Review: Everdeep Aurora for Switch

Oh wow, thinking back, it’s like PAX West 2023 was just yesterday—though it definitely wasn’t. Honestly, I remember stumbling upon Everdeep Aurora, kinda by accident. No epic battles, just pure chill. Odd, right? But the intrigue stuck with me, so when I finally got my chance to dive deep (pun intended) and review it, I couldn’t resist.

Picture this: you’re playing as Shell, a kitten on a pretty wild quest to find Mom. All while, mind you, meteors go crazy outside. The underground becomes your stomping ground—or drilling ground, maybe, since you’re digging deeper and deeper to reunite. Yeah, sounds straightforward at first. But once you start meeting these quirky characters—like a dog-less girl or a frog with family drama—it’s like a soap opera underground. Each story, more tangled than my earbuds after they’ve been in my pocket.

And honestly, this game is all about the exploring. You end up hoarding an absurd amount of stuff: fancy hats, mysterious documents, shiny gems to keep your drill alive—it’s like a Game Boy fever dream. You even get swept into random mini-games and retro scenes. It’s like a grab bag of nostalgic surprises, and before you know it, there are multiple endings to uncover. Endless paths! Pure joy.

However, and here’s the kicker, despite all those explorative highs, frustration lurks. No waypoint markers—not even one! You’re left to wander and wonder. And without a quest log? It’s a memory game nightmare. “Where’s that otter again?” or “Who needs this random trinket?” Your brain’s doing logistical gymnastics. And, ugh, on the Switch? That jitter, even if tiny, feels like a sneeze that just won’t happen. It’s like… come on!

So, should you complete this journey? That’s the million-dollar question. The music pumps you up; the graphics make your eyes smile; the no-combat style feels refreshing. But all that magic comes with dizziness from endless meandering. A couple of guideposts could’ve been game-changers. Now? Whether it’s worth it, well, depends how zen you feel when lost.

Everdeep Aurora, a journey with chill vibes, but leave your expectations at the door—or maybe don’t!?