Introduction

Imagine a game where you can not only do anything but actually be *everything*. Yes, with David O'Reilly's quirky simulation game, Everything, you have the chance to control life forms and inanimate objects in a universe as vast as your existential dread. Released for the Nintendo Switch in 2019, this game invites players to engage in a whimsical adventure where the only challenge is figuring out what on Earth—or beyond—you are supposed to do.

Gameplay

Gameplay in Everything is as straightforward as it gets: you start out as a tiny creature (perhaps a ladybug or a delightful traffic cone—your choice!), exploring a procedurally generated universe. From there, your mission, if you choose to accept it (spoiler alert: you do), is to literally embody various life forms and objects. Every time you hop into something new, from a tree to a mountain, or even the cosmos itself (no, seriously), the possibilities are endless and the challenge lies in keeping track of everything you've become. Initially, the transfer of control is simple, but as you grow and shrink through the layers of existence, things could get a tad chaotic. You may find yourself zipping between subatomic particles and planets like a cosmic game of hopscotch. Yes, at some point, you’ll be controlling a speck of dust, then a whale, then the entire galactic realm. Remember to let that sink in—you're literally a part of everything. The challenge emerges as you dive deeper into the game’s cataloging aspect. To “complete” your experience, you’ll need to discover and claim every single entity within the game, which means preparation for energetic scavenger hunts. Shifting between objects requires you to remember what you’ve already occupied and might mean hopping around the universe like a caffeine-fueled squirrel. Earning those catalog entries compels you to explore all forms of life and inanimate existence, but who knew that cataloging would seem more like a cosmic anxiety trip than the laid-back zen-fest some hoped for?

Graphics

Graphically, Everything doesn’t aim for hyperrealism but leans into a surreal artistic style that’s as whimsical as a hipster's ideas about kale. The colors pop with an unusual palette, and the simplistic designs add a charm reminiscent of artsy indie films—very much in line with the creator’s artistic roots. Animations are smooth enough for a butterfly to fly and for tiny landmasses to roll around. Obligatory high-fives for the user interface, which creatively adapts to whatever form you occupy, adding a touch of creativity to the execution of gameplay.

Conclusion

Everything is a delightful excursion into the cosmos, armed with quirky gameplay, charming graphics, and philosophical commentary that makes profound discoveries feel like a stroll through the park. However, don’t expect traditional challenges like bosses or timed missions. Instead, expect to learn more about yourself (and perhaps even call into question the vastness of life) while transitioning between a googly-eyed creature and a far-flung star system. So if you’re in the market for a game that blissfully demands exploration and patience rather than precision or reflexes (and you don’t mind any existential crises along the way), then Everything on the Nintendo Switch is worth your time. Just remember: in this game, every object has a right to exist…even that fridge in your kitchen that only contains expired takeout. Who knows, you might discover a deeper connection with the universe—or at least a strong appreciation for inanimate objects. ”

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