If we look at recent games in the farm simulation genre, we can notice that they try to offer players something more than simple planting, watering, and harvesting. For instance, some of them experiment with horror elements, turning a relaxing game into a struggle for survival (like Pumpkin Panic or We Harvest Shadows). In other cases, we find ourselves in an unusual environment that encourages us to explore and uncover its secrets, such as the post-apocalyptic world of Doloc Town, whose demo I recently played. After that, I got the chance to try another interesting game — Everholm. This time, managing a farm on a magical and hospitable island is accompanied by a mysterious disappearance and the strange behavior of the local population. So, if you are looking for a cozy, but not too casual, RPG, this game might be exactly what you need.
Lilly is searching for her lost sister, Melania. During her investigation, she discovers a magical portal and is transported to Everholm, a strange, beautiful, yet mysterious island where everyone seems to recognize her. She now needs to establish her farm, meet the friendly Everfolks, and uncover the secrets of this small, pleasant place with the help of the local witch.
The game throws us right into the action at the start: in the middle of the night, we follow clues scattered along the road, which lead to an unusual portal. After stepping into it, we are suddenly teleported to our house in Everholm, where we are introduced to the mechanics related to managing our farm and the objectives that will help us with the investigation. The game doesn’t waste our time, after receiving basic instructions, players are given great freedom when it comes to gathering natural resources, crafting, and shaping the overall look of their place. I particularly enjoyed fishing as an activity that puts your reflexes to the test. In the beginning, I also had fun catching bugs and picking mushrooms and berries, but later on, it became quite repetitive, and even frustrating.
Since progress in farming can take a while in games like this, I preferred to focus on exploration and getting to know the characters. The town and its inhabitants are diverse and colorful, but at the same time, you can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. However, the clues and hints are really subtle, one time it will be a strange sentence someone utters, and the next time you’ll find a suspicious item in the forest. It is crucial to balance your goals to have time to thoroughly explore the island but also to impress the local people enough so they reveal their secrets to you. There is a range of things that require consistent effort to uncover, so patience is key to this game.
Both the pixel art and the soundtrack convey a charming and magical atmosphere of the island. It is worth noting that the landscape changes according to the seasons, but this is not limited only to the weather; there are some holidays and events that are emphasized with various decorations and activities. It was a pleasant surprise that you can take a break from your current tasks and simply enjoy a day filled with new forms of entertainment.
Since we are talking about the general presentation of the game, I cannot ignore the experience of entering the mysterious portal in Everholm after talking to the witch. The moment we teleport to the dungeons is truly beautiful; the interplay of light is out of this world, the music is enchanting, and the new combat mechanic brings freshness to the already familiar cozy environment. These sections are also linked to the soul-capturing element, which allows players to expand their abilities in an unusual way.
The truth is, there is more to Everholm than meets the eye. In the mystery aspect, we are not only dealing with our sister’s disappearance but also with inaccessible areas, unexplained phenomena, and stubborn residents. On the one hand, it’s exciting to be surprised by something new every time, but on the other hand, the routine of managing the farm and interacting with others can slow down your progress in the main story, making you less interested in it. In my opinion, approaching this issue depends on how far you are in the game and how much time you are willing to dedicate to getting closer to the truth.
Returning to the beginning, is Everholm worth checking out amidst the various types of farm simulations and cozy RPGs? For me, it offers an experience that is quite different from other games, although it could definitely use some updates and improvements, such as character customization. Overall, Everholm is a good example of a relaxing game tied to mysterious myths, inviting players to embark on a mission full of twists and turns.
Review copy provided by the publisher
