Everdeep Aurora review: A gorgeous, cozy, dark fantasy adventure

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As I find myself in a chilling subterranean realm, it’s not just the scenery that’s changed – it’s the rules of the game too! In Everdeep Aurora, my debut adventure by Nautilus Games, we’ve traded sunny skies for shadowy depths. But don’t let the gloom fool you; this game is more inviting than a warm hearth on a cold night.

I’m a small, brave kitten on a mission to find my lost mother, guided by my trusty amphibian friend Ribbert the Frog. He’s equipped me with a drill that opens up this grid-like underworld for exploration. It’s like playing a 2D platformer, but this time, I’m the one shaping the challenges!

But don’t fret if you find yourself stumped – just holler for Ribbert, and he’ll swoop in to whisk me back to our campsite. It’s a game of exploration, discovery, and friendship, all wrapped up in a dark yet cozy package.

In recent games, Everdeep Aurora showcases breathtakingly beautiful pixel art and color work. Each area has a distinct palette that shifts when you enter a new one, sometimes serving as a hint for discoveries yet to come. The pixel art used for NPCs is exceptional, making many of the characters stand out among the most iconic designs in any game.

In the first few days diving into Everdeep Aurora, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying myself. There were instances when I found myself puzzled or uncertain about what steps to take next, but those moments didn’t dampen my overall experience significantly. This game is perfect for unwinding, slipping on a pair of headphones, and leisurely completing it within a few short hours. Now, let’s delve deeper into the world of Everdeep Aurora.

Delightful Designs

Among the initial captivating aspects of “Everdeep Aurora” that drew me in was the intricate character design. Each Non-Player Character (NPC) is an animal, and their designs span from charmingly straightforward, like Ribbert and the gang of youngsters called the Lost Ones, to exceptionally detailed, such as a storytelling owl, an imposing bat, and a cobra shopkeeper. The visuals, coupled with the dialogue that frequently employs color and animations to underscore emphasis and mood, made me eager to encounter every new character in this game. However, the impressive artwork doesn’t end there; it extends to the environment design as well, creating a rich and immersive world that keeps me engaged and excited to explore further.

In the realm of Everdeep lies a captivating universe. It mirrors surface landscapes with places like gardens, waterfalls, and taverns scattered across it. However, hidden within this map are numerous dungeon entrances. Each distinct setting presents unique characteristics; the music and color scheme shift when the player nears, yet even without these signals, each location maintains its individuality.

Ultimately, I must acknowledge Everdeep Aurora‘s innovative approach towards screen utilization in games. Unlike many titles that fill the entire screen for a singular purpose, this game features margins on both sides of the screen. This distinctive layout not only provides an exclusive aesthetic to the hub but also constrains the vertical range of the game, enhancing the sense of digging as you won’t be able to see too far to your left or right, much like actual mining. The margins are not empty spaces; the right side displays a helpful mini-map, while the left serves as an inventory screen. You seldom need to access menus since all necessary information is displayed simultaneously on the screen.

Precarious Platforming

One of the most insightful moments in the game Everdeep Aurora occurs when you must ascend again. Initially, it might seem like the game’s primary goal is to dig deeper and deeper, but as you progress, you encounter several obstacles that can only be overcome by upgrading your drill first. The blacksmith goat, who offers these upgrades, is located near the surface, so you’ll have to retrace your steps at least once. This is when you understand that navigating your way back up the intricate, winding path you carved through the stone is just as important. From then on, every time you descend further, you also start considering how to make your subsequent ascent easier. However, there’s no rush. If you find yourself in a tight spot, you can always escape via Ribbert, so the only thing you might lose is some time.

In your gaming adventure, the charge of your drill is adjustable and can be enhanced over time. This upgrade often makes exploring new dungeons beneficial. Even when the drill runs out of power, it’s still usable for digging albeit at a slower pace. As you advance through the game, you’ll acquire improved jumping abilities. Initially, you’ll obtain an item enabling wall jumps, and later on, you’ll discover more advanced tools for traversal. This incorporates aspects reminiscent of Metroidvania games, encouraging you to revisit earlier dungeons to unlock areas that were previously inaccessible due to lack of skills or abilities.

In addition to the main storyline, there are several engaging mini-games hidden throughout Everdeep. One such game is a dice challenge with an unforeseen twist against the cobra shopkeeper – I must admit, it took me multiple attempts to crack its secret. Another game is a claw machine located within the same store, offering cosmetic items and valuable treasures. Fortunately, this one wasn’t as difficult to master. There’s always something exciting to discover as you delve deeper into Everdeep.

PROS:

  1. Incredible character designs and sprites;
  2. stunning environments and art style;
  3. you can unintentionally give yourself a platforming challenge when backtracking.

CONS:

  1. There were a few times I lost track of what to do next;
  2. not all locations are marked on the map, so backtracking can get tedious.

Getting Lost

In essence, Everdeep Aurora is largely praiseworthy, offering an enjoyable overall experience. Yet, I must admit, it’s not without its flaws. For one, the game isn’t particularly lengthy; you can complete it in about four hours if you’re speeding through, or six hours if you prefer a leisurely pace. During this playtime, I encountered a handful of instances where I found myself momentarily unsure of my next move, which led to brief pauses in gameplay. However, these challenges were eventually conquered, but they did prompt me to pause the game and take a breather on occasion.

These game moments significantly influence certain players. Although I usually strive to finish a game before its review period ends, I prefer to approach gaming patiently, giving the narrative and mechanics ample time to develop. However, certain aspects can challenge this patience. Occasionally, I might get lost or misinterpret future abilities. In such cases, I often have to retrace my steps to locate previous areas. Not everything is marked on the mini-map, so it’s helpful to take screenshots as references or keep a notepad handy to jot down locations and story details, especially for those who might get annoyed easily.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, Everdeep Aurora is an outstanding game. Flipping through screenshots while preparing this review left me in no doubt about that. There were numerous instances where I felt compelled to snap a shot, thinking to myself, “This view is stunning” or “This non-player character is captivating.” The game’s diverse color palette transformed my Switch’s gallery into a vibrant tapestry. One scene that stands out in my mind is the blacksmith goat, another is the shopkeeper cobra, and still another is the storytelling owl – among many other memorable characters. But what really sticks with me are iconic locations like the yellow-pink mansion gate, the lively tavern filled with music notes, the eerie bat lair, and the tranquil blue home of a fisherman otter named Otto.

Despite some reservations about certain aspects of gameplay, I find myself captivated by the joy of crafting my own journey through the Everdeep. It’s possible that some of the confusing moments when I found myself lost might have been partly due to my own navigation mistakes. The addition of unlockable abilities provides a satisfying feeling of advancement, and the thrill of unearthing a new dungeon door never fades. Furthermore, although I haven’t had a chance to uncover them all yet, I understand that Everdeep Aurora offers multiple endings.

Spending time in Everdeep Aurora was simply unforgettable! It’s a captivating tale brimming with unique characters and breathtaking landscapes. The gameplay may test your skills, but it’s usually understanding and offers you a helping hand when needed, almost always. With just a handful of minor issues, Everdeep Aurora is definitely one of my top picks for the best indie games this year.

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2025-07-09 19:02