As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the arrival of two fantasy-themed sandbox titles in quick succession has sparked interest among enthusiasts. Following the resurgence of Hytale, Enjoy Studio’s Everwind is stepping into the early access arena, bringing with it a unique twist: airships. This intriguing addition prompts a playful inquiry into the potential of airships to enhance gameplay. Could FIFA benefit from a goalkeeper descending onto the pitch via abseil? Might Tetris become even more engaging with a dirigible dropping blocks from above? While some of these questions may remain unanswered, Everwind certainly piques curiosity with its innovative approach.
Gameplay Mechanics and Aesthetic Appeal
At its core, Everwind embodies the familiar elements of sandbox survival, inviting players to scavenge, craft, and explore within a procedurally generated world composed of destructible voxel blocks. Players engage in the classic cycle of gathering resources—punching, farming, and hoarding various items—to feed machines that transform their collected materials into weapons, armor, tools, and furniture. For anyone acquainted with Minecraft, the foundational mechanics will feel instantly recognizable. However, Everwind distinguishes itself with a visually appealing aesthetic that evokes a muted, medieval fantasy atmosphere reminiscent of Hytale. The game’s landscapes are enhanced by striking lighting and a rich assortment of props, foliage, and wildlife, including boars, wandering birds, and even whimsical lobster-like creatures with barrels for shells. The discovery of capybaras on the starting island was a delightful surprise!
The game’s world is another defining feature, set against a backdrop of vast oceans dotted with diverse islands that stretch toward the horizon. Some islands are expansive, while others float high in the sky, reminiscent of titles like Wind Waker and Sea of Thieves, contributing to a sense of uniqueness within the genre.
However, the initial experience with Everwind was not without its challenges. After navigating the basics of crafting and combat—where players can strafe, parry, and block—excitement built as I attempted to salvage a downed airship to construct my own. This process began with scanning parts using a magical compass to obtain blueprints, requiring essential components like a cockpit, energy generator, wooden engine, and balloon. Unfortunately, my tutorial island lacked the necessary scrap materials, leading to a frustrating cycle of dwindling resources. In a moment of desperation, I crafted a boat and sailed to a neighboring island in search of supplies, only to encounter a series of misfortunes, including an unexpected explosion from a cute creature. Ultimately, I discovered that my missing scrap had fallen into some shrubbery back on my starter island, highlighting that my struggles were more a result of oversight than the game itself. However, the loss of crafted materials due to my earlier demise forced me to restart.
This period of trial and error, while initially disheartening, allowed for deeper exploration of Everwind’s sandbox elements. The stamina-based combat system, though not particularly complex, offers a step up from mindless button-mashing, while the crafting chains effectively create the addictive loops that drive player engagement. The world generation excels at creating enticing landmasses that encourage exploration. The islands, adorned with environmental details, present intriguing silhouettes from afar, with distinctive features such as pink mossy rocks and abandoned industrial towers, stone huts nestled behind hills, and a lighthouse perched on a distant isle.
Once I finally managed to get my rudimentary airship operational—albeit a makeshift wooden platform with essential machinery—I embarked on my aerial adventure. The mechanics of air travel in Everwind are straightforward: players set their speed, adjust elevation, and steer. However, the initial pace is notably slow, requiring several upgrades to the ship’s core before speed, size, and altitude enhancements feel significant. While slow travel can be enjoyable, the early hours of Everwind lack engaging distractions, with minimal detail visible on the islands until players are in close proximity. The sea, a flat blue expanse, offers little life, and even the captivating nighttime skyboxes, featuring massive ringed planets, do not compensate for the lack of activity during flights. Perhaps the experience would be more enriched with a co-op partner or the promise of air combat, both of which I have yet to explore. Additionally, the procedural generation of islands may need to offer more variety and reward to justify the lengthy journeys.
Despite these initial hurdles and areas for improvement, my time with Everwind proved surprisingly enjoyable. As I navigated from zombie-infested woodland villages to sandy shores adorned with swaying palms, I found myself embracing the gentle rhythms of airborne exploration, captivated by the allure of discovery from my elevated vantage point. Questions linger about the potential for a more defined structure and compelling narrative as the game progresses beyond its brisk tutorial phase. Nonetheless, the foundation for an engaging experience is firmly established, and with “at least a year” of early access ahead, Everwind possesses ample opportunity for growth. And, of course, the inclusion of airships adds an exciting dimension to the adventure.
