Plenty of indie games have drawn inspiration from the crafty, whimsical style of Paper Mario and its unique turn-based, timing-centric combat over the past few years. However, Escape from Ever After stands out as one that truly captures the essence of what made the Nintendo classic so beloved. Launched on January 23, this paper cutout-styled RPG has received glowing reviews on Steam. As of now, it boasts a ‘Very Positive’ rating—a solid 97% of users recommend it.
“Best Paper Mario since The Thousand-Year Door, it easily stands alongside Bug Fables as one of the best turn-based indie games to channel the Nintendo spirit,” one enthusiastic player commented, emphasizing its fantastic soundtrack, witty writing, and clever combat mechanics.
Another player echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “I completely lost track of time while diving into this awesome game. I spent hours immersed without realizing it. I’ve just wrapped up the first part, and it’s everything I hoped for and more.”
What truly captures players’ hearts is the game’s unique premise. “When a greedy megacorp from the real world starts seizing control of fairytales for cheap labor, a freshly minted storybook hero must navigate the corporate ladder, rally fellow disgruntled employees, and take a stand,” the game’s Steam description outlines.
The developers at Sleepy Castle proudly announced, on Twitter, the release of their creation, celebrating its arrival after “five long years” of hard work. Now available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, this game is certainly one to keep on your radar as you explore the indie gaming landscape in 2025.