Evertree Inn Reviews

Reviewing (mostly) every game (or DLC) in my library, part 191: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (8/10) [i]Evertree Inn[/i] is a cozy, fantasy-flavored murder mystery that blends light RPG mechanics, romance, and roleplay into a charming, tightly paced narrative. It's one of the earlier standout titles from Hosted Games, and while it's not flawless, it hits that sweet spot of comfort and intrigue. 🍂[b] Pros:[/b] [list] [*] A fantasy murder mystery where you actually investigate. Set inside a magical inn with secrets behind every door, the story begins with a classic mystery: someone has been murdered, and you’re one of the few people with enough autonomy and intelligence to figure out who did it. The fun lies in following leads, picking who to trust, and shaping your approach—whether that means interrogating suspects, sneaking into locked rooms, or simply charming people into talking. [*] Strong roleplay mechanics that affect moment-to-moment scenes. Your class, skills, and moral choices open different paths through each scene. Playing a charming bard unlocks smooth-talking options, while a stealthy rogue might pick locks and sneak through trouble. The game does a good job of acknowledging your stats, especially in early and mid-game situations. Combat, persuasion, and stealth are all viable paths, and your background influences how others perceive you. [*] Magical, grounded setting. The inn itself—candlelit, creaky, nestled in a quiet forest—feels vivid and memorable. There's a strong atmosphere of hidden danger beneath the surface, like something enchanted and half-forgotten. The game gives you just enough lore to feel immersed, but not overwhelmed. [*] Clean writing and polished presentation. [i]Evertree’s[/i] writing is smooth, typo-free, and immersive without being flowery. It reads easily, with enough flair to distinguish characters and tone. The pacing is tight (see the downside below), and it never overstays its welcome. [*] Inclusive, with a real focus on player identity. You can choose your gender, sexuality, and backstory in a way that feels seamless. Whether you’re a gay mage, a nonbinary rogue, or an asexual bard, the game treats your identity with respect and never makes it feel like a checkbox. [/list] 📂[b] Cons:[/b] [list] [*] Some choices feel less impactful than they appear. While your class and stats affect how scenes unfold, major plot points converge no matter what. You can influence relationships and how people see you, and you’ll shape a few key decisions, but don’t expect massive branching storylines. Some players may feel like the illusion of choice is stronger than the actual consequences. [*] On the short side, especially for replay. A full playthrough runs about 3–4 hours, which is totally fine, but if you’re hoping for a long, slow-burn epic, this isn’t it. While there’s decent replay value through different classes and romance paths, some second runs reveal just how on-the-rails the core story structure is. [*] Supporting cast can feel underused. The main romance options and suspects are well-written, but some side characters exist mainly to deliver plot or atmosphere. A bit more worldbuilding outside the inn, or deeper community dynamics, could’ve made the mystery feel even more alive. [/list]