Lost Classics: E.V.O. – The Search For Eden (SNES)

We live in an age where the subject of Evolution brings about heated debate.� There are those who believe it to be the true orgin of man while others believe it to be part of an anti-religious conspiracy.� Few forms of entertainment would dare touch upon subject matter this sensitive.� In 1993 however, Enix (long before merging with Square) would release a game that would not only take on this subject matter, but also made it fun by incorporating it into the gameplay.

This game’s storyline spanned 4.6 billion years.� Starting off as a fish, your goal was to make it through five different ages, evolve to become the dominant life form, and join the goddess Gaia as her partner.� Throughout each of the game’s levels, you’ll discover that an external force is attempting to alter the course of evolution, so you’ll have to solve the mystery behind it.� At it’s core, EVO is a simple platformer with RPG elements.� However, leveling up and gaining evolution points allowed your character to evolve and take on whatever enhancements you wished.� This feature made for some intresting gameplay dynamics to say the least.� Do you want bigger muscles, wings, or a horn?� Why not get all three of them?� The combinations are nearly endless, and this adds to the replay value.

EVO is probably one of Enix’s more underrated and unique games.� It took a controversial subject, and handled it without being heavy-handed.� Those who played it sing praises of its unique gameplay.� Hopefully Square-Enix will bring it to the virtual console sometime in the near future.