Spike Chunsoft and MAGES have done fans of visual novels a huge favor by releasing the Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack on PlayStation 4, featuring remakes of two iconic classics from KID. Let’s take a closer look at what this package offers in my review.
These beloved titles, Never 7 – The End of Infinity and Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity, have been updated and reimagined for a new generation. Initially, Never 7 made its debut in 2000 as a Japan-exclusive game on platforms like the original PlayStation, SEGA Dreamcast, and Neo Geo Pocket. Meanwhile, Ever 17 graced the PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast a couple of years later. Both narratives are the brainchildren of Kotaro Uchikoshi, who you might recognize as the mastermind behind the acclaimed Zero Escape series. Don’t miss out on the insightful reviews by the_nmac for Zero Escape: The Nonary Games and ThaRaven403 for Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma. The Double Pack is part of the larger Infinity series lineup.
For those unfamiliar with the visual novel genre, these games offer intricate storytelling combined with captivating visuals. You’ll witness characters’ actions unfold in various scenes, coupled with engaging Japanese voice acting for that extra level of immersion. As you journey through these narratives, you’ll encounter choices that influence the direction of the story, leading to multiple endings. Such branching paths ensure replayability, making each playthrough a fresh experience.
Let’s dive into the specifics with Never 7 – The End of Infinity. You step into the shoes of Makoto Ishihara, a student caught in an extraordinary situation. After having a vivid dream of witnessing a girl’s tragic death, Makoto wakes up on April 1st, fearful yet intrigued. Interestingly, the actual events are slated to occur on April 6, leaving only a few days to alter fate. Ostensibly attending a seminar retreat, Makoto must navigate the bizarre circumstances before him.
Once the fateful day arrives and tragedy strikes, Makoto is thrust back to April 1st. This twist allows you to leverage your newfound knowledge, altering previous choices in hopes of preventing the foreseen calamity. Be cautious, as your actions might lead you to an unfortunate or even catastrophic conclusion. The goal? Break the cycle, change destiny, and aim for a positive outcome.
Switching focus to Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity, we meet Takeshi Kuranari, an unassuming college student visiting LeMU, a unique underwater theme park. Following an unforeseen accident, Takeshi and six others find themselves stranded 51 meters underwater. With no rescue in sight, it’s up to Takeshi, along with characters like the enigmatic Tsugumi and park worker You, to work together and escape before it’s too late. The story promises gripping twists that will keep you enthralled, but revealing more would venture too far into spoiler territory.
Now, onto the trophies — a sweet incentive for gamers. Since this pack includes two games, there’s a separate trophy list for each, featuring a coveted Platinum trophy. Never 7’s list comprises 8 Bronze, 2 Silver, and 9 Gold, while Ever 17 offers 3 Bronze, 15 Silver, and 6 Gold. These achievements revolve around exploring various endings, both positive and negative, ensuring plenty of challenges ahead.
Revisiting these games on modern platforms is a thrilling trip down memory lane. The Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack, priced reasonably, offers new and seasoned players alike a chance to experience these narratives with enhanced visuals and storytelling flourishes. Released on March 6, the Double Pack retails for $44.99, with individual purchases available: Never 7 at $19.99 and Ever 17 at $29.99.
This review is based on a PlayStation 4 copy provided by Spike Chunsoft. I hope you find as much enjoyment in these games as I did!
