Evoland Legendary Edition (2019) Review
- Johnathan Salter
- Oct 3, 2025
- 2 min read
Developer: Shiro Games
Platform: PS4
Length: 5-7 hours (Evoland)/22-30+ hours (Evoland 2)
Evoland Legendary Edition bundles together the original Evoland which released on PC back in 2013, and the sequel, Evoland 2, released in 2015.
Both games share a similar approach to design with a heavy dose of nostalgia in how they look and play, but the jump in scope between the two is significant.
The opening hour of Evoland really sells the concept. You start in a mute 8-bit world modelled on the Game Boy era, complete with pixel grid and the distinct green filter. Stripped back to the most basic of functionality, you can only move to the right, but moments later you'll have unlocked full movement, then sound effects, music and simple sword swinging combat. These unlocks continue at a steady pace until it eventually settles on an early 3D style reminiscent of the PlayStation era.
You'll explore dungeons straight out of The Legend of Zelda, fight random battles on the world map like early Final Fantasy and collect gold and health orbs in a Diablo homage. It's a great idea, but I wish more time was spent in each phase, especially near the beginning. Thankfully that's exactly what the developer did for 2.
Evoland 2 is a much bigger adventure that improved in all areas, making it feel more complete. Time travel plays a key role in the narrative and gameplay. You'll jump back and forth between 8-bit, 16-bit and 32/64-bit eras solving puzzles and the greater mystery.
With Evoland it really felt like it was fully aimed at those who've played a lot of RPGs and would get all the references, but 2 goes even further pulling in broader gaming history with everything from platformers, a Bomberman clone, to shoot em ups. These changes helped keep things fresh and interesting never quite knowing what would happen next.
A completely optional card game may also hook you in for hours, and there are lots of cards and opponents to find.
If you're of a certain age who grew up with the same games the developers clearly loved and played, you'll probably enjoy this a lot too.
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