[PS4] Review of the Ever 17 & Never 7 Double Pack

Spike Chunsoft and MAGES have teamed up to bring a treat for fans of classic visual novels: the Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack is now available on PlayStation 4. These revered titles from KID have been given fresh remakes, allowing new audiences to dive into their captivating narratives. Here’s what you can expect from this intriguing collection!

First off, let’s talk about the games included. Never 7 – The End of Infinity originally graced the gaming world in 2000, available on platforms like the original Sony PlayStation, SEGA Dreamcast, and even the Neo Geo Pocket, though it never saw a release outside Japan until now. Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity followed a couple of years later, making its mark on the Sony PlayStation 2 and SEGA Dreamcast. Both stories were penned by the talented Kotaro Uchikoshi, the mind behind the acclaimed Zero Escape series. If you loved those games, you’re in for a treat here!

In the domain of visual novels, storytelling reigns supreme. These games guide you through intricate plots and character developments, often complemented by beautiful artwork and voice acting. Ok, never before available in English, this duo of games offers Japanese voice acting and lets players make choices that pivot the story in different directions, increasing replayability with multiple possible endings.

Delving into Never 7 – The End of Infinity, players step into the shoes of Makoto Ishihara, a student caught in a rather bewildering situation. He awakens from an unusually vivid dream where he witnesses a girl suffer a tragic fate on April 6. But here’s the twist: it’s only April 1, leaving Makoto with just five days to potentially alter the impending events. While attending a seemingly serene Seminar Retreat, nothing is quite as it seems, and the player must navigate to uncover and change the course of Makoto’s destiny.

Once April 6 arrives, the stakes get high. Tragedy unfolds, but with a unique twist—Makoto is sent back to the start, April 1. Now armed with foresight, players can experiment with different choices, striving to alter the timeline and avoid repeating past mistakes. Of course, there are potential pitfalls, and a wrong move might lead to an undesirable ending or, with perseverance, to the elusive perfect conclusion.

Shifting over to Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity, the protagonist, Takeshi Kuranari, faces his own challenges. As a normal college student, Takeshi visits the LeMU underwater theme park, only to become ensnared in a catastrophic situation. Trapped 51 meters underwater with six others and no aid on the horizon, the group must work together to escape. With the mysterious Tsugumi and part-timer You by his side, Takeshi navigates a story rich with unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Gamers who love a challenge will be pleased with the trophy lists. Each game in the double pack has its own set of trophies, including a coveted Platinum for trophy hunters to pursue. Never 7 boasts 8 Bronze, 2 Silver, and 9 Gold trophies, while Ever 17 includes 3 Bronze, 15 Silver, and 6 Gold. Achieving these will involve exploring the various endings each game offers, so prepare for a deep dive into each narrative.

If you’re interested in revisiting or discovering these beloved stories, the Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack is now available for $44.99. Alternatively, individual stories can be purchased, with Never 7 priced at $19.99 and Ever 17 at $29.99. Overall, it’s a fantastic offering for fans of the genre.

Lastly, we played Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack on a PlayStation 4 code provided by Spike Chunsoft, ensuring we experienced the full potential of these visually and narratively refreshing games. Game on!