Do you keep replaying The Thousand-Year Door? If so, your prayers are finally answered. However, Nintendo did not make this game.
Escape From Ever After is a delightful RPG. It looks just like Paper Mario. In fact, it wears its inspiration openly. Sleepy Castle Studio developed this game. It riffs on classic fairy tales. But, it adds a corporate twist.
Here is our review of this funny adventure. It is charming, although sometimes frustrating. It might be the best Paper Mario clone yet.
The Premise: Fairytales vs. Corporate Greed
The story follows a classic hero named Flynt Buckler. Also, he joins a dragon named Tinder.
They do not fight each other. Instead, they must team up. They fight Ever After Inc. This real-life corporation buys storybooks. Then, it mines them for resources.
- The Vibe: It is funny and charming. Additionally, it is packed with jokes about old tropes.
- The World: You travel between different books. For example, you visit a bird-filled city. Later, you see a dispute with the Three Little Pigs.
Gameplay: A Familiar Fold
If you played a Paper Mario game, you will feel right at home.
- Combat: The battles are turn-based. Therefore, timing is everything. You press buttons in sync with attacks. As a result, you deal more damage or block hits. It is engaging. Moreover, you must use specific party members. For instance, you should use fire against wooden shields.
- Exploration: The paper style is gorgeous. Plus, the world is filled with puzzles. You must use your friends’ skills. For example, you can turn Flynt into a seal to swim.
The Highs and Lows
The Good:
- Visuals & Sound: The game looks great. It has a strong paper style. Additionally, it features a jazzy soundtrack. This keeps the energy high.
- Charm: The characters are likeable misfits. Furthermore, the writing is very entertaining.
The Bad:
- Missed Potential: However, the game misses some chances. Some levels feel shallow.
- The Water Level: Unfortunately, there is a boring ocean chapter. It drags on far too long. It traps you in filler fights. Consequently, this hurts the game’s pacing.
The Verdict: 4/5
Escape From Ever After doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, it builds a nice paper replica of it.
It has a few pacing issues. Also, it doesn’t push the story far enough. Despite this, it is an enjoyable 10-20 hour romp. Ultimately, it is a love letter to the genre. It proves you don’t need the Mario license to capture the magic.
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