Eversion - Review
Eversion is not what you think. The unassuming and colorful visuals are intended not to delight, but to give you a false sense of security; to draw you in before transporting you to the nightmarish world of its reality. It's intentionally unsettling, and unique in how it manages to get under your skin while never assuming anything is wrong, which is what I find so remarkable about it. The hook to Eversion is everting the world, similar to swapping dimensions, which causes the environment to change properties or even disappear. It's a simple mechanic that allows for some clever lever designs, but it is also where the game becomes very, very creepy. The deeper you go through the layers of everting, the more twisted the backgrounds become and the more deranged the music gets. The disclaimer at the start should tell you all you need to know: "this game is not suitable for children or those with a nervous demeanor."
Although it lacks the nuance of something like Braid, Eversion similarly uses video game cliches as the foundation of the experience, relying on your expectations to carry the premise as it warps the familiar into something all its own. In this developer Zaratustra Productions is mostly successful, with my only complaint being I wish there was more here. With the exception of a few odd secrets, you can complete and collect everything in around two hours (those disinclined to gather all the gems should expect half or less than that). Even with its low base price, it feels a little too much for what you get.
Final Word
Aside from the price, Eversion is something I think is worth your time. It completely surprised me in its execution, leaving me chilled and a little disturbed, but impressed nonetheless. If you are looking for something off the beaten path, Eversion is one game that will absolutely deliver. It doesn't last long, but this strange journey is undoubtedly one worth taking, provided you are prepared for the potentially terrifying.