Spike Chunsoft and MAGES have joined forces to revitalize two beloved visual novels from KID that are now making their way to the PlayStation 4 with the Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack. If you’re curious about what these remakes have to offer, stick around for our in-depth Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack review!
In this package, we’re treated to updated versions of Never 7 – The End of Infinity and Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity. Originally, Never 7 made its debut back in 2000 on platforms like the Sony PlayStation, SEGA Dreamcast, and even the Neo Geo Pocket, but it remained a gem exclusive to Japan until now. Ever 17, on the other hand, followed a couple of years later on the PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast. Both titles were penned by the talented Kotaro Uchikoshi, known for his work on the acclaimed Zero Escape series. For those already familiar with that series, you might want to check out reviews of Zero Escape: The Nonary Games and Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma to catch up on his storytelling prowess. Both games in this collection are part of the Infinity series, adding another layer of intrigue for fans and newcomers alike.
The visual novel genre is all about immersing players in gripping narratives with multiple twists, enhanced by visual presentations of characters and settings. With these two games, you’re treated to Japanese voice acting and face critical choices that can lead to different story branches and multiple endings. This mechanic not only enhances player engagement but also boosts replayability since a single playthrough won’t unlock all story arcs.
Starting with Never 7 – The End of Infinity, you step into the shoes of Makoto Ishihara, who finds himself in an unusual situation after waking up from a disturbingly real dream where a girl meets a tragic fate on April 6th. Now, as he wakes up on April 1st, armed with this foresight, he faces the challenge of a five-day seminar retreat that is anything but peaceful. This setup offers a narrative loop where Makoto must make different decisions to alter the impending tragedy, providing players with the chance to uncover various endings, both good and bad.
Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity tells the story of Takeshi Kuranari, a college student visiting the underwater theme park, LeMU. After a disaster traps him 51 meters below the surface with six others, it becomes a race against time to find their way back to safety. Partnering with the enigmatic Tsugumi and employee You, the game’s gripping narrative and unexpected twists make it hard to put down. Spoilers aside, it’s a story that will keep you guessing until the end.
For the trophy hunters out there, this double pack includes two separate trophy lists, complete with collectible Platinums. Never 7 – The End of Infinity offers 8 Bronze, 2 Silver, and 9 Gold trophies, while Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity includes 3 Bronze, 15 Silver, and 6 Gold trophies. These are mostly tied to discovering all possible endings in both games, encouraging thorough exploration of each narrative route.
The Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack not only brings classic visual novels to a new platform but also delivers enhanced versions that capture the hearts of old fans while drawing in newcomers. With an official release set for March 6, the package is priced at $44.99, though players can choose to buy Never 7 – The End of Infinity for $19.99 and Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity for $29.99 separately.
Just a heads-up: This review was based on a PlayStation 4 review copy provided by Spike Chunsoft.
