Eastward

For an idea of what Eastward has to offer, think back to the days when pixel-art and puzzle gameplay reigned king. Players will enjoy the unique coloring of cities and forests, the joint gameplay between two playable characters, and exciting combat with John’s weaponized frying pan or Sam’s useful energy blasts. The combination of classic pixel graphics and mixed gameplay renders Eastward nearly unwearying, though the world can seem a bit closed-off compared to the realistic graphics of modern game titles.

Beautiful Pixel-Art for Satisfying Gameplay

Eastward flaunts pixel-art graphics with warm hues and a style derivative of both sci-fi and steampunk. Modern lighting effects accompany the retro graphics style, and the colors within each setting of the game are vibrant as can be. The post-apocalyptic towns are seething with color while dangerous forests harbor earthy tones reminding some players of the old Pokémon games for the Game Boy in the pre-2000s.

Control Two Companions with Differing Abilities

Players will find that gameplay within Eastward matches the satisfying color palette, and a companion-dependent campaign means that both characters are playable. At any time, players can switch roles between Sam and John to solve navigation puzzles and ward off dangerous enemies which inhabit the wild forests. As John, a frying pan is often used in combat, to solve puzzles, or even navigate through a river by pounding on objects for momentum. Sam, on the other hand, employs her mystical abilities to shoot energy blasts to stun enemies or to decimate plants which block off important pathways.

Shared Elements: A Link to the Past & Earthbound

Many have commented on Eastward’s shared elements with a couple of iconic titles from the earlier days of gaming, such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past and the retro classic, EarthBound. Historically speaking, retro gamer communities commonly agree that these two games are among the highest regarded when it comes to throwback Nintendo games of the 90s. The focus on a colorful world to explore, intriguing and interactive NPC’s, and tireless gameplay among these older titles is clearly seen in what Eastward has to offer. Additionally, the character design in Eastward appears to be a modernized version of that seen in Earthbound when it was released nearly 30 years ago, as the pixelated faces still succeed in portraying expressive characters with distinct features.

Bottom Line

The combination of vivid retro pixel-art, varied gameplay with two distinct heroes, and derived elements from 90s classics make Eastward a sentimental experience with a timeless feel. The graphics may not match that of modern games with a more realistic focus, though that’s beside the point of the game itself. In an effort to bring back the nostalgia of games like Earthbound and A Link to the Past, the developers at PixPil have outdone themselves on every level.

Pros:

• Vibrant settings with lovable pixel-art graphics
• A fitting experience for those who are seeking a nostalgic title
• Fun, companion-dependent gameplay with distinct abilities

Cons:

• A limited feel when compared to the realism conveyed by modern titles