We are Eva, a unique pixel platformer that gives you a different perspective on the platforming genre.
We are Eva is a 2D pixel platformer that defies the boundaries of platformers and the fourth wall, it was developed and published by Totally Normal Creature, a solo developer from Ukraine. We are Eva is essentially the big sister of E.Z., which is the first game created by Totally Normal Creature. The main goal of E.Z is relatively simple; all you need to do is to reach the other side of the game’s 100 levels, which is easier said than done.
We are Eva is a clear step up from their first game as with We are Eva, Totally Normal Creature has added a whole new array of mechanics such as dimension hopping and an incredibly sarcastic protagonist that is completely aware of itself and you, oh dear gamer. When you boot up the game, we are introduced to our protagonist, the titular Eva. It is apparent right away that there is more to her than meets the eye as she starts talking to you as if she knows you are there and as if she is sentient when calling you by your steam name.
As you progress further along in the game, her commentary becomes more life-like, Eva goes on to say how you think you got the game from Steam, but she was the one that made you get it via her magic. Confident in your skills, Eva then goes on to explain how she needs your help sealing dimensional rifts throughout the game’s various levels and to help restore her world.
We are Eva is a game with a pretty interesting take on your typical platformer game such as with the unique ability to change the dimension that Eva exists in. The different levels all have their own unique traits and have different effects on Eva, for example – the Brown dimension is, as Eva puts it “sticky”, which allows Eva to scale walls that are brown, or the Blue dimension, which seems to give you some delayed gravity effects that make Eva able to jump farther, or the Pink dimension, which happens to be a lot more volatile than the others, and whenever Eva shifts strange vines grow in her place creating a lethal barricade that will promptly “kill” Eva.
However, Eva doesn’t truly die, but whenever you make a mistake and Eva gets killed, you will simply respawn but do keep in mind that you’re no longer in the same dimension. Eva explains that she is essentially immortal and that whenever she “dies”, she actually just shifts to another dimension where she didn’t meet an untimely end.
This does mean that while the goal of the level stays the same, there are now new obstacles in your path. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as one change to the layout can add both new challenges and get rid of them all entirely. Do keep in mind that Eva won’t exactly enjoy her multiple deaths.
Another very important thing to note is that it is highly recommended that you play using a controller. We are Eva is very much built to be played using a controller as all the necessary buttons are laid out in such a way that it is easy to reach and comfortable.
That’s not to say you can’t play with a mouse and keyboard; you can. It’s just that the game’s layout is a bit all over the place, and some buttons aren’t as easily reachable as others. If you do want to use a mouse and keyboard, then perhaps try to mix and match with a controller just to get the best of both worlds.
One of the biggest saving graces in We are Eva is her double jump. Double jump is pretty much standard in most platformers, but when paired with Eva’s dimensional shift ability, a well-timed jump can make a world of difference if you remember to shift correctly on time.
As you further progress through the game’s various levels, Eva becomes more open about her and her nature, although her ego is kind of out there, which makes sense for a being of so much power that has died too many times and is a little impatient. Eva will regularly comment on how you are doing in a level; if you die too many times, she’ll be passive-aggressive, but if you complete a level in record time, she’ll gladly cheer you on.
The music of We are Eva is one of the game’s greatest features since it changes and shifts as you shift through dimensions. Each dimension has its own soundtrack that reflects what is in each one, the Green dimension sounds organic, and features wood flutes and light drums, and the Blue dimension sounds muffled as if it’s underwater. Despite the change in sound, the soundtrack is just overall a mix of catchy electro and EDM tunes that are both captivating and adds interesting touches to each level and color.
Combat in We are Eva is rather unusual. There aren’t necessarily attacking and combat abilities, you kind of just need to shift at the right place and at the right time. We see this with the first combat encounter, where you come across a goblin, which is strange to Eva as goblins can’t travel to different dimensions. However, this is where the game becomes nostalgic, as the only way to defeat enemies is to shift into their color and bounce on them, somewhat like in the old pixel Mario games, where jumping and timing were also a big aspect of the game.
The game can be somewhat frustrating as your reaction time will be put to the test with moving platforms, traps, enemies, and color shifting mid-jump to make your way to your desired platform. Although, touching the borders will inevitably make you start over, even if you go over by just a pixel. This can make planning your routes slightly tedious, as you will need to be aware of your jumps and each dimension’s traits.
As you progress through the game, more is revealed about the different dimensions and more about Eva herself being an interdimensional being whose whole existence is to repair the rifts that you will come across in the different dimensions. As stated earlier, Eva’s whole point of existence is to fix and repair these dimensional tears. In most levels, you will encounter about two tears per level; the colors of these rifts depend on the dimensions that Eva can shift to. Now you don’t need to get both tears, as one is enough to unlock the portal that will take you to the next level. It does give you a sense of achievement and the occasional compliment from Eva.
We are Eva is a fun platformer that makes the boundaries of the fourth wall and platformers crumble, and with a character that seems sentient and levels that challenge you as the player, We are Eva is definitely a game to watch out for, especially if you’re a fan of 2D pixel platformers.
