Secret of Evermore, released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1995, often occupies a strange, somewhat controversial space in the pantheon of Super Nintendo RPGs. Developed by Squaresoft’s American branch (now Square Enix), it has long been compared to the beloved Secret of Mana. While it shares the same real-time combat engine and a similar visual style, Secret of Evermore is distinctly different in tone, atmosphere, and gameplay philosophy.
Unlike many JRPGs of its era, Secret of Evermore leans into a quirky, pulp-inspired adventure narrative. The story follows a teenage boy and his dog from the fictional town of Podunk, USA, who get transported to the bizarre world of Evermore. This world is a patchwork of four distinct realms—Prehistoria, Antiqua, Gothica, and Omnitopia—each resembling different historical and sci-fi settings.
The boy’s quest is to rescue other stranded humans, each stuck in one of these strange realms, and find a way back home. What sets Secret of Evermore apart is its self-aware humor and numerous references to B-movie tropes. The protagonist frequently mentions campy films, giving the story a lighthearted and occasionally tongue-in-cheek vibe, which contrasts nicely with the game’s otherwise dark and atmospheric world.
While the narrative is simple and linear, the mix of humor, mystery, and exploration keeps things engaging, even if it lacks the depth of Squaresoft’s Final Fantasy titles.
Secret of Evermore borrows its core mechanics from Secret of Mana—a top-down action RPG with real-time combat and a stamina system. Each swing of a weapon drains stamina, requiring you to wait a moment before attacking at full power again. The game also features a charge mechanic, allowing you to hold the attack button for a stronger hit.
Where the game diverges significantly is in its Alchemy System, replacing traditional magic with a system where you mix ingredients to cast spells. Ingredients like Wax, Water, Root, and Ash are scattered throughout the world, and spells are learned by finding NPCs who teach different formulas. This system encourages resource management and exploration, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay. However, it can feel cumbersome compared to more traditional magic systems, as tracking down ingredients for key spells can become tedious.
The dog companion is another standout feature, with each world transforming the dog into a different form (e.g., a wolf in Prehistoria or a toaster-like robot in Omnitopia). The dog automatically fights alongside you and can sniff out hidden ingredients, making exploration more dynamic.
While the combat is satisfying, the game lacks the multiplayer co-op that made Secret of Mana so beloved, which may be a disappointment for some players.
Graphics and Sound
Visually, Secret of Evermore is gorgeous, with richly detailed environments and atmospheric pixel art. Each realm has its own distinctive style, from the dense jungles of Prehistoria to the medieval castles of Gothica. The spritework is expressive, and the enemy designs are imaginative, though some palette-swapping occurs.
The soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Soule (in his debut), stands out for its ambient and moody tones. Unlike the upbeat, melodic scores typical of SNES RPGs, Secret of Evermore leans into atmospheric soundscapes, creating a sense of mystery and immersion. While some may find it less memorable than Secret of Mana’s iconic soundtrack, it suits the game’s tone perfectly.
Strengths
Unique Setting: The mashup of historical and sci-fi themes offers an intriguing and diverse world to explore.
Alchemy System: A creative twist on magic that encourages experimentation and resource management.
Atmospheric Presentation: Excellent visuals and an ambient soundtrack create a strong sense of place.
Compelling Companion Mechanics: The shape-shifting dog companion is fun and useful.Weaknesses
Cumbersome Alchemy: Managing ingredients can be tedious, and some spells feel underpowered or impractical.
No Multiplayer: The absence of co-op is a missed opportunity, especially for a Secret of Mana-inspired game.
Pacing Issues: Some areas suffer from repetitive combat and backtracking.
Simplistic Story: While charming, the plot lacks the depth or emotional weight of other Squaresoft RPGs.Secret of Evermore is a fascinating and enjoyable action RPG that suffers from the weight of comparison to Secret of Mana. Taken on its own merits, it offers a charming, atmospheric adventure with innovative mechanics and a memorable world. While not a top-tier classic like Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy VI, it remains a worthy entry in the SNES library, especially for players who appreciate a unique Western twist on the genre.
