I was already intrigued by Everwind, an upcoming sandbox RPG that evokes the spirit of Minecraft while introducing first-person combat reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim. My interest piqued after watching its trailer and noting its successful Kickstarter campaign. As the demo began to rise through the Steam Next Fest charts, my curiosity deepened. The revelation that Bohemia Interactive, renowned for titles like DayZ and Arma 3, is behind this project solidified my anticipation. With a sense of excitement, I dove into the demo, and it became clear that we might be onto something special.
Gameplay Experience
Developed by Enjoy Studio S.A., Everwind offers a cooperative adventure centered around resource gathering, gear crafting, and exploration of scattered islands in both air and sea, all facilitated by your upgradeable airship base. The game is infused with a distinctly Minecraft flavor from the outset. Players can break and place blocks, craft essential tools like axes and pickaxes, repair equipment, don armor, and even enjoy a hearty bowl of mushroom soup. In a refreshing twist on survival game conventions, players start by battling skeletons instead of punching trees—using a lead pipe to swing at them adds a unique flair to the experience.
As someone who has enjoyed Minecraft in the past but never fully committed, I found several elements of this demo particularly appealing. The allure of floating islands, a staple of JRPGs, captivated me, while the ability to upgrade my airship’s size, speed, and altitude provided a tangible goal that significantly impacts gameplay. The sensation of piloting the airship was gratifying; I carefully landed my vessel on a secluded beach after spotting a watchtower on an otherwise deserted island, then quickly constructed a dirt bridge to reach the shore.
Imagining the thrill of hunting for specific resources to enhance my airship’s engine, I could easily see myself getting sidetracked by dungeons and caves—always the highlights of my Minecraft adventures. Although the initial barrage of items and recipes felt overwhelming, the demo tutorial struck a balance between brevity and information overload. Most interactions felt intuitive, allowing me to rely on my Minecraft instincts, which did not disappoint. I completely lost track of time during my session with Everwind, a promising indicator of its potential.
This concept holds immense potential, with a lofty ceiling for success and a deep floor of possibilities. So far, Everwind shows considerable promise. The demo has already garnered nearly 1,000 very positive reviews on Steam, marking a commendable beginning for this ambitious project.
My experience with this action-platformer, which blends elements of Shadow of the Colossus and Mirror’s Edge, was so engaging that I endured physical discomfort to continue playing—a testament to its captivating nature.
