Story

Secret of Evermore is a unique action RPG developed by Square Soft (now Square Enix) for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Released in 1995, it stands out for being the only game developed by Square’s North American division. The narrative follows a young boy and his loyal dog, who are accidentally transported from their hometown of Podunk, USA, to the fantastical world of Evermore. This world is a patchwork of four distinct realms, each inspired by different historical and cultural epochs: Prehistoria, Antiqua, Gothica, and Omnitopia.

The story begins in the quaint town of Podunk, where the protagonist, a film-loving teenager, and his dog chase a stray cat into an abandoned mansion. Inside, they stumble upon a mysterious machine that whisks them away to Evermore. The boy soon discovers that Evermore is an artificial world created by a malfunctioning experiment conducted by Podunk’s brightest minds in the late 1960s. Each region of Evermore reflects the favorite era or fantasy of one of these scientists—now trapped in their own creations.

Throughout the game, the protagonist embarks on a quest to reunite the scientists and shut down the experiment gone awry, all while dealing with the quirky and dangerous inhabitants of each realm. The game’s story is enriched with humor, parody, and pastiche, drawing heavily from the protagonist’s affinity for B-movies, which adds a layer of charm and wit to the narrative.

Gameplay

Secret of Evermore offers gameplay reminiscent of another Square Soft classic, Secret of Mana, featuring real-time combat in an isometric view. Players can switch control between the boy and his dog, each with unique abilities. The boy primarily uses alchemical spells and various weapons like swords, spears, and axes, while the dog serves as a formidable companion, capable of attacking enemies and sniffing out alchemical ingredients hidden in the environment.

The alchemy system is one of the game’s defining features, allowing players to mix ingredients found throughout Evermore to cast powerful spells. Unlike traditional magic systems, alchemy requires players to gather specific components, emphasizing exploration and resource management. The game includes over 60 different alchemical formulas, offering players a wide range of strategic options.

Character progression in Secret of Evermore is achieved through a leveling system where both the boy and his dog gain experience points from defeating enemies. As they level up, their statistics improve, making them more formidable in battle. Additionally, weapons and spells gain proficiency through repeated use, encouraging players to diversify their combat approach.

Secret of Evermore also features a unique barter system in Antiqua, where players trade goods instead of using currency, adding depth to the game’s economic interactions and requiring players to carefully manage their inventory.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics of Secret of Evermore are a standout feature, showcasing the SNES’s capabilities with detailed sprite work and vibrant environments. Each realm in Evermore has a distinct visual style that reflects its thematic inspiration, from the lush jungles and volcanic landscapes of Prehistoria to the medieval castles and alchemical labs of Gothica. The attention to detail in the game’s art design creates a rich, immersive experience that draws players into the diverse world of Evermore.

Sound design in the game is equally impressive, featuring a soundtrack composed by Jeremy Soule, who would later gain fame for his work on series like The Elder Scrolls. Secret of Evermore was Soule’s first major project, and his compositions add a dynamic and atmospheric layer to the game, with tracks that perfectly complement each realm’s ambiance. The sound effects, from the clashing of weapons to the unique growls of the dog’s various forms, enhance the overall immersion.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Secret of Evermore received mixed reviews. While praised for its innovative alchemy system, engaging real-time combat, and impressive audiovisual presentation, some critics felt it fell short when compared to Square’s other RPG offerings, particularly due to its simpler narrative and absence of multiplayer functionality found in Secret of Mana.

Over time, however, Secret of Evermore has garnered a cult following. Fans appreciate its distinctive approach to the action RPG genre, its humoristic storytelling, and the nostalgic charm of its B-movie references. The game’s unique development history as a solely North American project by Square adds to its allure among RPG enthusiasts.

Despite its initial lukewarm reception, Secret of Evermore has left a lasting impact on the genre. Its innovative use of alchemy as a gameplay mechanic influenced future titles, and Jeremy Soule’s memorable soundtrack marked the beginning of a distinguished career in video game music composition.

Conclusion

Secret of Evermore remains a fascinating entry in the SNES library, notable for its unique development background and inventive gameplay mechanics. While it may not have reached the same heights as other RPGs from Square, it stands out for its charm, creativity, and the bold attempt to blend American pop culture with the traditional RPG format. Its legacy endures through the dedicated fanbase that continues to celebrate its quirks and contributions to the genre. As a piece of video game history, Secret of Evermore exemplifies the potential for innovation within established genres and highlights the diverse storytelling possibilities in the realm of interactive entertainment.