Imagine a game where you can be literally everything, including a cute little ladybug to a massive, planet-sized boulder! 'Everything' is less of a game and more of a philosophical journey disguised as an interactive playground. Developed by David O'Reilly, this title invites you into a universe where the laws of physics seem optional and where your main goal is, well, to be everything everywhere! So grab your controller and prepare to embrace your inner existential crisis as you meander through this whimsical simulation.
'Everything' isn’t going to hold your hand in finding objectives. Your challenge lies in switching between various life forms and objects as you navigate through the game's surreal landscapes. The basic mechanic is simple: start as a tiny critter and gradually absorb other entities to increase your scale. Yes, that’s right—if you’ve ever fantasized about becoming a star or even a speck of dust, this game offers that joy! The challenge ramps up in how you can interact as you evolve from a simple organism to entire landscapes and communities, all while interacting with other objects that spout philosophical nuggets from Alan Watts. Most players will complete their encyclopedia of everything without knowing where they’ve really been! Controlling different entities might sound easy, but be prepared for the mental gymnastics necessary to shift between the microscopic and the macroscopic. You might need an existential crisis between swapping from being a throw pillow to a mountain. Even finding smaller entities can become a scavenger hunt, a bit like cleaning your room, but instead of socks, you’re picking up entire universes! The gameplay encourages exploration and experimentation. Do you want to be a fish? Go for it! How about a cactus? YOU CAN! But prepare for the action to be as mundane as picking your nose (especially if you're a traffic cone) or trying to trip a ladybug on a stroll. Completing tasks in 'Everything' requires a laid-back attitude and perhaps some pressure-induced improvisation.
Graphically, 'Everything' is like a living art piece, reminiscent of a painting brought to life. The visuals are intentionally abstract and playful, allowing you to experience a vibrant and surreal world. Animations are kept simple—a throwback to classic animations where creatures roll instead of walk. This choice not only provides charm but also reduces the need for complex coding, making you appreciate the elegance of simplicity when rolling a giant cupcake through an asteroid belt. Yes, friends, welcome to chaotic creative brilliance! The varied colors and styles create an enjoyable visual cocoon, letting you escape the space between your mind and your controller. Think of it as a kaleidoscope but with arms that can groove.
'Everything' surpasses the boundaries of a traditional challenge-based game, emerging instead as a metaphorical journey through existence. The challenge isn’t about conquering levels but about exploration and understanding the silly absurdities of life—like why a traffic cone exists or how a ladybug feels on a Tuesday. If you're after high-stakes missions or adrenalin-pumping action, grab an espresso, a slice of cheese pizza, and revaluate your gaming options; this isn’t it. However, if you're ready to open your mind while potentially contemplating your existence amidst a preserve of souls (or rocks), dive into 'Everything'—because remember: in this game, you really can be anything, and for a bright 8 days, your quest is to experience everything... even if it means becoming a speck of dust now and then!