Evoland is a game about games in a similar way that Super 8 or Son of Rambow are movies about movies. It is a work of passion and nostalgia, best appreciated by those who grew up playing the old role-playing games Final Fantasy or Zelda. The game was first made for Ludum Dare, an annual event challenging gamemakers of all skill levels to start and finish developing a video game in only 48 hours on their own. When Evoland was finished the fan reaction and love for the game was such that the developer, Nicolas Cannasse, decided to remake it as a longer game.
While playing Evoland you unlock game mechanics, sounds, and graphics, and have the pleasure of seeing the game change from a top-down sidescroller to a three-dimensional adventure game before your eyes. This is done from the beginning by unlocking the movement keys – right, then left, and then up and down – with full free movement down the road! Evoland explores many and parodies some of the most beloved tropes of older RPGs, along with several nods to newer titles. Evoland will have you reminiscing on the best and sometimes the most bizarre parts of your favorite old-school RPGs.
Where Evoland disappoints is in actually delivering the fun and addicting experiences of older RPGs. When the game imitates the puzzles and dungeons of a classic Zelda title it seems far too easy and short. While the game plays as a turn-based RPG the fights are sometimes unbalanced and still often too easy, lacking some more challenging enemies. They are also very simple fights by even traditional RPG standards, most apparently for the lack of a magic bar. There are only a few spells and items, a direct contrast of some of the most memorable RPGs. You meet many characters throughout the game - few of whom which are interesting and only one whom will join your player's team. Also, Evoland's gameplay reference list is not entirely inclusive, instead featuring a mostly Final Fantasy style of game with several Zelda type dungeons and one that is most like Diablo.
Evoland, regardless of its shortfalls, was a blast to experience. In some parts I laughed out loud at the great parodies or references, while in others I was awed by spot on representations of gaming tropes. Unfortunately, the game is propped up on mostly nostalgia, and does not stand well as a game in of itself. This game could be seen as proof-of-concept, with a more complete successor in the future.
