Despite the game’s lavish animations, he’s limited to mostly keeping his hands in his jacket pockets and scratching the back of his neck. He carries a frying pan around and is an avid cook, but doesn’t seem to have any sort of discernable passion for the subject other than his dedication to cooking for Sam when she’s hungry. Unlike characters such as, say, Link, we’re given little to infer about his personality. John, the primary playable character, is a silent protagonist of the strictest sort. The issues arise after these stories have come to pass. It’s unafraid to move at an unhurried pace and tell very small stories. The game is, above all else, concerned with life and how it manifests, which is one of its strongest aspects. Every locale in the game feels staggeringly alive, with gestures towards a greater culture, way of life, and population communicated through idiosyncratic dialogue and minute design touches. It’s one of the most beautiful games I’ve ever played, and is a constant visual delight. The game, at times, feels like an elevated version of a Game Boy Advance title, with its opulent pixel art, propulsive chiptune soundtrack, and sweet story.
Though inspired by the Mother series as well as the 2D Legend of Zelda games, Eastward is very much its own experience. Unfortunately, the game consistently roadblocks its more immediate themes and storytelling with overlong story segments and a terminally wooden protagonist, whose lack of emotion even in his body language leaves the game with a confused tone. In fact, I struggle to say I actively dislike it-there’s a lot to love in its richly detailed pixel world, and several moments that made me believe in the vision expressed across its overlong 20 or so hour runtime. These delicacies will grant health bonuses, power boosts and secret boons.Pixpil’s debut Eastward is a game I desperately want to like. Create deliciously authentic Eastwardian cuisine using (mostly) fresh, organic ingredients from toxic forests, infested mines and abandoned malls.Get to know a quirky cast of characters with oodles of personality, as you immerse yourself in this heartwarming story-driven adventure, packed with fun and wacky humour.
Fend off peculiar monsters and ferocious bosses with your weapon of choice - be it a gun, flamethrower or your trusty ol’ frying pan.Jump aboard the cross-country railway which spans this decaying continent, stopping off to explore its bustling towns, curious campsites and shady forests.