Everreach: Project Eden

Alright, so a lot to say about this short game. First I notice a lot of thumbs down and I have to say I wanted to do the same. But its not entirely bad only rough around the edges. I enjoyed the story, no crashes or stutters. I did notice the hit boxes were strange at times and certain checkpoints took endless times to get through on normal difficulty. I think if this was touched up a little it could be a great game instead of a mediocre game. At times playing the game I caught myself saying slop in my head and getting frustrated, but I am happy I finished it! Its not a game I would hate and honestly I wouldnt mind seeing another distillment only touched up much better than this one! It has promise but needs help. I say buy on sale if you need something to preoccupy your time with a short but sweet story and perhaps play on easy difficulty. It could be my ultrawide monitor and aspect ratio but normal was too much in certain areas where the hit box was strange on vehicle.

Everreach: Project Eden, developed by Elder Games and published by Headup and Beep Japan, is an ambitious sci-fi action RPG that aims to deliver a blend of tactical combat, exploration, and storytelling set against the backdrop of an alien world. Released in late 2019, the game invites players to step into the shoes of Nora Harwood, an operative tasked with securing the colonization efforts on the mysterious and visually captivating planet Eden. The premise offers a lot of potential—a rich sci-fi universe full of secrets, advanced technology, and political intrigue—but unfortunately, the execution struggles to fully realize this promise. At its core, Everreach: Project Eden focuses heavily on third-person tactical combat, requiring players to balance offensive maneuvers with strategic use of cover and defensive abilities. The combat system includes skill trees with a variety of upgrades that can be tailored to suit different play styles, and Nora is equipped with futuristic gadgets and force fields to manipulate the battlefield. While this setup sounds engaging on paper, many players find the combat mechanics somewhat clunky and imprecise. The controls occasionally feel sluggish, and the AI enemy behavior lacks consistency, sometimes leading to frustrating encounters that feel more unfair than challenging. This imbalance tends to undermine the tactical depth the game tries to offer. Exploration is another pillar of Everreach, as players traverse the diverse landscapes of Eden, ranging from lush jungles to harsh, industrial zones. The environments are undeniably one of the game's strongest assets; they’re beautifully crafted with a high level of detail, creating an immersive alien world that often feels alive and full of mystery. The art direction, guided by experienced artists with backgrounds in major film productions, is impressive, contributing to a distinct sci-fi atmosphere that evokes both wonder and unease. However, technical issues such as inconsistent frame rates and occasional glitches occasionally detract from this otherwise immersive experience, reminding players of the game’s rough edges. The narrative, written by a veteran of the Mass Effect series, attempts to weave an intriguing story involving political conspiracies, corporate machinations, and personal stakes for Nora. Despite this, the storytelling often feels underdeveloped and predictable, with characters lacking depth and dialogue that occasionally falls flat. The voice acting is competent but does little to elevate the somewhat generic writing. For a game that leans heavily on narrative motivation, this lack of emotional engagement can make progressing through the story feel more like a chore than a compelling journey. In terms of pacing and content, Everreach is relatively short and somewhat linear, with limited side quests or optional activities to enrich the experience. This brevity may disappoint players who are hoping for a sprawling RPG with extensive exploration and meaningful choices. Instead, the game tends to recycle similar mission structures and combat encounters, which can lead to a feeling of repetitiveness. Despite the promise of open-world elements, the game’s scope feels somewhat constrained, limiting player freedom and the sense of discovery that is often a highlight of sci-fi RPGs. Overall, Everreach: Project Eden is a game that shines in certain areas, particularly its atmospheric world-building and ambitious combat concepts, but ultimately falls short due to technical issues, uninspired gameplay mechanics, and a lackluster narrative. It’s a title that may appeal to those who prioritize exploration and sci-fi settings, but for players seeking a polished and deeply engaging RPG experience, it is likely to prove frustrating. While Elder Games’ debut effort shows flashes of creativity and promise, it leaves a sense that with further refinement and deeper storytelling, future projects could better capture the full potential of the sci-fi action RPG genre. Rating: 5/10