Review: The Quirky Worlds of Ever 17 and Never 7

Ever 17: The Out of Infinity and Never 7: The End of Infinity – A Reimagined Experience

Regarded as one of the finest entries in the realm of Japanese video gaming, Ever 17: The Out of Infinity is poised to captivate audiences once more, now accessible on modern consoles. Along with its release, for the first time in English, the prequel Never 7: The End of Infinity joins the lineup. While the visual styles may feel outdated and the humor leaves something to be desired, the narratives of both games still engage effectively. That said, new players might find the deliberate pacing a bit challenging, especially if they lack an emotional bond with the series.

Insights from a Newcomer’s Perspective

I must clarify that I approached these remastered versions without any prior experience with the originals. Consequently, I lack a point of reference to evaluate how they stack up against their predecessors. The upcoming 2025 remaster of Ever 17 utilizes the script from the 2011 Xbox 360 remake, while retaining the charming 2D visuals from the PS2 and Dreamcast eras. This iteration introduces various character and story modifications. Nevertheless, my unfamiliarity with the original narratives limits my ability to assess the impact of these changes on long-time fans of the Infinity series.

Never 7 Haruka — Image courtesy of Siliconera

Gameplay Mechanics and Story Dynamics

Both Never 7 and Ever 17 adopt the visual novel format, progressing through a blend of text, voice acting, and character visuals. Player input is largely limited to selecting dialogue options, which range from simple embellishments to significant decisions affecting the storyline. For those seeking a more interactive gaming experience or direct consequences for their choices, these titles may disappoint. However, the excellent voice cast and their impactful performances undeniably enhance player immersion, mitigating the potential monotony of lengthy reading sessions.

Diverse Yet Interconnected Narratives

While the two stories diverge in plotlines and themes, they share a core concept: protagonists striving to escape precarious situations while nurturing relationships with those around them. In Ever 17, players assume the roles of Takeshi Kuranari or “Kid, ” an amnesiac trapped within the depths of a malfunctioning underwater facility known as LeMU. With a countdown of 119 hours to avoid catastrophe, they must collaborate with others to devise an escape plan.

In contrast, Never 7 places players in the shoes of university student Makoto Ishihara, who finds himself at a seminar resort along with three classmates. As he bonds with local residents, Makoto experiences inexplicable precognitive visions that reveal future tragedies. The narrative intricately weaves themes of friendship and time loops, as he attempts to prevent the demise of a close companion, continually resetting the loop upon failure.

Ever 17 Tuna — Image courtesy of Siliconera

Nostalgia Meets Modern Expectations

There exists a nostalgic allure in the dated aesthetics of these games, particularly in their character designs, which feature endearingly awkward proportions and poses not commonly seen in contemporary releases. While playing on the Switch in handheld mode offered a moderate experience, larger displays may expose certain graphical shortcomings. The artwork oscillates between “charmingly outdated” and “problematic, ” yet the narrative quality remains a significant highlight, with twists that successfully surprised me even after two decades since their initial release. This enduring creativity explains why these games maintain a strong following.

Challenges of Nostalgic Gameplay

However, being rooted in the past presents its own challenges. The writing, both in terms of localization and original dialogue, offers a glimpse into a bygone era. It took me considerable time to connect with Ever 17 due to You’s character, whose interactions with Takeshi initially felt jarring. Her brand of humor—reminiscent of Rumiko Takahashi’s style—often borders on abrasive, detracting from my willingness to engage with the story. Interestingly, this kind of humor has re-emerged in modern works, showcasing its timelessness.

Moreover, You often serves as the group’s knowledge repository, sharing extensive insights on various subjects. While informative, her lengthy explanations occasionally disrupt the narrative flow and can feel excessive, particularly when they veer off-topic. Perhaps because I experienced Never 7 after Ever 17, I found its pacing more palatable overall.

Ever 17 Never 7 Localization — Image courtesy of Siliconera

Localization Nuances in Never 7

I discovered that the remaster of Never 7 marks its first-time localization, eschewing contemporary localization practices which might have enhanced coherence. Unfortunately, this approach led to instances where translations appeared accurate yet bewildering. I found myself replaying voice dialogues to decipher meanings that felt disconnected from the context. Such literal translations, while faithful, do not necessarily yield the most effective communication.

Furthermore, “Kid” serves as an intriguing case study within this localization. The temporary name given to the amnesiac protagonist defaults to “Boy” when viewed through his perspective. Historical research indicates that this was the original designation in earlier scripts. The localization team’s decision to change it, and their execution, inadvertently led to comical missteps, reinforcing the challenge of maintaining coherence in the narrative.

Technical Performance and Player Experience

Regarding technical execution, the Switch versions of both games performed admirably, with no significant bugs or technical flaws. The option to proceed through dialogues using either the analog stick or the A button added a level of comfort during extensive play sessions. The portable nature of the Switch effectively enhances accessibility, allowing for gaming on-the-go. However, to truly appreciate the rich musical score and voicework, a quality sound system is recommended; the handheld speakers inadequately convey this aspect.

Never 7 Ever 17 — Image courtesy of Siliconera

A Complex Yet Rewarding Experience

In conclusion, despite my appreciation for the intricate narratives crafted by Uchikoshi, I wouldn’t broadly recommend Ever 17 or Never 7 as universal picks for visual novel enthusiasts. Their slow build-ups may prove challenging for those with tight schedules, and expectations based on historical acclaim could amplify perceived shortcomings. Nevertheless, I found myself genuinely invested in the characters’ journeys, experiencing a range of emotions throughout, which attests to Uchikoshi’s storytelling prowess. The bittersweet satisfaction of discovering various endings highlights the enduring charm of these titles.

Both Ever 17 and Never 7 are now available on PS4, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch.

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