View source for Secret of Evermore

{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| image = Secret of Evermore.jpg
| alt = The game's cover art shows a boy and his dog standing on a ledge face-to-face with a giant, red creature with insectoid eyes, sharp teeth, a visible heart, and a ribcage resembling claws. The game's logo and various other logos are visible around the artwork.
| caption = North American box art
| developer = [[Square (video game company)#Subsidiaries|Square USA]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|NA|Square|PAL|[[Nintendo]]}}
| designer = Alan Weiss<br />George Sinfield
| artist = [[Daniel Dociu]]<br />Beau Folsom
| programmer = Brian Fehdrau
| writer = George Sinfield<br />Paul Mazurek
| composer = [[Jeremy Soule]]
| platforms = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|October 17, 1995|AU|February 22, 1996|EU|March 13, 1996<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1996 |title=News... |pages=19 |work=[[Lincolnshire Echo]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/901751479/?terms=%22%22Secret%20of%20Evermore%22&match=1 |access-date=November 26, 2023 |quote=Firstly, the highly anticipated ''Secret of Evermore'' is due for release soon... }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Leys |first=Alex |date=March 13, 1996 |title=Stateside RPG sussed |pages=12 |work=[[Evening Telegraph (Dundee)|Evening Telegraph]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/916244219/?terms=%22%22Secret%20of%20Evermore%22&match=1 |quote=''Secret of Evermore''<br/>by: SquareSoft<br/>for: SNES<br/>out: Now |access-date=December 1, 2023}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Action role-playing game|Action role-playing]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}
 
'''''Secret of Evermore''''' is an [[action role-playing game]] developed and published by [[Square (video game company)|Square]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]. It was released in North America on October 17, 1995, in Australia in February 1996, and in Europe in March 1996. A Japanese release was planned to follow the North American release by a few months<ref name="GPro68">{{cite magazine|title=Secret of Evermore|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=68 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=March 1995|page=141}}</ref> but was ultimately cancelled.

The story of ''Secret of Evermore'' follows a boy and his [[shapeshifting]] pet dog as they are inadvertently transported to the fantasy world of Evermore. The player guides both characters through Evermore, a world composed of separate realms, each resembling a different period of real-world history: "Prehistoria" ([[prehistory]]), "Antiqua" ([[classical antiquity]]), "Gothica" (the [[Middle Ages]]), and "Omnitopia" (an imaginative future world). The gameplay shares many similarities with ''[[Secret of Mana]]'', such as real-time battles, a ring-shaped menu system, weapons needing to 'charge' in order to attack at full power after making an attack and the ability to switch control between the two characters. Despite similar game mechanics and a similar title, it is not an entry in the ''[[Mana (series)|Mana]]'' series.<ref name="GPro68"/><ref name="hc101">{{cite web | author=Kalata, Kurt | title=Hardcore Gaming 101: Secret of Evermore | url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/evermore/evermore.htm | work=Hardcore Gaming 101 | access-date=2010-02-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801175724/http://hardcoregaming101.net/evermore/evermore.htm | archive-date=2012-08-01 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Secret of Evermore'' is unique in that it is the only game developed by Square designers in North America. The game received positive reviews upon its release for its graphics and gameplay but was criticized for not being up to the expectations many reviewers had based upon the developer's previous Japanese role-playing games. The game's North American development, ''[[Mana (series)|Mana]]''-like game mechanics, and ambient music have since helped it to develop a [[cult following]].

==Gameplay==
''Secret of Evermore'' takes many of its interface and gameplay aspects from ''[[Secret of Mana]]''.<ref name="Mana">{{cite magazine | title=Epic Center: Secret of Evermore | magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] | pages=60–61 | issue=77 | date=October 1995 | publisher=[[Nintendo]]}}</ref> The game consists mostly of an [[bird's-eye view|aerial view]] setting, where the boy and his dog negotiate the terrain and fend off hostile creatures. The player may choose to control either the boy or the dog, with the other being controlled by the game's artificial intelligence. Both characters can find refuge in caves or a town, where they can regain their [[hit point]]s or purchase restorative items and equipment. Upon collecting enough [[experience point]]s in battle, either character can increase in level with improved stats such as strength and evasion. Options including changing equipment or casting alchemy spells; checking status can be performed quickly by rotating through the game's Action Ring system.{{sfn|Square Soft|1995|p=10}} Combat takes place in real-time. Located below the player's hit points is a percentage gauge that determines the amount of damage done to an enemy, as well as how far the player can run. Swinging a weapon or running causes the gauge to fall to 0%. It then quickly recharges, allowing the character to attack at full strength or to run at full sprint once it is full. The gauge may also fill up to allowing the player to use charged attacks with equipped weapons.<ref name="hc101"/><ref name="NPReview">{{cite magazine | title=Secret of Evermore (Now Playing) | magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] | pages=54–63, 107 | issue=78 | date=November 1995 | publisher=[[Nintendo]]}}</ref>

The protagonist wields four different styles of weapons throughout the game: [[sword]], [[spear]], [[axe]], and toward the end of the game, [[Shoulder-fired missile|bazooka]].<ref name="hc101" /> Repeated use of them can increase their skill levels to a maximum of three, unlocking a new charged attack{{sfn|Square Soft|1995|p=26}} and increased range and power with each level; for instance, spears at a high enough level may be thrown at an enemy across the screen,<ref name="hc101"/> while the swords and axes can cut swathes of destruction around the boy's vicinity.<ref name="RPGFan">{{cite web | author=Dancin' Homer | title=RPGFan Reviews - Secret of Evermore | url=http://rpgfan.com/reviews/secretofevermore/Secret_of_Evermore-2.html | publisher=RPGFan | access-date=2008-06-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724141625/http://rpgfan.com/reviews/secretofevermore/Secret_of_Evermore-2.html | archive-date=2014-07-24 | url-status=live}}</ref> The sword, axe, and spear get replaced with a more powerful variant in each realm, resetting their skill levels.<ref name="hc101" /> Most swords, axes, and spears can cut through [[vegetation]], while some weapons are required to break rocks and other barriers.{{sfn|Square Soft|1995|pp=32–33}}

[[Image:SOE Market.PNG|thumb|220px |alt=A gameplay screenshot shows a top-down perspective of a marketplace with various vendors and customers standing among booths on a coblestone street. |The protagonist haggles with a merchant in Antiqua.]]

In the four worlds of ''Secret of Evermore'', the in-game currency changes. The shopkeepers in Prehistoria exchange talons; in Antiqua, [[gemstone]]s; in Gothica, [[gold coin]]s; in Omnitopia, credits.<ref name="hc101"/> There are individuals in each region who offer to convert the player's money to the local currency. In either of the game's two marketplaces (in Antiqua and Gothica, respectively), the storekeepers offer to trade in goods instead of money. Certain goods, such as rice, spices, and tapestries, can be bought using the local currency, but others must be exchanged for other goods.{{sfn|Square Soft|1995|p=37}} Most vendors only specialize in one type of good, and some rare items require an extensive amount of trading to obtain.<ref name="hc101"/><ref name="NPReview"/>

===Alchemy===
A unique element of ''Secret of Evermore'' is its [[Magic (gaming)|magic]] system. To cast magic, the boy must be given an [[alchemy|"Alchemic Formula"]] by one of the many non-playable characters called "Alchemists".<ref name="hc101"/> Some Alchemists make their home in out-of-the-way areas and will dispense rare formulas if the player manages to seek them out. Unlike some role-playing games, there are no [[magic point]]s needed to cast spells. Alchemy Formulas require pairs of ingredients to be used; some are available throughout the game, and others are only native to certain environments. In the primitive realms, ingredients appear such as [[wax]], [[limestone]], [[clay]], and [[ash]].{{sfn|Square Soft|1995|p=32}} In the advanced realms, however, the ingredients become more complex, for example [[ethanol]] and [[dry ice]].{{sfn|Square Soft|1995|pp=20–23}}

A secondary function of the dog is to "sniff out" ingredients by putting his nose to the ground and smelling for items. The player can command the dog to search the ground at any time, including in huts and cities. If all goes well, the dog will lead his human companion to a certain spot on the map where the player can uncover the unseen ingredients.{{sfn|Square Soft|1995|p=18–26}} With repeated use, Alchemy Formulas will increase in [[Experience point|level]], enhancing their curative, offensive, or support effectiveness. Although there are dozens of Formulas available to be found within the game, only nine can be equipped at a time. To overcome this, there are several Alchemists scattered throughout the game who offer to manage the boy's current Alchemy list; any formula that has already been learned can be stored by the Alchemist for later use.<ref name="hc101"/>{{sfn|Square Soft|1995|pp=22,24}}

==Plot==
===Setting===
The plot revolves around a teenage boy and his dog whom the player must name. Most of the game takes place in the fictional world of Evermore. The player explores four main areas within this world, corresponding to different [[History of Earth|historical eras]]: Prehistoria contains [[cavemen]] and [[dinosaurs]]; Antiqua boasts a [[colosseum]] and [[pyramid]] theme; Gothica contains [[medieval]] castles and is populated by [[dragon]]s; Omnitopia is a futuristic [[space station]].<ref name="hc101"/><ref name="NPReview"/><ref name="RPGFan"/>

Throughout their travels the boy, in the company of his dog, often quotes or mentions fictional [[B movie]]s that relate to their current situation. For example, he compares himself to "Dandy" Don Carlisle in the film ''Sink, Boat, Sink'' after washing ashore at Crustacia.<ref name="hc101"/><ref name="RPGamer">{{cite web | author=Lewis, Zachary | title=Secret of Evermore - Retroview | url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/snes/soe/reviews/soestrev1.html | publisher=RPGamer | access-date=2008-06-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919135206/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/snes/soe/reviews/soestrev1.html | archive-date=2008-09-19 | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="BM1">{{cite video game|title=Secret of Evermore|developer=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc.]] |publisher=Square Soft, Inc. |date=1995-10-01 |platform=Super NES |quote='''Protagonist:''' Wow! This is like what happens in ''The Pale People of Planet V''. It's about a bunch of astronauts who get stuck on an exact replica of Earth... only it's populated by zombies, vampires and... Well, actually, this isn't like that at all.}}</ref><ref name="BM2">{{cite video game|title=Secret of Evermore|developer=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc.]] |publisher=Square Soft, Inc. |date=1995-10-01 |platform=Super NES  |quote='''Protagonist:''' Well, it's good to know the crowd is on my side. This is like the big fight scene in ''Dirt, Swords, Sweat and Togas''. I think the hero got pummeled in that picture. Oh, well. Here goes nothing!}}</ref> In addition, the dog's body transforms based on the theme of the area that players are in: in the world of Prehistoria, the dog is transformed into a feral [[Canidae|wolf]]; in the Antiqua region, he becomes a [[greyhound]]; in Gothica, he takes the form of a fancy [[poodle]]; and in Omnitopia, he becomes a robotic dog that resembles a toaster and is capable of shooting laser beams.<ref name="hc101"/><ref name="NPReview"/><ref name="NP79">{{cite magazine | title=Epic Center: Secret of Evermore | magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] | issue=79 | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | page=56 | date=December 1995}}</ref>

===Plot===
The story of ''Secret of Evermore'' begins with a black and white [[Flashback (narrative)|flashback]] to 1965, in a small town called [[Podunk]], USA. In a laboratory situated on the roof of a mansion, a malfunction occurs which causes the area to flood with a white flash of light. Thirty years later, the game's young protagonist is leaving a theater when his pet dog chases after a cat on the street. The boy hurriedly follows him, eventually reaching a large, abandoned mansion. He discovers the hidden laboratory with a large machine built in the center. When the dog begins to chew on some wires, the pair find themselves transported to the surreal world of Evermore, beginning in the space station Omnitopia. A [[butler]] dressed in a white [[tailcoat]] greets the boy when he appears, only to lock him in a room with several attack robots. The boy manages to escape in a shuttle pod, where he finds his dog holed up in the cockpit.<ref name="RPGFan"/>

The shuttle crashlanded in a dense jungle on top of a plateau. When the boy emerges, he finds a ferocious-looking wolf has replaced his dog. He decides to perform a test to see if the wolf is really his pet dog. He tosses a stick for the wolf to fetch, but the wolf retrieves a giant bone instead. The boy shrugs this off and assumes the wolf is his dog.<ref name="Fetch">{{cite video game|title=Secret of Evermore|developer=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc]] |publisher=Square Soft, Inc. |date=1995-10-01 |platform=Super NES |quote='''Protagonist:''' Wow! Is that really you? You've changed! Hmmm... If you're really my dog, you'll fetch this stick. OK! Go get it! Well, this isn't the stick. But it'll do! C'mon, buddy, let's look around.}}</ref>

In each realm, the boy encounters a citizen of Podunk involved in an original experiment gone awry 30 years before. Professor Sidney Ruffleberg and his three companions were transported to Evermore but are unable to leave.<ref name="Mana"/> The boy quickly learns the regions are manifestations of those citizens' personal [[utopia]]s.<ref name="Eliz">{{cite video game|title=Secret of Evermore|developer=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc]] |publisher=Square Soft, Inc. |date=1995-10-01 |platform=Super NES |quote='''Elizabeth:''' You see I'm originally from Podunk, too. My Grandpa is an inventor who lives in the mansion on the hill! He made a machine that could send people to worlds of their own design. Since I enjoy all things prehistoric, I dreamed up this world of cave people and dinosaurs. I was supposed to be here for a couple of hours, but it's been a couple of decades.}}</ref> Each of the three companions acts as the ruler of his or her world: Elizabeth, the Professor's niece, is the tribal chief of Prehistoria; Horace Highwater, [[curator]] of the Podunk Museum, oversees Antiqua; Camellia Bluegarden, a portly librarian, is the Queen of Gothica; Professor Ruffleberg monitors everything from Omnitopia, with his android butler, Carltron, alongside him.<ref name="Horace">{{cite video game|title=Secret of Evermore|developer=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc]] |publisher=Square Soft, Inc. |date=1995-10-01 |platform=Super NES  |quote='''Horace:''' It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Horace Highwater. I, too, am from Podunk. I figured that it would just be a matter of time before another Podunker arrived. You see, this ancient world is a product of my imagination. I was the curator of the Natural Museum of Podunk.}}</ref><ref name="Camellia">{{cite video game|title=Secret of Evermore|developer=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc.]] |publisher=Square Soft, Inc. |date=1995-10-01 |platform=Super NES  |quote='''Horace:''' There was another guest at that party, too. Miss Bluegarden, the librarian.}}</ref><ref name="book9">{{cite book | year=1995 | title=Secret of Evermore instruction manual | page=4 | publisher=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc]] | id=U/SNS-AEOE-USA}}</ref> Within Prehistoria, Antiqua, and Gothica, the boy and his canine companion aid Elizabeth, Horace, and Camellia in thwarting attempts by Podunk citizens' robotic clones from ruling their respective areas.

The duo finally returns to Omnitopia and finds Ruffleberg, who explains everything. He and his butler Carltron once engaged in [[chess]] matches. Ruffleberg outfitted him with an intelligence [[integrated circuit|chip]] to make him a more challenging opponent, but the upgrade backfired making Carltron more malevolent.<ref name="Prof1">{{cite video game|title=Secret of Evermore|developer=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc]] |publisher=Square Soft, Inc. |date=1995-10-01 |platform=Super NES  |quote='''Professor:''' I constructed Carltron in order to do the household chores. You know-- tidy up, greet guests, pay the bills, let the cat out, clean the gutters. And I made him smart so that he could play chess and give me a run for my money! But, as the years wore on... Carltron got tired of being a servant. He decided to turn the tables and take over.}}</ref> He sabotaged the transporter to Evermore and designed the hostile beasts roaming the game.<ref name="Prof2">{{cite video game|title=Secret of Evermore|developer=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc]] |publisher=Square Soft, Inc. |date=1995-10-01 |platform=Super NES |quote='''Professor:''' It was Carltron's influence that created the evil elements on Evermore... Now that he's unplugged, I would suspect that those elements should be going away.}}</ref> With Ruffleberg's help, the boy and his canine companion break into Carltron's room. The area is guarded by android clones of the boy and his dog, along with a giant [[mecha]] version of Carltron. At the last moment, Ruffleberg appears and deactivates Carltron, who promptly freezes in place.

With Carltron's defeat, the monsters plaguing Evermore disappear, but the world itself grows unstable.<ref name="Prof3">{{cite video game|title=Secret of Evermore|developer=[[Square Soft|Square Soft, Inc]] |publisher=Square Soft, Inc. |date=1995-10-01 |platform=Super NES  |quote='''Professor:''' I believe that Evermore is on a collision course for destruction. With Carltron's influence gone, the balance of the world is completely offset. The only way to reverse the problem is to remove our own influence on the world. We have to leave now, and take our friends with us... Or Evermore will be nevermore for ever more!}}</ref> The boy returns to each world to collect Ruffleberg's companions, taking them back to the real world. In doing so, Evermore's destruction is averted, and it continues to exist without them. After the credits roll, a final scene shows Professor Ruffleberg returning Carltron to his old task of cleaning the lab. Carltron grins and rubs his hands together, implying he is not as docile as the professor believes.

==Development==
[[Image:SOE hero.jpg|thumb|right|155px|alt=Artwork showing a young boy with piercing eyes, combed, orange hair and a neat style of dress including a white undershirt, red vest and jeans. In his right hand the boy holds a large bone resembling a human femur. |Concept art of the game's protagonist wielding a bone as a weapon]]
In early 1994, the development of ''Secret of Evermore'' began at [[SquareSoft]], the [[Redmond, Washington]], office of the Japanese parent company Square.<ref name="Announcement">{{cite magazine |title=Mana in the U.S.A. |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |page=11 |issue=68 – Bonus Issue '95: "Super Power Club" |date=January 1995}}</ref> The concept of an "American-flavored  Secret-of-Mana-like" game was dictated from overseas. Square Soft began work on the detailed storyline focused on a boy traveling with his dog through a world based on cheesy B movies.<ref name="Fehdrau">{{cite web | author=Dillard, Corbie | year=2008 | title=Interview with Brian Fehdrau (Secret of Evermore) | url=http://www.super-nes.com/evermoreinterview.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430122611/http://www.super-nes.com/evermoreinterview.htm | archive-date=2012-04-30 | publisher=Super-NES.com | access-date=2008-06-22}}</ref> This led to [[popular culture]] references and dialog that are distinctly American for a mainstream console RPG. The game's associate producer and writer, George Sinfield, decided they would be familiar to American players.<ref name="Development">{{cite magazine | title=Epic Center: Secret of Evermore | magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] | issue=71 | publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] | pages=45–47 | date=April 1995}}</ref> The game's working title was ''Vexx and the Mezmers''. Producer Alan Weiss's original concept had a group of magic users who "could tell dream stories and transport the listeners into the experience, virtually". During a storytelling session, Vexx is trapped and starts to corrupt the dreams. The game was to have the player find Vexx and defeat him. Sinfield asked for its name to be changed. The studio had a naming competition which resulted in ''Secret of Evermore'';<ref name="Weiss">{{cite web | author=Peter Tieryas | title=The Story Behind the Only Square RPG Developed in North America | url=http://tay.kinja.com/the-story-behind-the-only-square-rpg-developed-in-north-1640340675 | publisher=Kotaku/Kinja | access-date=2014-09-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602200240/http://tay.kinja.com/the-story-behind-the-only-square-rpg-developed-in-north-1640340675 | archive-date=2015-06-02 | url-status=live}}</ref> composer Jeremy Soule claims to have been the team member who submitted the name "Evermore".<ref>{{cite web|author=Jayson Napolitano |title=Interview with composer Jeremy Soule at PLAY! San Jose |publisher=[[Music4Games]] |date=2007-06-06 |url=http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=145 |access-date=2008-01-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090610035228/http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=145 |archive-date=June 10, 2009}}</ref>

Many elements of ''Secret of Evermore'' were copied from ''Secret of Mana'' because they had proven to be effective.<ref name="Fehdrau"/> The [[megabit|size]] of the game was an early issue. It was decided that it would be single-player to preserve memory—it was originally planned to be only 12-megabits.<ref name="Development"/> However, the game doubled to 24-megabits near the end of development. [[Daniel Dociu]] designed various pieces of concept art. Using computer software, including [[Alias Systems Corporation|Alias]] 3D modeling software running on [[Silicon Graphics International|SGI]] workstations, the game's artwork and design were mapped out by three animators, four background artists, and a 3D rendering artist.<ref name="Development"/> It was put together using the company's SAGE (Square's Amazing Graphical Editor) program, led by programmer Brian Fehdrau. Rather than having to hand off their work to the programmers, the artists and designers were able to test their ideas directly using the SAGE program.<ref name="Fehdrau"/> The final product of ''Secret of Evermore'' was produced using another company program, SIGIL (Square Interpreted Game Intelligence Language).<ref name="Fehdrau"/><ref name="Development"/> One of the worlds that was cut was called Romancia "where 'everything is all flowers and sweet stuff, excessively so'. It was pink and purple".<ref name="Weiss"/>

There is a persistent misconception that the game is, or was released in lieu of, a follow-up to ''Secret of Mana''.<ref name="Fehdrau"/> Other Square titles such as ''[[Final Fantasy VI]]'' and ''Chrono Trigger'' were being localized simultaneously with the production of ''Secret of Evermore''. Fehdrau explained in an interview that ''Secret of Evermore'' was not created in place of ''[[Trials of Mana]]'' and that the team that developed ''Secret of Evermore'' was assembled from newly hired staff and would otherwise never have been assembled.<ref name="Fehdrau"/> Several of the team members later joined [[Humongous Entertainment]],<ref>{{cite web | date=February 12, 2007 | title=Episode 16: Lost in Translation | url=http://playerone.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=180834 | publisher=Player One | access-date=2009-11-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905182621/http://playerone.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=180834 | archive-date=September 5, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all}}</ref> which spawned [[Cavedog Entertainment]], while the rest of the team spread to other Seattle-area game studios like [[Electronic Arts]], [[Boss Game Studios]], [[Microsoft Game Studios]], and [[Gas Powered Games]], among others.

''Secret of Evermore'' was released on October 17, 1995, in North America. In 1996, it was translated into German, French and Spanish for the non-English-speaking market in some [[PAL territories]], including Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web | title=Release Information for Secret of Evermore | url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/secret-of-evermore/release-info | publisher=[[MobyGames]] | access-date=2008-07-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220020255/http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/secret-of-evermore/release-info | archive-date=2009-02-20 | url-status=live}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2025}} Some PAL versions were packaged in a large box and included a strategy guide.<ref>{{cite web | title=Secret of Evermore - SNES Cover Art | url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/secret-of-evermore/cover-art | publisher=[[MobyGames]] | access-date=2008-06-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220024739/http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/secret-of-evermore/cover-art | archive-date=2009-02-20 | url-status=live}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2025}}

===Music===
[[Jeremy Soule]] composed and produced the score for ''Secret of Evermore'', his first video game project. In high school Soule was a big fan of video games, but he felt most of their scores "lacked drama and intensity". After completing high school, Soule created an experimental demo showcasing what he felt video game scores should sound like.<ref>{{cite web | author=Mr. Nash | title=Interview With Jeremy Soule | url=http://www.armchairempire.com/Interviews/jeremy_soule.htm | publisher=Armchair Empire | access-date=2007-08-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810131741/http://www.armchairempire.com/Interviews/jeremy_soule.htm | archive-date=2007-08-10 | url-status=live}}</ref> Soule was hired by Square Soft after they had reviewed the demo to score ''Secret of Evermore''. Soule describes it as a mix of [[Ambient music|ambient]] sounds and low-key music.<ref>{{cite web | author=Semel, Paul | title=World Of Musicraft: Jeremy Soule | url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/guild-wars-campaign-2/710030p1.html | publisher=[[GameSpy]] | access-date=2008-06-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509111821/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/guild-wars-campaign-2/710030p1.html | archive-date=2008-05-09 | url-status=live}}</ref> The soundtrack was released on a CD containing 29 tracks, the first eight of which are [[Arrangement|arranged]] versions of the original sound. The disc was published by Square and was only available initially to those who pre-ordered ''Secret of Evermore''.<ref>{{cite web | author=Dragon God | title=The Secret of Evermore Complete Soundtrack | url=http://www.chudahs-corner.com/reviews/index.php?catalog=none_073 | publisher=Chudah's Corner | access-date=2008-06-28 | url-status=usurped | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219141336/http://www.chudahs-corner.com/reviews/index.php?catalog=none_073 | archive-date=2009-02-19}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 81%<ref>{{cite web|title=Secret of Evermore|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588645-secret-of-evermore/index.html|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=3 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506155939/http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588645-secret-of-evermore/index.html|archive-date=6 May 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| Allgame= {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="allgame">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2599&tab=review |title=Secret of Evermore - Review|last=Marriott |first=Scott Alan |website=[[Allgame]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=29 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116144052/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2599&tab=review |archive-date=16 November 2014}}</ref>
| EGM = 33.5 out of 40<ref name="EGM"/>
| EPD =8 out of 10<ref name=":2" />
| GP = 88 out of 100<ref name="GamePlayers"/>
| GameFan= 246 out of 300<ref name="gamefan">{{Cite magazine|last1=Storm|first1=E.|last2=Takuhi|last3=Lee|first3=K.|date=November 1995|title=Viewpoint|magazine=Gamefan|volume=3|issue=11|page=21}}</ref>
| GamePro = 3.625 out of 5<ref name="GamePro">{{cite magazine |title=Secret of Evermore |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=87 | publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] | date=December 1995| page=126}}</ref>
| NP = 3.8 out of 5<ref name="NPReview"/>
| NLife = {{Rating|8|10}}<ref>{{cite web |author=review by Corbie Dillard Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:13:00 +0000 |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/11/secret_of_evermore_retro |title=Secret of Evermore (SNES) Review |website=Nintendo Life |date=2009-11-27 |access-date=2018-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509080441/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/11/secret_of_evermore_retro |archive-date=9 May 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| MF = 87 out of 100<ref name=":4" />
| MG = 79 out of 100<ref name=":0" />
| NGen = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NGen11"/>
| SP = 81 out of 100<ref name="SuperPlay"/>
| VGS = 85 out of 100<ref name=":3" />
| rev1 = ''Nintendo Acción '' 
| rev1Score =93 out of 100<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Nintendo Acción staff writers|date=May 1996|title=Superstars: Secret of Evermore|magazine=Nintendo Acción|language=es|publisher=Hobby Press|issue=42|pages=40–47}}</ref>
}}
''Secret of Evermore'' received positive reviews from most media outlets. They praised its graphics. Scary Larry of ''[[GamePro]]'', however, found the spell animations weak compared to those of other Square games, and said the bosses are large but strangely unimpressive.<ref name="GamePro"/> A highlight for some critics was gameplay, particularly the unique alchemy system and aspects also found in ''Secret of Mana'' such as the ring menu.<ref name="NPReview"/><ref name="EGM">{{cite magazine | title=Secret of Evermore (review) | magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] | issue=77 | publisher=Sendai Publishing | date=December 1995 |page=41}}</ref><ref name="NGen11">{{cite journal|title=Green|journal=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=11|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=November 1995|page=186}}</ref> Others found the mechanics needlessly hard to get used to.<ref name="GamePro"/><ref name="EGM"/> ''Nintendo Power'' praised the game for its graphics, sound, play control, story, and variety but criticized it for its awkward battle system and simple A.I. Although the quality of the musical compositions and sound effects were praised,<ref name="EGM" /><ref name="GamePro" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.maniac.de/tests/secret-of-evermore-im-klassik-test-snes/|title=Secret of Evermore - im Klassik-Test (SNES)|last=Hartlehnert|first=Tobias|date=2018-05-26|website=MANIAC.de|language=de-DE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430224636/https://www.maniac.de/tests/secret-of-evermore-im-klassik-test-snes/|archive-date=April 30, 2019|access-date=2019-04-30}}</ref> Scary Larry complained of the player character's dog barking "constantly".<ref name="GamePro" />

''[[Super Play]]'' and ''GamePro'' both felt the game was not up to the standards of other Square games.<ref name="SuperPlay">{{cite journal | title=Secret of Evermore (review) | journal=[[Super Play]] | issue=39 | publisher=[[Future Publishing]] | date=January 1996}}</ref><ref name="GamePro"/> [[Victor Lucas (television producer)|Victor Lucas]] of ''[[Electric playground|Electric Playground]]'' praised the game saying that while it did not reach the heights of ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'' or ''Final Fantasy VI'', it was still a highly enjoyable experience.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.elecplay.com/arch95/evermore.html|title=Electric Playground GAME REVIEWS: ARCHIVE '95: The Secret of Evermore|website=[[Electric Playground]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970126020518/http://www.elecplay.com/arch95/evermore.html|archive-date=1997-01-26|access-date=2019-04-30}}</ref> ''Mega Fun'' argued it was on par with those games, with graphics that were nearly as good.<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine|last=Souleiman|first=Sandrie|date=January 1996|title=Test Super Nintendo: Secret of Evermore|magazine=Mega Fun|language=de|pages=88–89}}</ref> Others argued that ''Secret of Evermore'' was a decent first attempt by the American team. ''[[Game Players]]'' anticipated another game from the same development team,<ref name="GamePlayers">{{cite journal | title=Secret of Evermore (review) | journal=[[Game Players]] | issue=58 | publisher=Imagine Media | date=December 1995}}</ref> and a critic for ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' said that while the game suffered from a number of amateur mistakes, "as a debut title for a new team of designers, it points to a rosy future".<ref name="NGen11"/> ''Video Games'' praised Squaresoft USA's very first title, noting that while the menu and control schemes were taken from previous Square games, its mood, story, and setting were enough to set it apart from the earlier titles.<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine|last=Tetsuhiko|first=Hara|date=December 1995|title=Super Nintendo Reviews: Secret of Evermore|magazine=Video Games|language=de|publisher=Magna Media|pages=78–79}}</ref>

In a retrospective review, [[Allgame]] editor Scott Alan Marriott described the game as "a good, solid RPG, but those expecting memorable characters or a dramatic, involving story will most likely be disappointed".<ref name="allgame"/>

Three reviewers from ''[[GameFan]]'' praised the game. Two were skeptical that an American made role playing game could match Square's internally produced titles such as ''[[Final Fantasy]]'', but they were impressed with the game. One reviewer, however, noted that he missed the Japanese-style art found in other Square games and although the art in ''Secret of Evermore'' was good, it was aimed at an American audience.<ref name="gamefan"/> In 2018, ''[[Complex Networks|Complex]]'' rated ''Secret of Evermore'' 41st in their "The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Times" list.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Knight|first=Rich|date=April 30, 2018|title=The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-100-best-super-nintendo-games/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=2018-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116111038/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-100-best-super-nintendo-games/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Sources==
{{Refbegin|indent=yes}}
* {{cite book |last=Square Soft |year=1995 |title=Secret of Evermore Instruction Manual (d=U/SNS-AEOE-USA) |publisher=Square Soft |url=https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_SNES//Manual/formated/Secret_of_Evermore_-_1995_-_Square_Co.,_Ltd..pdf |access-date=2019-07-26 |archive-date=2019-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726143657/https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_SNES//Manual/formated/Secret_of_Evermore_-_1995_-_Square_Co.,_Ltd..pdf |url-status=live }}
* {{cite book |title=Authorized ''Secret of Evermore'' Strategy Guide |publisher=BradyGames |year=1995 |isbn=1566863287 |url=https://archive.org/details/SecretOfEvermoreBradyGamesAuthorizedStrategyGuide }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* [http://www.significant-bits.com/secret-of-evermore-bits Significant Bits section]
* [http://www.rpgclassics.com/shrines/snes/soe/ ''Secret of Evermore'' Shrine at RPGclassics.com]
* [http://www.secretofevermore.org/ ''Secret of Evermore'' at SecretOfEvermore.org]
* {{MusicBrainz release group|mbid=9f571269-0053-3fd8-b864-e4c263d41fd0|name=Secret of Evermore}}
* {{MusicBrainz work|mbid=e86f4cbe-6751-4e21-b99a-b6e1dd85853e|name=Secret of Evermore}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120430122611/http://www.super-nes.com/evermoreinterview.htm Informal interview with Brian Fehdrau, the game's lead programmer]
* {{YouTube |id=dEu8wDAQuDk |title=Secret of Evermore commercial}} ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606135500/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEu8wDAQuDk |date=2024-06-06 }})

{{Mana series}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Good article}}

[[Category:1995 video games]]
[[Category:Action role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Science fantasy role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Square (video game company) games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System-only games]]
[[Category:Video games about dogs]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Jeremy Soule]]