Everwind: Soaring High with Airships and RPG Dreams

Crafting a Skyward Adventure with a Steampunk Twist

Launch Day Larry

Ah, “Everwind,” a game that promises to take you on a journey through the skies with airships, RPG elements, and enough crafting to make even the most dedicated Minecraft player break into a sweat. But does it deliver on its lofty promises, or does it crash land like a poorly piloted zeppelin? Let’s dive into the clouds and find out.

Gameplay: Building, Battling, and Bumbling Through the Skies

“Everwind” offers a unique blend of RPG and building mechanics that will have you crafting airships and exploring islands like a steampunk Captain Jack Sparrow. The core gameplay is engaging, especially when you bring friends along for the ride. The airship building and exploration are standout features, reminiscent of a Minecraft mod with a penchant for high altitudes. Flying between islands adds a dynamic element that keeps the experience fresh and exciting.

Combat in “Everwind” is a mix of Skyrim’s strategic blocking and Chivalry’s heavy swings, requiring players to think on their feet. Enemies react to your every move, making each encounter a test of skill. However, the parry windows can be as elusive as a rare Pokémon, and the absence of a dodge or roll mechanic leaves you feeling a bit like a sitting duck in a shooting gallery.

Building and crafting, particularly for your airship, can feel like a full-time job. The micromanagement of flight controls and the grind-heavy crafting system might have you longing for a simpler time when all you needed was a wooden pickaxe and a dream. A free build mode and crafting from storage would go a long way in making this aspect more enjoyable.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Steampunk

Visually, “Everwind” is a treat. The graphics are polished and impressive for an early access title, drawing comparisons to an “RTX Minecraft mod.” The steampunk design, complete with intricate animations of engines and pipes, creates an immersive atmosphere that pulls you into its world. The sunsets and weather effects are particularly noteworthy, making you want to capture every moment like a digital Ansel Adams.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on a variety of systems, though some players have reported crashes related to the Unreal Engine GPU. The lack of advanced graphics features like DLSS and FSR is a missed opportunity, but the overall visual experience remains strong.

Story: A Tale of Potential and Procedural Promises

The narrative in “Everwind” is a mixed bag. The game presents a unique survival experience with airships and a steampunk aesthetic, but the story lacks the depth needed to keep players engaged long-term. While the initial story elements are intriguing, the quest system feels underdeveloped, leaving players yearning for more.

Exploration and personal progression are intertwined with the narrative, offering a sense of wonder as you navigate the skies. However, the repetitive nature of enemy encounters and similar island environments can make the experience feel more like a grind than an epic adventure. The game has “great bones” for an early access title, but it needs further development to avoid becoming just another procedural sandbox.

Final Verdict

“Everwind” is a game with immense potential, offering a unique blend of RPG elements, airship building, and exploration. Its graphics are a standout feature, and the gameplay is addictive, especially when shared with friends. However, the game faces several challenges, from grind-heavy crafting to an underdeveloped story. With further refinement and development, “Everwind” could soar to new heights, but for now, it remains a promising work in progress.

Score: 7.5/10