Evan's Remains Reviews
The skillfully drawn graphics, combined with the engaging (and at times thrilling) story and fun to solve puzzles, make the game an experience everyone should play at least once. Though the ending leaves the player unsatisfied, it is the journey that matters.
Evan's Remains is fine - at least initially. The mix of visual novel-like cut scenes and platform puzzling is a good combo, and those who aren't too keen on the platforming part can take solace in the fact that they can skip those portions without penalty. However, the predictable nature of the tale lessens the story's impact, and the small number of puzzles doesn't provide much for action-oriented players to chew on. It is a short experience that seems appropriately priced ($7) for what you're getting, but this title won't stick with you after the credits roll.
There is little to fault in Evan's Remains, which can be a three-hour long adventure, depending how fast puzzles are solved, and how long is spent enjoying watching the protagonists hair and clothes move about when she runs and jumps. Multiple saves would be a plus point, although they aren't really needed, since puzzles can be bypassed if they prove too difficult. Learning the truth about everyone on and off the island makes a replay enticing, in order to see the hints about their identities, and the emotional, tugging truth about Evan.
More than anything, Evan's Remains could be the start of something special, either in a sequel or a future work from this developer.
Mike: Let’s not waste time here. Evan’s Remains is something special. The difficulty for us, I guess, it is explaining why, without giving anything away. I’m sure you’ll agree that this game sits in that pool of the story-driven experiences, the likes of Gone Home and Undertale, where the player benefits more by knowing less. But, Alicia, let me first ask you this: what made the game first resonate with you?
Evan's Remains is certainly an interesting combination of genres and while at times the puzzles feel like they are just there to break the story apart, it all comes together with excellent artwork and a memorable narrative.
Evan's Remains may be a simple puzzle platformer but it's one that requires a lot of careful planning to master its clever stages.
The main factor to Evan's Remains' gameplay lies within monolith puzzles. The platforming was something I was really looking forward to watching the trailer, as you're meant to sort out pressure sensitive pads in a certain order to advance along. If you're stumped, you do have the option to skip the puzzles, but I would advise against it--there's a few secrets to find along the way that are actually pretty cleverly done. I will say that they're not terribly difficult in nature, but some will keep you guessing for an extra minute or two, with a nice sense of accomplishment when you finally solve.
While it's over a bit too soon, Evan's Remains is a delightful little puzzle game. Its story builds up to some great lengths, and the puzzles are innovative and fun to solve.
It's a shame to take great graphics and an interesting premise and ultimately squander them, but that doesn't mean Evan's Remains is absolutely horrible. Given a bit of tweaking it could have been great. As it stands, it's an iniquity you can finish in a couple of hours if you're great at puzzles. Just don't expect to get too engrossed.
Evan's Remains is an example of a very atmospheric story that makes great use of pixel graphics, music, and puzzles for maximum immersion. And although the project is completed in three hours – it is clearly worth it, although the ending may not please everyone because of its final plot twist.
Review in Russian | Read full review
The narrative of Evan's Remains — if you don't skip any of it — probably takes up half the total playtime, if not even more. The puzzles themselves, of which there are maybe 20-25, take around two hours to complete. So honestly, I can't call the game a bad value at only $6.99, considering the price of a movie ticket these days. But there is just little here to recommend otherwise. The puzzles are fun enough, but the storytelling won't be to everyone's tastes. It definitely never strummed my heartstrings.
Though the narrative and puzzles don't ultimately ascend to great heights, Evan's Remains is interesting and unique
If you are looking for a bite-sized mystery-thriller story puzzle game that makes you go “holy crap” and takes you on an emotional roller coaster, then I would extremely recommend this game.
Evan’s Remains is a simple, solid, and entrancing title. It is one of the better games that I have reviewed here and is one that I will heartily recommend to nearly anyone else. Now I want to look into whatever else this developer has made and will make.
The surprisingly compelling storyline and interesting puzzles keep you powering through, even as the dialogue drags on at times. Plus, the pixel art style and retro-inspired music give the game real charm. Considering the budget price, it’s well worth checking out.
A beautiful and breathtaking puzzle platformer full of heart, charm and quality level design. A game everyone should have on their radar.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The story resolution won’t sit well with everyone, but it’s still worth playing for the mystery and clever puzzles.
While it comes in a small package the fun core gameplay and unexpected storytelling is worth anyone trying out, especially if you're into puzzle platformers. While Evan's Remains never gets truly difficult it still leaves the player wanting more past the credits.
Evan's Remains is a "mystery-thriller" that, while pretty big on mystery, is shorter on thrills. If the story (and the way it's set-up) connects with you, you'll have much more enjoyment than I did. However, I don't think this is a tale with a broad audience in mind. Joined by puzzles that look and play quite similarly, the impact lessens. But the great audio/visual package elevates this one to an okay experience for me.