The remastered release of Ever 17: The Out of Infinity breathes new life both for veteran players and newcomers to the classic visual novel scene. Originally launched back in 2002, this reimagined version retains its gripping narrative and innovative gameplay, all wrapped up with updated graphics and design choices.
Developed by MAGES, Ever 17 originally captivated players with its multi-layered storytelling and unique premise. Set within the confines of LeMU, an underwater theme park, the game follows two main characters: Takeshi, who is separated from his friends, and another boy dubbed simply as “the Kid,” plagued with amnesia.
The players navigate through the park after experiencing explosions, working to escape the rapidly flooding facility. The characters are joined by park employees and fellow visitors, each with their own distinct personality traits and backstory options to explore. For example, Sora and You become pivotal figures trying to help the protagonists, all set against the clock to solve the mystery.
One of the notable strengths of Ever 17 is its route structure—choices made early on determine which character's perspective the player will follow. This adds depth as players are encouraged to explore multiple scenarios and endings; as noted by MonsterVine's review, “Ever 17 is visual novel I’d always wanted to play...,” highlighting its potential to engross players.
While many remasters aim for nostalgia, Ever 17 stands out by returning to its roots with 2D sprites accompanied by modern storytelling techniques, though it originally had transitioned to 3D for the remake. Notably, this version incorporates elements from MAGES’ restructured script used for the Xbox 360 release back in 2011. This led to some visual updates and newer dialogue which align with today's gaming sensibilities.
Nevertheless, the remaster isn’t without its quirks. Players reported certain typographical errors, odd name mismatching, and issues relating to repeated scenes across different routes. Such imperfections might not seem glaring, yet for players who appreciate the intricacies of visual novels, these elements can detract from immersion.
Reviews have largely been positive about the remastered game, echoing the sentiments of nostalgia for the deep narratives pioneered by the game's creator, Kotaro Uchikoshi. He had moved on to create successful titles like Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors and Steins;Gate; without the historical significance of Ever 17, the evolution of these later works might not have occurred. Indeed, as one writer put it, "Without Ever17, these two wouldn’t exist."
Visual novels like Ever 17 also invite analysis of player choices and interactions with characters. Players often find themselves unraveling relationships as they explore various routes, and the interplay of friendships adds complexity to the core of the story. The inclusion of Takeshi Abo’s atmospheric soundtrack enhances the experience, enveloping players within the narrative tension and emotional weight of pivotal moments.
Some elements elicited mixed reactions, particularly the redesigns of some characters and scripts. For example, Tsugumi received updates to her outfits, leading to divided opinions among long-time fans. Changes to Sara’s backstory also received critiques, as certain community members felt these adjustments contrasted with her original persona meant to mirror the other more enigmatic characters.
Despite these alterations, many agree on the remaster’s ability to tie together its diverse narrative threads effectually. Players are reminded of Ever 17’s brilliance through its conclusion, which rewards persistent engagement with unexpected twists and compelling resolutions.
Interestingly, this remaster also introduces additional content like post-game epilogues aimed at providing closure to certain narratives. While intended to answer some questions, not all players are eager for these extra details; some may find them unnecessary, as they risk altering the open-ended qualities the original embodied.
Even with its flaws and changes, the release of Ever 17: The Out of Infinity serves as both a love letter to its devoted fans and as an entry point for new players. Whether you've been following the Infinity series since its inception or are discovering it for the first time, this title remains significant for the genre.
To many, as one player observed, “It’s a very easy pickup and easy to recommend.” The remaster not only sustains the narrative magic it built two decades ago but also welcomes modern audiences to experience its adventure anew, establishing its legacy for generations to come.