Inverge Studio’s Effie Makes for an Excellent Bedtime Story

The adventure begins with a story within a story, as a grandfather is reading an epic bedtime story to his titular granddaughter, Effie. He introduces us to Galand (that’s you, the hero) who had been cursed by a witch, transforming him from a handsome, muscular young lad into an old man (who still is surprisingly jacked…). Instead of the archetypal magic sword, Galand is instead equipped with only a shield, which he duly uses both to bash enemies senseless AND to boogie-board his way around the map at high speed. Be prepared for some tricky, little time trials that test your shield surfing skills.

Make sure you scour each area and check for any possible easter eggs before moving on. Once you’ve completed a temple, there’s no turning back.

During my first play through I found out the hard way that you are not able to go back and explore zones once they have been completed. This is unfortunate as I always love to explore the depths of every game and see if the developers have hidden any treasures. Much like any other platformer there are bound to be some secrets so make sure to take the time to look around before moving on.

In order to recover his youth, Galand needs to rid the realm of three gems of evil, hidden deep within each town amongst a ton of treasure, rewarding puzzles, and other hidden relics. Each area has a unique theme and feel, which are artfully decorated with beautiful 3D art assets. We especially enjoyed the vibrant colors (vivid reds, dark purples, and rich yellows) that painted the fantasy landscape of Oblena. And also, the silvery hair of old-man, Galand.

Effie is brimming with tricky, little platforming puzzles and secret spots with hidden treasures. The epic music, smooth mechanics, and beautiful artwork make this game a must play! Pick up a copy on Steam or the PS4 store.