Eastward: A Nostalgic Homage To Classic RPGs
Eastward is an enthralling and enchanting game that evokes a sense of nostalgia for classic RPGs of the past. With its captivating graphics and immersive storyline, the game is a tribute to beloved top-down RPGs like Earthbound and The Legend of Zelda. Developed by Pixpil and published by Chucklefish, Eastward follows the journey of two protagonists, Sam and John, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world.
This article provides an objective and impersonal overview of Eastward, exploring its gameplay, characters, graphics, and sound. By examining its nostalgic appeal, we can understand how the game pays homage to classic RPGs while also forging its own unique path.
Whether you are a fan of the genre or a newcomer to RPGs, Eastward offers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that is sure to captivate and delight players.
Key Takeaways
- Eastward is a top-down RPG game developed by Pixpil and published by Chucklefish that pays homage to classic titles such as Earthbound and The Legend of Zelda.
- The game follows the journey of Sam and her mute father figure John as they explore a post-apocalyptic surface world, with real-time control of characters being a highlight of the gameplay.
- The game’s aesthetic is fueled by nostalgia, with charismatic animation, a beautifully melodic score, and densely detailed environments that evoke a whimsical, child-like joy.
- While the game is charming, gorgeous, and lovingly constructed, it can feel verbose due to extended narrative sequences and dialogue, and the pacing can feel antiquated at times, creating some friction.
Eastward Game Overview
The game overview provides a comprehensive account of Eastward, including its development and publisher, availability, gameplay, characters, and graphics and sound, as reviewed by Nicholas Kennedy, a Melbourne/Naarm based writer and journalist.
Developed by Pixpil and published by Chucklefish, Eastward is a top-down role-playing game that pays homage to classic titles such as Earthbound and The Legend of Zelda. The game is available on PC and Nintendo Switch, and was released on 16 September 2021.
The game follows the journey of Sam, a girl of mysterious origin, and her mute father figure John as they explore the post-apocalyptic surface world. With a main narrative that requires forty-some hours, the game offers real-time control of characters with elements of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.
The game’s aesthetic is fueled by nostalgia, and its production quality is impressive with exquisite lighting imbuing the pixel art with an elevated sense of life and ambience. However, the game’s pacing can feel antiquated at times, with shifts between real-time exploration and combat sequences into moments of buttoning through reams of dialogue boxes, creating friction.
Gameplay Experience
With its real-time control and mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving elements, the gameplay experience in Eastward is akin to navigating a complex labyrinth. The game’s combat sequences are particularly enjoyable, with a fluidity that makes it almost feel like a dance. The player must switch between characters strategically, utilizing each one’s unique abilities to defeat enemies and overcome obstacles.
The puzzles are also well-crafted, often requiring the player to think creatively and use their environment to progress. However, the game’s pacing can feel antiquated at times. The shift between real-time exploration and combat sequences into moments of buttoning through reams of dialogue boxes can create friction and disrupt the game’s flow.
Additionally, the game’s kitchen-sink approach can make it feel cluttered, with too many mechanics and systems that can overwhelm the player. Despite these issues, Eastward’s gameplay experience is still a joy to navigate, with a lovingly crafted world and characters that make it worth the effort.
Graphics and Sound
Imbued with charismatic animation, densely detailed environments, and a beautifully melodic score, the graphics and sound in Eastward transport players to a whimsical, child-like joy reminiscent of games from the past. The game’s production quality is impressive, with exquisite lighting imbuing the pixel art with an elevated sense of life and ambience. The attention to detail in creating the game’s world is evident in the densely packed environments, which are full of hidden secrets and easter eggs waiting to be discovered.
The game’s visual storytelling is already striking enough, making the extended dialogue sequences feel unnecessary. The game’s endless pull of the beautiful artistic direction is a major element of what continued to pull the reviewer along its path. The world is transportive, evoking a time when games struggled to meld storytelling and gameplay as deftly as they do now.
Overall, the graphics and sound in Eastward are a major highlight of the game, enhancing the nostalgic experience and bringing the world to life in a way that is both charming and impressive.
Eastward Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the game?
Like a traveler seeking a treasure, the price of Eastward is $24.99 on both PC and Nintendo Switch. This information is independent of the game’s nostalgic homage to classic RPGs.
Are there any multiplayer modes available in the game?
No, there are no multiplayer modes available in Eastward. The game follows the journey of two characters exploring a post-apocalyptic world with real-time control, combat, and puzzle-solving elements. The reviewer gave the game 3 stars out of 5.
What is the age rating for the game?
The age rating for Eastward Game is E (Everyone) for Mild Fantasy Violence and Mild Language, according to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
Are there any microtransactions in the game?
There are no microtransactions in Eastward Game, as reported by the developer and publisher. This makes the game a refreshing departure from the trend of including microtransactions in games.
Is there any downloadable content available for the game?
No downloadable content is currently available for Eastward.
Eastward Verdict
Eastward is a remarkable game that takes players on a journey through a post-apocalyptic world. With its stunning graphics and nostalgic gameplay, it pays homage to classic top-down RPGs like Earthbound and The Legend of Zelda.
The game follows the adventures of Sam and John, who explore the ruins of a once-great city and unravel the mysteries of a world in peril. The gameplay experience in Eastward is truly immersive, with a compelling story, challenging puzzles, and a wide variety of enemies to defeat.
The game’s graphics are breathtaking, with a vibrant color palette and beautifully detailed environments. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with an eclectic mix of electronic and orchestral music that perfectly captures the game’s mood and atmosphere.
Overall, Eastward is a must-play game for anyone who loves classic RPGs. It offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane while also introducing exciting new gameplay mechanics and a fresh storyline. According to Steamcharts, the game has sold over 100,000 copies on PC alone, indicating its popularity and success.
With its captivating gameplay, stunning graphics, and memorable characters, Eastward is sure to remain a fan favorite for years to come.
Eastward
Wayne is an interesting reviewer because most of his reviews are positive. In an industry where most reviewers seem to be negative, Wayne provides a more positive perspective that gamers seem to appreciate.He also has a strong belief that games can provide meaningful experiences that go beyond entertainment value. This is evident in some of his more recent pieces on games.
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