The Nintendo Indie Showcase has become somewhat of a golden grail for indie developers working on titles for the Nintendo Switch. Evergate was a standout title for its engrossing art/level design, unique mechanics, and cute AF protagonist.
Developers Stone Lantern Games and Publisher P Qube have created a unique platformer that borrows themes and iconography from other hit platformers such as the Ori series.
Have I Evergate?
Players will kick things off by reviving a spirit called Ki. The merchandise wet dream that is Ki takes players on a journey back to Earth via spirit gates, which all need powering up before using.
Each chapter has several challenging levels that are navigated by using bursts of ‘Essence’. Whilst I give readers a chance to wash out their filthy minds, let’s dive into Evergates’ gameplay.
Essence also comes in crystallized form to help players navigate Ki’s playspace. Players use a shoulder button to bring up a trajectory line, this is used to aim at crystals. Crystals can help players create platforms, boost jumps, change trajectory, and more. Ki’s spirit powers are upgraded as the story progresses too, players can experience this for themselves in Evergate.
Stupid, Fat Essences…
The control layout and precision are both spot-on, with all buttons available in good form. The bullet time slow down effect when aiming really stood out as a solid gameplay mechanic. Evergate is very much a puzzler that forces players to react instinctively, so it’s great to see gameplay mechanics take a neutral approach.
Evergate is somewhat forgiving with its restart option, which falls in line with other puzzlers. In what looks like an attempt to distance itself from the Ori franchise, Evergate forgoes checkpoints in order to raise the stakes for a perfect run.
A Graveyard Smash?
The game does have a story mode that is blatantly ethereal in nature with links to eastern culture in a generalized manner. Whilst players won’t be presented with an intricate and breathtaking narrative, but it’s enough to hold the ambience of Evergate together. The stoic nature of the NPC text and backdrops further add to the mystique of another realm.
Evergates OST is soothing yet engrossing. It sets up a perfect counterweight to frustrated gamers having to restart levels due to one misstep (this happens a lot). Not to mention the epic full orchestral pieces that match the gravitas of Kis task.
The sound effects are all in check and fit the title nicely also, making essence actions and other manoeuvres believable.
Enthusiastic puzzler/platformer fans will find Evergate an addictive yet infuriating journey that keeps its heart and mechanics in check from start to finish. It’s obvious why Evergate was the focus of a Nintendo Indie Showcase.
What are your thoughts on games taking inspiration from well known titles? Or do you feel this is a feature in most games as standard? Let us know your thoughts!
