Evoland

RPG history reimagined with evolving graphics and gameplay

Evoland is a playful tour through role-playing history that constantly toys with how games look and feel. It begins on a cramped 2D strip where you can only move left and right, then quickly hands you an upgrade that adds vertical movement. That simple step sets the tone: opening treasure chests does not just grant loot, it unlocks new visuals, systems, and even genres.

The early stretch is a thrill, racing from stark monochrome to a 16-color palette and onward to a full 3D viewpoint within the first hour. After that burst, the upgrades pivot to smaller flourishes, like nicer textures or subtle effects. The result is better presentation but less of the jaw-dropping leaps that define the opening. The same diminishing returns show up in towns, where you repeatedly pop chest after chest to activate residents and buildings. Clever at first, this routine grows stale by the finale.

Dungeons are where Evoland shows its best ideas. Each area tends to twist the formula, bouncing from overhead exploration and puzzle solving to more direct action. One standout segment leans hard into loot-focused dungeon crawling, tipping its hat to an entire subgenre for a single level. Not every detour lands, though. A simple, menu-based battle system recurs often enough to slow the pace, especially when set beside livelier combat or brainy puzzle sections. The constant shifts can make the experience feel uneven.

Even with those rough edges, the concept remains engaging. Evoland doubles as a compact museum of RPG conventions, winking at veterans while giving newcomers a quick, accessible history lesson. If you appreciate games that experiment with their own rules and can tolerate occasional repetition, this homage is charming, inventive, and well worth your time.