Story

Secret of Evermore is an intriguing adventure set in a fictional world filled with wonder and danger. The game’s story begins in the unassuming town of Podunk, USA, where a young boy and his loyal dog inadvertently find themselves transported to the mysterious realm of Evermore. This world is composed of four distinct regions, each representing different periods of Earth’s history, including a prehistoric jungle, a medieval kingdom, an ancient Greek-inspired utopia, and a futuristic cityscape.

The plot unfolds as the boy and his dog strive to uncover the secrets of Evermore and find a way back home. They discover that the world was created accidentally by a malfunctioning machine known as the “Omni-Play,” originally designed to simulate different eras for a small group of people. As they traverse the diverse landscapes, the duo encounters various inhabitants who were also transported to Evermore and must confront the rogue creations of the machine.

Throughout their journey, the boy faces numerous puzzles and battles against fantastical creatures, all while unraveling the mystery behind Evermore’s existence. The narrative blends humor, mystery, and classic RPG elements, creating a memorable story that stands out in the SNES library.

Gameplay

Secret of Evermore offers a unique blend of action RPG gameplay, characterized by its real-time combat system and exploration mechanics. Players control the boy and his shape-shifting canine companion, who can transform into different breeds depending on the region they are in, each with unique abilities.

Combat and Exploration

The game employs a top-down perspective, allowing players to navigate the richly detailed environments. Combat is action-oriented, requiring players to actively engage enemies by swinging weapons, casting spells, and using items in real-time. The boy wields a variety of weapons, including swords, axes, and spears, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Magic in Secret of Evermore is represented by alchemy, a system that enables the player to combine ingredients found throughout the game world to cast spells. This innovative approach to magic adds a layer of strategy, as players must manage their inventory and experiment with different combinations to discover new spells.

Companion Mechanics

The dog plays a crucial role in both combat and exploration. Aside from assisting in battles, the canine companion can sniff out hidden items and ingredients, making exploration more rewarding. The game’s AI allows the dog to act independently, but players can also switch control to the dog to take advantage of its unique abilities in certain situations.

Progression and Customization

Character progression in Secret of Evermore is tied to experience points earned through combat. As the boy and his dog level up, they gain increased stats and access to more powerful weapons and spells. The game’s weapon and alchemy systems offer a level of customization, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences.

Graphics and Sound

Secret of Evermore features impressive graphics that take full advantage of the SNES hardware. The game’s art style is detailed and vibrant, capturing the essence of each of Evermore’s diverse regions with distinct visual flair. From the lush prehistoric jungles to the high-tech corridors of the futuristic Omnitopia, the environments are richly textured and immersive.

The character and enemy designs are equally noteworthy, with a variety of imaginative creatures that bring the world to life. The animations are smooth and fluid, particularly in combat, where the action unfolds seamlessly.

The sound design of Secret of Evermore complements its visual presentation, featuring a memorable soundtrack composed by Jeremy Soule in his first video game project. The music effectively sets the tone for each region, with tracks that range from whimsical and adventurous to tense and foreboding. The sound effects are equally well-crafted, adding depth to the game’s atmosphere.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release in 1995, Secret of Evermore received mixed reviews from critics and players. Some praised its innovative gameplay mechanics, atmospheric graphics, and engaging story, while others criticized it for its perceived lack of depth compared to other RPGs of the era, such as its sister game, Secret of Mana.

A unique aspect of Secret of Evermore is that it was developed by Squaresoft’s North American division, making it one of the few RPGs from that period specifically tailored for the Western market. This decision influenced various aspects of the game’s design, including its humor and cultural references, which resonated with Western audiences.

Over the years, Secret of Evermore has garnered a cult following, with fans appreciating its distinctive approach to the RPG genre. Its innovative alchemy system, real-time combat, and the dynamic relationship between the boy and his dog have been cited as standout features that differentiate it from other games of its time.

Conclusion

Secret of Evermore remains a unique entry in the SNES library, offering a blend of action, adventure, and mystery that continues to captivate players. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, coupled with its engaging story and atmospheric presentation, have secured its place in the annals of gaming history.

While it may have been overshadowed by other RPGs during its initial release, Secret of Evermore has left a lasting impact on those who experienced its world. Its legacy as a cult classic continues to endure, with new generations of players discovering and appreciating its charm and creativity. As a testament to the ingenuity of Squaresoft’s North American team, Secret of Evermore remains an essential experience for fans of the RPG genre.