Ever17: The Out of Infinity (2002)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Ever17: The Out of Infinity: A Haunting and Unforgettable Visual Novel Masterpiece

Released in 2002, Ever17: The Out of Infinity is a visual novel video game developed by KID and the second entry in the Infinity series. It is preceded by Never 7: The End of Infinity and followed by Remember 11: The Age of Infinity, 12Riven: The Psi-Climinal of Integral, and Code_18.

Story

Ever17 tells the tale of seven individuals who become trapped 153 feet within the underwater marine theme park, LeMU. During an apparently normal day at the park, a massive accident occurs, submerging almost half of the facility. The path to the surface and communication lines are severed, and LeMU is under constant assault by severe water pressure, giving the trapped individuals only 119 hours to find a means of escape.

However, escape is not their only concern. As the group delves deeper into the mystery surrounding their entrapment, they begin to question the legitimacy of the accident and whether they were brought there for a sinister purpose.

Characters

The seven protagonists of Ever17 are a diverse and well-developed cast, each with their own unique backstory, motivations, and secrets:

  • Takeshi Ichimonji: A young man who was visiting LeMU with his girlfriend, Sora.
  • Sora Kasugano: Takeshi’s girlfriend, who is trapped in a different part of the park.
  • Yuu Inamine: A marine biologist who was working at LeMU.
  • Tsugumi Sakurai: A high school student who was visiting the park with her friends.
  • Haruka Takayama: A nurse who was working at the park’s infirmary.
  • Ricardo Cervantez: A professional diver who was exploring the underwater ruins near LeMU.
  • Sara Matsunaga: A mysterious woman who appears to have some knowledge of the events surrounding the accident.

Gameplay

As a visual novel, Ever17’s gameplay primarily revolves around reading and making choices that affect the story’s progression. Players can choose to follow different character routes, each of which reveals new insights into the characters and the overall mystery.

The game features a unique flow chart system that allows players to track their progress and see how their choices have impacted the story. Players can also revisit previous choices and explore alternate paths, leading to multiple endings and a deep sense of replayability.

Themes

Ever17 explores a range of complex and thought-provoking themes, including:

  • The nature of reality and perception: The game constantly challenges the characters’ perceptions of reality and forces them to question what is real and what is not.
  • The fragility of life and the importance of human connection: Trapped in a life-or-death situation, the characters must rely on each other to survive and find meaning in their existence.
  • The consequences of our choices: Every decision the player makes has a ripple effect on the story, leading to different outcomes and highlighting the weight of one’s actions.

Visuals and Music

Ever17 features beautiful and haunting visuals that perfectly capture the claustrophobic and surreal atmosphere of the underwater theme park. The character designs are expressive and distinct, and the backgrounds are rich in detail.

The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of ambient tracks and emotional vocal pieces that enhance the atmosphere and evoke a wide range of emotions.

Legacy

Ever17: The Out of Infinity is widely regarded as one of the greatest visual novels ever made. It has won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the 2002 Visual Novel Awards, and has been praised for its gripping story, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes.

The game has also had a significant impact on the visual novel genre, inspiring other developers to create more ambitious and narratively complex works.

Conclusion

Ever17: The Out of Infinity is a haunting and unforgettable visual novel masterpiece that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. Its intricate story, well-developed characters, and exploration of profound themes make it a must-play for fans of the genre and anyone who appreciates a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience.

Review Score

9.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More