An absolute masterpiece. (Personal Game of The Year)

Going through the list of games that came out in 2021, I realized that I wasn't exploring the Indie scene enough. Shuffling through bigger releases, constantly playing mediocre games that don't do much for me, I decided I should just look at my wishlist and get the first thing that looked even remotely interesting for me. Specifically, an Indie game.

I stumbled upon Everhood, and while I did have the expectations of having a fun, fast-paced experience, I didn't realize just what a great decision I made. It's a rarity nowadays to play a video game that keeps surprising me and puts a huge grin on my face the whole time I'm playing it.

The gameplay loop is addicting. Essentially, imagine if you were playing Guitar Hero, but you had to DODGE the notes, rather than hit them? That's what the game is, it's a concept where you're a character trapped in multiple Guitar Hero levels, and the flying instrumental notes are out there to kill you. It's so simple yet done so well. What helps this a ton is that there is not a single poorly made track in the OST. Every single song in this game is amazing. From funk, to house, to straight up techno, it has it all. For a fan of dance music, it's a rarity nowadays to find games that have soundtracks like this. I would often find myself trying to extend specific boss fights just so I could listen to the songs more.

The world is charming, the characters are weird and quirky, but also very likeable and original. The world is uncanny, filled with medieval castles, and acid trip fueled funky towns, where members of the cast go to play D&D. Everything in the overall design department is done in such an off the wall way, but it also never becomes weird to a point where it doesn't make any sense.

Besides being an already amazing game from the gameplay loop perspective, Everhood tackles themes such as humanity, morality, and existentialism. It raises philosophical questions that you could ponder on for hours. It always seems like when your character is faced with these questions, the developers actually intend them for you, the player, to think about.

It's always a treat to play special games like these, where you can just see how much care and love the developers put into the project, and it translates so well. I'm really glad I went on this journey with them, and just like they kept thanking me for playing the game while I was there, I have immense gratitude for them as well. You guys really made something special with this, and I have no idea what you will have to make to top this, but I'll be sure to stick along.

Thank you.

10/10