ve got this basic drill and an itch to find mom. But man, it gets deep — literally and metaphorically.
You meet these quirky characters down there. Like, there’s a girl hunting for her lost dog, a frog trying to patch things up with his daughter, and don’t even get me started on the shady snake always looking for a quick buck. Navigating all their stories is key — solving their issues helps level up Shell with better gear. Basically, being nice pays off. Who would’ve thought, right?
Here’s a twist: you’re going deeper, and the puzzles and interactions are the selling point. So much so, I was like, “Whoa, is this life advice sneaking in through a kitten’s journey?” Whatever. Got distracted.
Still, I couldn’t shake off some frustration. The darn game doesn’t give you any waypoint markers. It’s like they expect us all to be memory champs! I kept losing my way. If only it had some radar thing. But nope, just you and your possibly faulty memory. And the frame rate on the Switch… not great. Not sure why, but I expect games like this to run smooth, even on a toaster.
But let’s talk about what’s cool. There’s this retro charm — like cutscenes and mini-games tossed in. It’s kinda fun despite the chaotic sense of direction. And, oh, the sound — stellar tunes! It’s like a soothing balm while you’re lost underground, questioning life choices.
So, here’s where it gets tricky. To love or not to love? It’s a mixed bag, you see. On one hand, there’s no combat, which feels refreshing. Just you and some exploration. Music’s a win, graphics are sweet. But it’s this lack of direction that’s a setback. I kept imagining how a few guideposts would’ve made it shine. As is? Well, depends if you dig wandering around figuring out if it’s existential or just you being lost in a game.
To sum it all up, chill exploration with a side of confusion. Sound fun? Maybe. But bring your sense of adventure (and patience).
