Earnest Evans Collection: Is It Worth It? Our Honest Verdict
Introduction
Some games become legends for all the right reasons. Others achieve a kind of mythical status simply because they were strange and ambitious and just obscure enough to be forgotten by the masses. The Earnest Evans trilogy falls firmly into the second category. These were the kinds of games you’d see in the back pages of gaming magazines, wildly ambitious 16-bit action adventures that promised cinematic experiences but delivered something far more awkward.
Now, nearly three decades later, Earnest Evans Collection brings these three cult classics to modern platforms. Developed by Wolf Team (the studio that would go on to create the beloved Tales of RPG series) and published by Edia, this collection includes Earnest Evans, El Viento, and Annet Returns, two action-platformers and one beat ’em up that share the same universe, characters, and a wonderfully audacious 90s anime style. Released in the West on January 16, 2026, it’s a time capsule of a bygone era of game design. But does this collection deserve a place on your modern gaming shelf, or should these relics have stayed buried in the 16-bit era? We’ve spent hours wrestling with loose controls, chaotic combat, and the sheer audacity of these games. So, after all that, we have to ask: is the Earnest Evans Collection worth your time and credits? Let’s break it down.
Quick Verdict Box
TL;DR: Earnest Evans Collection is a deeply flawed but fascinating time capsule of 90s game design. The striking pixel art, ambitious animated cutscenes from MADHOUSE, and Motoi Sakuraba’s masterful soundtrack are genuinely impressive. But loose controls, chaotic combat, and weak game design make these relics more historically interesting than genuinely enjoyable. It’s a collection for gaming historians and die-hard retro enthusiasts, not for anyone looking for polished gameplay.
Buy it if:
- You’re a retro gaming enthusiast interested in the history of Wolf Team and 90s action games
- You appreciate ambitious pixel art, MADHOUSE anime cutscenes, and Motoi Sakuraba’s early work
- You want to experience a genuinely bizarre piece of gaming history
Skip it if:
- You expect polished, responsive controls and tight game design
- Frustrating platforming and chaotic combat are deal-breakers
- You’re looking for a well-crafted gaming experience rather than a historical curiosity
What Is the Earnest Evans Collection?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | Wolf Team |
| Publisher | Edia Co., Ltd. |
| Genre | Action / Platformer / Beat ‘Em Up |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5 |
| Price | $19.99 / £15.99 / €19.99 |
| Release Date | January 16, 2026 (WW) |
The Earnest Evans Collection is a compilation of three classic 90s action games from Wolf Team, the developers who would later create the famed Tales of RPG series. The collection includes:
- Earnest Evans: An action-platformer available in both Mega Drive (cartridge) and Mega-CD versions, each with different stories and level designs.
- El Viento: An action-platformer originally released for the Mega Drive.
- Annet Returns: A beat ’em up originally released exclusively on Mega-CD in Japan.
The collection features animated cutscenes from the legendary studio MADHOUSE (Trigun, Cardcaptor Sakura) and a soundtrack by acclaimed composer Motoi Sakuraba (Star Ocean, Tales of Phantasia, Valkyrie Profile). A physical release is available via Limited Run Games.
Gameplay & Mechanics
The Core Experience: Ambitious But Broken
The fundamental problem with the Earnest Evans Collection is that the games simply don’t play well. The first game, Earnest Evans, immediately establishes the trilogy’s core issues. On paper, it sounds incredible: a cinematic action-adventure featuring an Indiana Jones-style protagonist traveling through exotic environments, hunting for legendary treasures, and surviving deadly traps, with a touch of Castlevania in its whip and unforgiving platforming.
But the moment you pick up the controller, everything falls apart. Earnest moves like a puppet whose strings are tangled. The character is composed of multiple separate sprites that move independently of each other, creating an unnatural, jerky movement pattern. As one review vividly described it, the result is “flailing around like a drunk in involuntary spasms.” Every step, jump, and whip crack feels unnatural and forced.
Combat and Platforming: A Frustrating Mess
The combat is chaotic and imprecise. Hitboxes are inconsistent, enemy behavior is erratic, and the controls simply don’t respond the way you’d expect. What should be a straightforward action-platformer becomes a test of patience rather than skill. The game’s design feels unfinished, prioritizing style over substance. The result is a frustrating platforming experience.
The platforming is equally unforgiving. The game demands precision but provides controls that are anything but precise. You’ll find yourself falling into pits, missing jumps, and dying in ways that feel more like the game’s fault than your own. The overall experience is one of “panicked button-mashing and frustration.”
Beat ‘Em Up and The Collection’s Best (and Worst)
Annet Returns, the third game in the trilogy and a beat ’em up, is arguably the best of the three. But that’s faint praise. As one review noted, “it’s clearly the best game in the collection, but bragging about that…” suggests just how low the bar is. Even the collection’s highlight suffers from the same fundamental issues: loose controls, chaotic combat, and a general sense of being unfinished.
Modern Features: Saving Graces
To the collection’s credit, it includes some modern quality-of-life features that make the experience slightly more bearable. You can rewind any time with the press of a button, undoing mistakes you make in gameplay. You can also save your progress at any moment from the in-game menu. These features are essential, as you’ll be using them frequently to overcome the games’ frustrating design.
Story & Presentation
Narrative: Batshit Crazy and Proud of It
If there’s one area where the collection truly excels, it’s in its sheer, unapologetic audacity. The story is gloriously bonkers. In the first game, President Calvin Coolidge hires famed adventurer Earnest Evans to find the Necronomicon. But Al Capone also wants the book, to resurrect the Dark Lord Hastur and take over Europe. Yes, you read that correctly. Al Capone. In a game developed by the team that would later make Tales of Phantasia.
The sequel, El Viento, continues the insanity. Several years later, Al Capone and a sorceress named Restiana are still trying to revive Hastur. They discover that Annet is descended from Hastur’s bloodline, and her blood alone can resurrect him. The trilogy concludes with Annet Returns, where Annet travels across Europe to stop Siegfried Munchausen and the evil NeXesis Party from destroying the world.
It’s the kind of narrative that could only have been conceived in the 90s, and it’s utterly delightful in its absurdity. The games share a “truly fresh, exuberant, and delightfully insolent style” that’s recognizable from many Sega games of the same era.
Visuals: Striking Pixel Art and MADHOUSE Animation
Visually, the collection is a mixed bag. The pixel art is striking and ambitious, with a bold, colorful style that captures the era’s aesthetic perfectly. The character designs are memorable, and the environments are rich with detail.
The animated cutscenes, produced by the legendary studio MADHOUSE (Trigun, Cardcaptor Sakura), are genuinely impressive. They add a cinematic quality that was rare for games of this era and help sell the games’ ambitious vision. However, the in-game visuals can’t quite live up to the quality of these cutscenes, creating a noticeable disconnect between the game’s presentation and its gameplay.
Audio: A Motoi Sakuraba Masterpiece
The soundtrack is where the collection truly shines. Composed by Motoi Sakuraba, the legendary composer behind Star Ocean, Tales of Phantasia, Mario Golf, and Valkyrie Profile, the music is masterful. The soundtrack is epic, energetic, and perfectly suited to the games’ adventurous tone. It’s arguably the best thing about the collection, and for fans of Sakuraba’s work, it’s worth the price of admission alone.
Performance & Technical
The collection runs well on modern platforms. The games have been preserved faithfully, with the option to play both the Mega Drive and Mega-CD versions of Earnest Evans. The emulation is solid, and the modern features (rewind and save anywhere) work as intended.
The file size is reasonable, 3.3 GB on Nintendo Switch, and the system requirements are modest. The collection supports multiple languages, including English, Japanese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
The collection was initially released in Japan on December 25, 2025, with the Western release following on January 16, 2026. It’s available digitally on all platforms, with a physical release from Limited Run Games.
Pros and Cons
Pros
| ✅ | Striking pixel art that captures the 90s aesthetic perfectly |
| ✅ | Ambitious MADHOUSE animated cutscenes that add cinematic flair |
| ✅ | Masterful Motoi Sakuraba soundtrack that’s worth the price alone |
| ✅ | Gloriously absurd narrative that’s pure 90s charm |
| ✅ | Modern features like rewind and save anywhere |
| ✅ | Historical value as a time capsule of 90s game design |
Cons
| ❌ | Loose, frustrating controls that make gameplay a chore |
| ❌ | Chaotic, imprecise combat with inconsistent hitboxes |
| ❌ | Weak game design that prioritizes style over substance |
| ❌ | Unforgiving platforming made worse by poor controls |
| ❌ | More historically interesting than genuinely enjoyable |
How It Compares
| Game | Price | Key Features | Polish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnest Evans Collection | $19.99 | Three cult 90s games; MADHOUSE cutscenes, and the Sakuraba soundtrack | Low |
| Castlevania Anniversary Collection | $19.99 | Eight classic games; solid emulation; excellent controls | High |
| Contra Anniversary Collection | $19.99 | Seven classic games; tight gameplay; arcade precision | High |
The Earnest Evans Collection is a much rougher experience than its contemporaries. Compared to the Castlevania Anniversary Collection or the Contra Anniversary Collection, it lacks the polish and timeless gameplay that make those classics worth revisiting. It’s a collection for those interested in the history of game design rather than those seeking a genuinely enjoyable gaming experience.
Who Should Buy This?
For retro gaming historians: If you’re fascinated by the evolution of game design and want to experience the ambitious but flawed titles that paved the way for later successes, this collection is a valuable artifact.
For fans of Wolf Team and Tales of RPGs: If you’re curious about the studio’s early work and want to see where the Tales series’ developers got their start, this is an interesting historical piece. Wolf Team would go on to become Namco Tales Studio.
For Motoi Sakuraba fans: The soundtrack is genuinely excellent and may justify the purchase for fans of the composer’s work.
For players seeking polished gameplay: Skip it. The loose controls and frustrating design make this a chore to play.
For players looking for a well-crafted retro experience: There are far better retro collections available at similar price points.
THE GLH RATING
Our Take: After hours of wrestling with loose controls, chaotic combat, and the sheer audacity of these games, we came away with a complicated relationship with Earnest Evans Collection. The pixel art is striking, the MADHOUSE cutscenes are genuinely impressive, and Motoi Sakuraba’s soundtrack is a masterpiece. But the games themselves are a frustrating mess. The controls are loose, the combat is chaotic, and the design feels unfinished. It’s a collection that’s more historically interesting than genuinely enjoyable, a time capsule of an era when ambition often outstripped execution. For retro gaming historians and die-hard fans of 90s obscurity, there’s value here. For everyone else, it’s a reminder that not every old game was a hidden gem.
Overall Score: 5.5 / 10
★★★☆☆
Verdict: MIXED
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | 4.0 / 10 |
| Story & Presentation | 7.0 / 10 |
| Performance & Polish | 6.0 / 10 |
| Value for Money | 5.0 / 10 |
| Replayability | 4.0 / 10 |
FAQ
Is the Earnest Evans Collection worth buying?
It depends entirely on what you’re looking for. If you’re a retro gaming historian or a fan of 90s obscurity, the collection offers a fascinating glimpse into a strange era of game design. If you’re looking for a polished, enjoyable gaming experience, you’ll likely be frustrated. As one review put it, the collection is “more historically interesting than genuinely enjoyable.” The game has a mixed critical reception on Metacritic.
Is the Earnest Evans Collection worth it on Switch?
The Switch version runs well and includes all the modern features like rewind and save anywhere. The file size is reasonable at 3.3 GB. However, the core gameplay issues remain regardless of platform. If you’re going to buy it, the Switch version is as good as any.
How long to beat Earnest Evans Collection?
Each game takes around 2-4 hours to complete, depending on your skill level and tolerance for frustration. The entire collection can be completed in 6-10 hours, though you may find yourself using the rewind feature liberally.
Is Earnest Evans Collection worth full price?
At $19.99, the collection is reasonably priced for three games, especially given the impressive animated cutscenes and soundtrack. However, the poor gameplay means the value proposition is questionable. If you’re a retro enthusiast, it may be worth it. For everyone else, consider waiting for a sale.
What is the best game in the Earnest Evans Collection?
Annet Returns, the beat ’em up, is generally considered the best of the three. As one review noted, “it’s clearly the best game in the collection”. However, even it suffers from the same loose controls and chaotic combat that plague the other titles.
Who developed the Earnest Evans Collection?
The games were originally developed by Wolf Team, the studio that would later become Namco Tales Studio and create the beloved Tales of RPG series. The collection is published by Edia Co., Ltd. with physical distribution by Limited Run Games.
Does Earnest Evans Collection have good music?
Yes! The soundtrack was composed by Motoi Sakuraba, the legendary composer behind Star Ocean, Tales of Phantasia, and Valkyrie Profile. It’s widely considered the best thing about the collection.
Conclusion
Earnest Evans Collection is a fascinating time capsule of a bygone era of game design. It’s a collection that’s more historically interesting than genuinely enjoyable, a reminder that not every old game was a hidden gem. The striking pixel art, ambitious MADHOUSE animated cutscenes, and Motoi Sakuraba’s masterful soundtrack are genuinely impressive. But the loose controls, chaotic combat, and weak game design make these relics frustrating to actually play.
For retro gaming historians and die-hard fans of 90s obscurity, there’s value here, a glimpse into the strange, ambitious world of Wolf Team before they became legends of the RPG genre. For everyone else, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the past is best left in the past.
If you’re curious about the history of game design and willing to tolerate significant frustration, Earnest Evans Collection offers a fascinating window into a strange era. If you’re looking for a polished, enjoyable gaming experience, there are far better retro collections available for the same price.
Final recommendation: Buy it only if you’re a retro gaming historian or a die-hard fan of 90s obscurity. Otherwise, skip it.
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