Everything Reviews
Alan Watts' philosophy lectures are intriguing, but it's not very interesting getting from one lecture to the next. I was never able to be engaged or immersed in the world. Despite being a game about how all things are related, I found the silly, empty experience of Everything very unrelatable.
Despite its almost complete lack of traditional gameplay concepts, Everything still manages to offer enough of a hook that it should avoid the more pedantic corners of the gaming community concerned about what is truly a game.
After discussing it for a few minutes, I feel like I want to thank you all for coming to my TED talk. That’s because it’s so impressionistic, existential, philosophical … all the things people invoke when they want to convince you that video games can be art. But Everything has a leg up on a lot of those art-installation-as-games. Everything is also a lot of fun!
"A game, an art performance or just philosophical rambling? Hard to say."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Everything really does deliver on its abstract concept, but only if you're willing to boot it up with an open mind. There's no action, or even a cohesive plot. There are no XP bars to fill or loot to collect – just a universe and you, and a desire to determine just who ‘you' really are. The basic textures and colours (and the hilarious way creatures just roll about like possessed statues) might stifle some, but Everything's worth is more than skin deep. It's a risky game – some will love it and some just won't get it at all – but it's an experience well worth undertaking, regardless of where you end up.
As a whole, “Everything” is marvelous. You’ll find yourself entranced, however briefly, in the game’s faux-universe. For such minimalistic gameplay, it’s actually quite mesmerising. I played it for much longer than I anticipated before starting it up for the first time, and looked forward to it later; for that, it gets big points from me. But I am legitimately saddened by the shortcomings of autoplay, and hope it sees an update. I also can’t ignore the myriad crashes I encountered.
If this sounds fascinating, that’s great, and there’s a certain degree of entertainment in controlling a tree, a segmented fence that behaves a bit like a snake, or even planets. I find philosophy to be interesting and this visual exploration of some concepts is novel at a minimum, but just understand that it’s more of an exercise than a game. It does track what you’ve managed to take control of, and perhaps you’ll want to be sure you be every form of plant in the game but aside from that or simply tracking down all of the different info tidbits or audio clips there’s not much more that it has to offer. If none of the above has scared you off I’d think you’ll find Everything to be enjoyable, it’s just such an unusual experience that I can’t ignore the fact that it won’t be for everyone.
GOOD - Everything is an interpretive experience game, and one that’s quite hard to score, as so much of it will come down to personal engagement. The collection and exploration mechanics are well defined, and getting to hear some of Alan Watt’s speeches is a treat and further adds to the gravity of the game. For many, this will be too random of an experience, but I implore giving it a go as it’s a relaxing game to enjoy.
Everything is a philosophy lecture turned into a game, and if you're looking for some new insight on life and a sandbox to play in while you listen, it'll provide. While the game offers up hundreds of choices of objects to become, it comes at the sacrifice of everything feeling the same.
Playing Everything left me kind of empty feeling, which is almost definitely not the intention. I feel as though it is meant to leave you feeling in awe of how connected everything is. The trouble is, I’m already a hippie vegan with an interest in quantum mechanics. I already know everything is connected.
A solid game, but not for everyone, Everything is all about exploration, curiosity, and looking to what's around the next corner. If you're not worried about scores, the big boss fight, and want a game that you can chill out with while you listen to great music, then Everything is for you.
Wilfully weird and captivating
Everything is a half baked game but you can still play it and enjoy doing it. The game keeps you entertained for a while so you can give it a try. Everything is a good simulator and a bad game.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Everything is not an experience for everyone. Considering how trippy and weird the game is, I guess the most enjoyment you are going to have with this game is when playing it with friends while drunk or high.
Everything is a game that won’t be for everyone. It probably won’t be for most people. At the same time I’d urge everyone to give it a go.
Everything asks you to contemplate your place in the universe by inhabiting the point-of-view of hundreds of other creatures, plants, and objects.
David O'Reilly's unique universe simulation strives to create connections – some physical, some assumed – between literally everything
You're either going to love or hate Everything. It's that type of game as it offers an experience that is pretty out there which is not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Do I recommend the game? Certainly! It is a voyage that has to be experienced. I'm sure that even if you don't end up liking the game, it will still leave its mark on you – you won't be forgetting about this game anytime soon!
Fanciful gameplay meets philosophical discoure - Everything is a small masterpiece in spite of its rocky start.
Review in German | Read full review
Funny, philosophical, and deeply, deeply weird, there's nothing else quite like Everything on PC.