Review: Everdeep Aurora for Switch

Sure, here you go:

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Okay, so let me just dive right in — PAX West 2023 — ages ago, right? I ended up there without a plan, partly lost and mostly overwhelmed, and then boom, stumbled onto this game, Everdeep Aurora. Seriously, it’s got vibes like nothing else — no fighting, just these puzzles and a kind of wander around and wonder what’s next feel. I left thinking, “Why am I so into a game where not a thing is trying to kill me?” Obsessed much? Apparently, yes. Fast forward, I finally got around to playing it for real.

So, what’s the deal with Everdeep Aurora, you ask? Imagine being this kitten named Shell. Sounds cute, right? Well, she’s got a mission. Mama’s MIA, and meteor showers — like cosmic chaos everywhere — pushed everyone underground. So, we got Shell digging away with this old drill, heading deeper and deeper like a tiny miner. And those underground, ya know, are a mixed bag — a girl who’s lost her dog (haven’t we all been there, metaphorically?), a frog with father-daughter drama (amphibian therapy needed?). Then there’s a sly little snake, and these otters with relationship issues. Helping them isn’t just a choice — it’s crucial because your gear gets better when you’re helpful. Kindness pays off, who knew?

Now… about exploring. This game is wild with the stuff you can collect. Hats? Check. Lore-filled documents because reading is a thing. Even weird cutscenes like a retro throwback, all pixel-gritty and nostalgia-drenched. It’s a treasure trove of quirky items, each one adding a layer to Shell’s journey. You can zoom through it in a couple of hours, tops, but get ready for a maze of paths, secret places — multiple endings, no less. It’s like a game within a game that just keeps on giving. I mean, who doesn’t love secret paths, right? Honestly, that’s what hooked me.

But, don’t get too comfy. There’s a snag that’ll pickle your exploration pickles. No handy waypoint markers here. You’ll wander in circles, meet the same NPC, nodding like it’s new info. A quest log would’ve been a lifesaver (seriously, why no checklist?). And oh boy, the map — basic is generous. Remembering where stuff is, or who needed what? Good luck there. I mean, you’ve met imaginary otters for crying out loud, and now you have to recall which one has your postage? Plus, on the Switch, it gets glitchy — not major, but enough to make you squint at the screen and grumble.

At the end of the day, is Everdeep Aurora the end-all-be-all gaming nirvana? Meh. Some days yes, others nah. Graphics, music, the sheer oddness of a no-combat journey definitely scores points. However, the lack of guidance — killer. I mean, you’re in a maze. A few compass nudges would’ve made it a dream, versus an underground guessing game. If you’re cool getting lost and eventually turning it into a triumph-over-chaos story, then this one’s for you. But heads up, patience required.

Overall, a chill fest with pockets of frustration. Dive in if you’re up for some quirky, no-rush adventure when aimless wandering becomes a zen challenge.

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