Everafter Falls

Everafter Falls is a charming lifestyle and farming simulation game developed by solo developer SquareHusky and published by Akupara Games. Released in June 2024, the game draws heavily on the popular cozy sim genre but introduces key elements of automation, light RPG progression, and a twist-filled narrative that sets it apart.

The Plot: Waking Up in the Real World

The story begins with the player character waking up in the whimsical town of Everafter Falls with no memory of their life there. They soon discover that their existence on Earth (which included the jarring experience of being hit by a truck) was actually a virtual reality simulation, and Everafter Falls, inhabited by adorable anthropomorphized animal neighbors, is the real world. The player must now relearn how to live the simple life, restore their neglected farm, and uncover the mystery behind their simulated past.

Automation and Helper Mechanics

A major distinguishing feature of Everafter Falls is the emphasis on minimizing the daily grind of repetitive farming tasks:

• The Pet: Early in the game, the player is reunited with their helpful pet (often a cat or dog) who can be trained to perform essential chores, such as tilling the soil and watering crops—freeing up the player's time for other activities.

• Drones and Pixies: As the player progresses, they can utilize automated drones to expand their inventory or tend to the farm, and capture resource-harvesting pixies to gather materials. This automation allows for a faster pace of progression compared to traditional farming sims.

Progression by Eating Cards

The game features a unique and memorable progression system: card-eating. Instead of earning traditional experience points or assigning skill trees, the player acquires Ability Cards by completing quests, making donations to the local museum, or exchanging credits. To gain the benefit of these cards—which grant permanent perks like better fishing luck, increased income, or improved pet abilities—the player must physically "chomp" the card.

Dungeons and Co-op

Everafter Falls integrates action-RPG elements through dungeon diving. There are four different dungeons to explore, filled with creatures and leading to challenging boss fights. Combat is straightforward, focusing on movement and dodging, with the player's ability cards providing customization and build variety.

For players seeking a shared experience, the game features split-screen co-op. A second player can jump in to help run the farm, delve into the dungeons, and participate in the community life of Everafter Falls. This blend of cozy farming, charming mystery, and automation creates a relaxing yet engaging adventure.