Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ever17 unfolds as a classic visual novel, placing you in control of two protagonists—Takeshi Kuranari, an ordinary Japanese teenager, and an enigmatic amnesiac boy whose name and past are shrouded in mystery. Your primary interaction consists of reading dialogue, internal monologues, and atmospheric descriptions as you guide each character through the flooded corridors and crystalline halls of the futuristic water amusement park. At key moments, the game presents branching choices that determine how relationships evolve, which areas you explore, and ultimately which of the multiple endings you will unlock.

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Decisions are seldom trivial. A seemingly innocuous reply to a fellow survivor or a choice of path through the park can lead to entirely different scenarios—some revealing hidden lore, others triggering life-or-death encounters with the virus that threatens everyone’s survival. Ever17’s strength lies in its nonlinear timeline: early chapters introduce characters and clues, but it’s only through repeated playthroughs and strategic choice-making that the full picture emerges. The built-in flowchart system (in later ports) helps you track which routes you’ve completed and where new branches await, making subsequent runs feel both guided and fresh.

Aside from pure reading and decision-making, the gameplay occasionally dips into light puzzle territory. You might need to locate a keycard, decipher a security code, or synchronize actions between Takeshi and the amnesiac boy to open a sealed door. These moments, though infrequent, heighten tension and break up the narrative flow in a welcome way. Save-and-load functionality is generous, encouraging experimentation without harsh penalties—and given the game’s multiple endings and hidden “true” conclusion, that freedom is essential to fully appreciate Ever17’s multi-layered plot.

Graphics

Visually, Ever17 combines 2D character sprites with striking 3D-rendered backgrounds that capture the grandeur and eeriness of the water park setting. Corridors gleam under artificial lights, while observation decks offer sweeping ocean vistas that contrast sharply with the claustrophobic confinement you’ll soon feel. Though character models remain static apart from occasional blinking or mouth movement during voiceovers, their expressive portraits convey a surprising range of emotion—from fear and confusion to hope and resignation.

The attention to detail in environmental art stands out: water reflections dance on polished floors, emergency lights cast long shadows, and burnt-out corridors feel genuinely oppressive. Character portraits evolve subtly throughout the story; hairstyles, clothing smudges, and facial expressions change to reflect stress or physical degradation as the virus outbreak intensifies. This visual continuity strengthens immersion, making every choice feel more consequential.

Ports and remastered editions have pushed the original artwork to higher resolutions, cleaning up jagged edges and enhancing color depth. While true animation is minimal, tasteful screen-shake effects and quick cut-ins during dramatic reveals keep the presentation dynamic. Even by modern standards, Ever17’s blend of anime-style art and careful 3D backdrops retains a unique charm, proving that strong atmosphere and design can outshine raw polygon counts.

Story

At its core, Ever17 is a tense, character-driven thriller wrapped in hard sci-fi trappings. Seven young people—two boys and five girls—find themselves trapped in a state-of-the-art amusement park built atop the ocean. Initially touted as an impenetrable fortress of fun and safety, the facility quickly becomes a deathtrap when an inexplicable virus starts turning survivors into living corpses. The narrative’s slow burn lets you bond with each character before introducing twists that test your trust in everyone, including the entities responsible for the park’s design.

The interplay between Takeshi and the unnamed amnesiac boy drives much of the drama. Takeshi’s straightforward bravery often clashes with the other boy’s guarded, secretive nature. As the story branches, you witness shifting alliances, moral quandaries, and sacrifices that force both protagonists to question their assumptions about fate, identity, and what it means to survive. Recurring callbacks to the earlier game—Never7: The End of Infinity—add a layer of meta-narrative for series veterans, while newcomers can still follow the mystery without prior knowledge.

Ever17’s narrative architecture is its greatest strength. Initial playthroughs reveal only fragments of the truth, but as you revisit earlier chapters with new information, the plot coalesces into a masterful tapestry of paradoxes, hidden timelines, and philosophical musings on time and existence. The payoff—unlocking the elusive “true” ending—recontextualizes everything you thought you knew, offering a deeply satisfying sense of revelation that lingers long after the credits roll.

Overall Experience

Ever17: The Out of Infinity remains one of the most memorable visual novels ever released. Its blend of high-stakes survival, intricate branching narrative, and nuanced character development delivers an engrossing experience from start to finish. Whether you’re new to interactive fiction or a seasoned visual-novel enthusiast, the game’s pacing and structure keep you invested in every twist and turn.

Technically, the game runs smoothly on modern platforms, with options for Japanese voice acting or silent text reading. The atmospheric soundtrack—haunting piano motifs and ambient synth pads—complements the on-screen tension perfectly. Minor quirks, such as occasional wall-of-text dumps or the lack of full animation, may trip up players used to highly dynamic interfaces, but these are easily forgiven given the quality of writing and storytelling on display.

In sum, Ever17 offers a richly layered adventure that rewards patience, curiosity, and multiple playthroughs. Its evocative setting, compelling mysteries, and emotional depth have stood the test of time, making it a must-play title for anyone interested in narrative-driven games. If you’re looking for a story that will challenge your expectations and haunt your thoughts long after you’ve escaped the flooded amusement park, Ever17 is the perfect choice.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10