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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The post Escape From Ever After Review: The Best ‘Paper Mario’ Game Not Made by Nintendo? appeared first on GamingGear 360.

Right now, the PS5 Slim is the console I find easiest to recommend to most people. It balances power, price, and an exceptional library of exclusive games. But there’s a lot to consider, from handheld options to premium 4K powerhouses. Let’s break down the best consoles you can buy this year, so you can find the one that fits your life—and your budget.

The Quick List

Best Overall: PS5 Slim

A fantastic 4K console that has rightly outsold the Xbox Series X this generation, largely thanks to its world-class PlayStation exclusives. The redesigned Slim model is quieter, more energy-efficient, and easier to fit into your living room setup.

Product Highlights:

• 1TB ultra-fast SSD for lightning-quick load times
• Stunning 4K visuals with HDR support
• New compact chassis design
• DualSense controller with immersive haptics and adaptive triggers
• Backward compatibility with most PS4 games

Best Budget: Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S is perfect if you’re watching your spending but still want to dive into next-gen gaming. Sure, it’s less powerful, but it delivers a surprisingly smooth experience at 1440p and pairs beautifully with Game Pass.

Product Highlights:

• 512GB SSD (expandable storage supported)
• Digital-only, no disc drive
• Supports up to 120fps in select games
• Quick Resume feature to jump between titles instantly
• Compact, understated design that fits anywhere

Best Premium: PS5 Pro

Sony’s flagship for enthusiasts who crave every last drop of performance. The PS5 Pro is a showcase of technical muscle, offering higher frame rates and advanced upscaling features, though its steep price and lack of included disc drive make it a better fit for dedicated gamers.

Product Highlights:

• AI-powered PSSR upscaling for sharper visuals
• 2TB SSD storage
• Up to 8K output (when supported)
• Enhanced cooling system to keep performance stable
• Optional external Blu-ray drive

Best Xbox: Xbox Series X

This is Microsoft’s most powerful console ever. While the library of must-play exclusives is still growing, the Series X shines with stunning 4K graphics and the unmatched value of Game Pass. It’s an excellent choice if you want the best Xbox experience possible.

Product Highlights:

• 1TB SSD with fast load times
• True 4K gaming up to 120fps
• Backward compatibility with four generations of Xbox games
• Dolby Vision and Atmos support
• Sleek monolithic design

Best Hybrid: Nintendo Switch

Nearly a decade after its debut, the Nintendo Switch still feels special. Whether you’re docked to the TV or playing handheld, the library of beloved Nintendo titles makes this system irresistible. That said, you may want to wait, as the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected later this year.

Product Highlights:

• 6.2-inch touchscreen display
• Seamless docked and handheld play
• Up to 9 hours of battery life
• Removable Joy-Con controllers for local multiplayer
• Massive collection of first-party exclusives

Final Thoughts

Choosing a console isn’t just about specs—it’s about how you want to feel when you play. Maybe you dream of losing yourself in cinematic adventures on a PS5 Pro. Maybe you crave the nostalgia of Zelda on a handheld Switch. Or maybe you just want the simplicity of booting up an Xbox Series S after a long day.

Also Read : Best Gaming Chairs in 2025: Top Picks for Every PC Gamer

The post Best Game Consoles in 2025: Our Top Picks, Tested and Rated appeared first on GamingGear 360.