Secret of Evermore

"A game with many enchanting features, following Secret of Mana's formula with an American touch."

Ratings System:
Artistry - 1-5
Gameplay - 1-5
Replayable - 1-5
Plot 1-5
Emotional - 1-5
Overall (addition of scores, final words)

Introduction: First off, this is Square USA's first take on the Secret of Mana series. It appears that the stateside company's love for the published Seiken Densetsu 2 shows, and they created a wonderful game, even though it is sans multiplayer capability like the original. The game stars a yellow haired boy, which you can name yourself, and his dog. They live in the 90s, which, like many RPGs about the contemporary era are set in.

Artistry: This game is beautiful, like Secret of Mana. Although this game has a very gray tint feel to it, it has it's colors, which can be pointed out. A lot through SOE (the acronym I'll be using for this review) you'll be subjected to varying types of gray. The art, however, is great. From the lush landscapes to the interior of Ebon Keep, a castle within the game, you'll be stunned at how much time they had to draw SOE out. They convey meaning and feeling.

Rating: 3

Gameplay: As for the gameplay, this game plays exactly like it was modeled after: Secret of Mana. With the typical ring menu system set up, although tweaked to the Square USA's developing needs. Although there is a different setup introduced into the game - Alchemy. Instead of the old favorite of magic in RPGs, SOE introduces Alchemy, a form of magic where the ingredients are found and mixed together to make devastating combinations. As one character indeed confirms, ''It's almost like magic!''. That said, you can also call upon your friends, summoning them actually, and they'll help you out. Gameplay, as said before, is like SOM (Secret of Mana) in that you typically fight big boss battles. In one instance, in a swamp, you fight a huge snake, that can pop up on either side of the screen! Unfortunately, SOE is just a tad shorter adventure, unlike SOM.

Gameplay - 4

Replayable: This game has barely any replayability, as some RPGs do. Everything is simply available to you, and easy to get. The only things I think would be worth mentioning is hunting down all the alchemy formulas, even though you can only use so many at a time. Getting the ones from the main quests in the game should be all you need to complete it. Another replayable feature is to level up the weapons in the game so you can use their charged attacks, ala SOM. Like earlier, this game has barely any replayability.

Replayable - 2

Plot: The plot of this game is fairly straightforward, although how it begins is very original. A scientist is holding a party with his friends in the 1950s, as he has invented a teleporter that will take them into their dreamworlds, worlds projected of their minds. He has created and called this place, Evermore. Unfortunately, after activating the machine and using it, it explodes in the real world, leaving the mansion the scientist owns in shambles.
Later on, in the 90s, a boy and his dog stumble upon the mansion, and it activates once again, perhaps sensing the boy and his dog, but it is unknown why. The teleporter transports them into Evermore, on the scientist's spacestation which monitors the planet, and he is sent away because of the scientist's butler. Once on the planet, the boy decides to investigate. What this leads to is a grand adventure that has the boy wondering how the people who are worshipped here got here, and why are they from the same town he is. A fairly great plot, with it's ups and downs, great humor from the boy, and some surprises.

Plot - 3

Emotional: From an emotional standpoint, SOE is an enjoyable experience. Solving puzzles isn't too tedious on the mind, as they're not hard, but not easy enough to make it unworthwhile. The plot's effect on the mind is comical, as the boy makes use of his B-Movie knowledge to propel himself through thick and thin. Eventually, though, you get the sense of longing for his hometown, and the anxiety of returning before it's too late.

Emotional - 3

Overall: In closing, SOE is a great game. A good buy if you can find it out there, as most SNES RPGs are hard to find. But if you can snag this treasure, play it. If you're a fan of SOM, play it. Even if you're new to this kind of actionish RPG, try it. Zelda fans, go for it. Square USA worked hard to make sure to show that they could make a game too, as their previous work includes the much loved/hated Final Fantasy Mystic Quest.
A good find.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/09/02, Updated 08/09/02