Review: Everdeep Aurora (Switch)

Wow, okay, so let’s dive into this. So, picture me, like, two years ago at PAX West 2023 — which, yeah, time flies, doesn’t it? — and I stumbled on this game, Everdeep Aurora. Seriously, it’s got these super chill vibes. I mean, no one’s trying to take your head off, ya know? It’s more about puzzles and just wandering around. I was hooked, probably more than I expected. Figured, heck, why not review it properly?

Alright, so you play as this kitten named Shell. Cute, right? Anyway, her mom’s gone missing. Meteor shower chaos everywhere, everyone digging underground to stay safe. Anyway, Shell’s got this basic drill thingy — and it’s all about digging deeper, finding her mom. As you go further, things start getting kinda complex. You meet all these NPCs (Non-Player Characters, if that wasn’t clear) with their own dilemmas. A missing dog, a frog with family issues, and, oh, a sneaky snake who cons just about everyone. Helping them out is key because it gets Shell better gear, like a stronger drill.

There’s this girl, looking for her dog, which might sound odd, but it’s a thing, I guess. And—oh! The snake! Can’t believe they put a swindler in there. It’s like they expect you to be kind, solve their issues. Meanwhile, you end up with a bunch of items: hats, lore documents, gems—it’s kind of like a treasure hunt. Sometimes, I kinda wished for a map that didn’t feel like it needed a degree to understand. Like you’re supposed to just remember where stuff is? No quest log either. Maybe it’s just me—I’ve got the memory of a goldfish.

Anyway, exploration is both awesome and a bit of a headache. The game’s got this retro Game Boy Color look. I’m a sucker for that kind of nostalgia. You do all these funky things — dice rolls, crane games, little computer puzzles. So many paths and secret spots, I swear I got lost a hundred times. Like, no guideposts? Who does that!? Just felt like aimlessly wandering around, which some folks dig but, hey, a little nudge in the right direction wouldn’t hurt.

And the ending? Man, depends on how much you enjoy exploring, I guess. I was ready to throw my controller because I kept running around in circles. On the Switch, it stutters here and there. Small gripe, but, c’mon! Shouldn’t this run smooth?

In the end, Everdeep Aurora—it’s a mixed bag for me. Amazing music, stunning graphics, deep (literally) characters. But lacking guidance could drive some folks up the wall. So, if you’re okay feeling lost like I was most of the time, go for it. But, fair warning: patience required.

Okay, I need some coffee now. Writing can be thirsty work!