Escape from Ever After: A Fairytale with a Corporate Twist

When Pinocchio Gets a 9-to-5 and the Three Blind Mice Unionize

Launch Day Larry

In a world where fairytales meet corporate takeovers, “Escape from Ever After” offers a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation. This indie RPG, inspired by the beloved Paper Mario series, takes players on a whimsical journey through a storybook world tainted by the machinations of Ever After Inc. With its strategic gameplay, charming graphics, and engaging narrative, this game is a delightful homage to its inspirations while carving out its own identity.

Gameplay: A Tactical Dance with Nostalgia

“Escape from Ever After” invites players into a world where strategic thinking is as crucial as a well-timed jump in a platformer. The combat system, reminiscent of Paper Mario’s interactive mechanics, demands precision and tactical acumen. Players must navigate battles with shielded enemies, employing strategies like burning or flanking to gain the upper hand. The emphasis on teamwork, both among players and enemies, ensures that each encounter is a rewarding challenge.

The game keeps things fresh with a diverse cast of characters and abilities, ensuring that no two battles feel the same. While some players might find the demand for pixel-perfect timing in attacks and blocks a tad daunting, the game thoughtfully includes settings to ease this challenge. The interactive combat, complete with action commands and varied minigames, keeps players engaged and prevents the dreaded repetitiveness.

However, the lack of a superguarding feature might leave some veterans longing for that extra layer of defense. Meanwhile, the game’s pacing is generally well-balanced, though a few areas could benefit from a bit more variety in enemy types. But let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good 100 enemy gauntlet trial where characters banter and compliment each other mid-battle?

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Charm

Visually, “Escape from Ever After” is a treat for the eyes. The game employs a distinctive 2D art style within a 3D environment, reminiscent of classic titles yet unique in its execution. The character designs are adorable and stylized, with hard outlines that enhance clarity during gameplay. Each room is crafted with care, avoiding straightforward transitions and incorporating platforming and puzzles to keep players on their toes.

The environments are vibrant and detailed, with cartoon-like proportions that add to the game’s charm. The animations, both 2D and 3D, are top-notch, incorporating plenty of squash and stretch to bring the world to life. While some characters might appear a bit washed out, and the lack of shadows underneath main characters can make platforming a bit tricky, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise visually stunning game.

Story: Fairytales Meet Corporate Shenanigans

At the heart of “Escape from Ever After” is a narrative that cleverly blends classic fairytales with a corporate multiverse setting. Ever After Inc., a malevolent corporation, is systematically taking over fairy tale worlds, offering a fresh twist on traditional storybook characters. The game’s dialogue is a standout feature, with witty banter and humorous interactions that bring the characters to life.

The world is vibrant and dynamic, mixing fantasy with science in a style reminiscent of Shrek. The narrative is infused with heart and humor, cleverly intertwining storybook characters with corporate themes without becoming preachy. While some purists might balk at the reinterpretation of classic characters, the game’s charm and personality shine through, making it a must-play for fans of Paper Mario and similar RPGs.

Final Verdict

“Escape from Ever After” is a delightful journey through a world where fairytales and corporate greed collide. With its strategic gameplay, charming graphics, and engaging narrative, the game offers a fresh take on a beloved formula. While there are minor issues, such as the demand for pixel-perfect timing and some washed-out visuals, these do little to detract from the overall experience. For fans of Paper Mario and those seeking a whimsical adventure, “Escape from Ever After” is a worthy successor to the classics.

Score: 8.5/10