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CRITIK

Eastward

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Eastward
Item: Eastward
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Comedy, Open World, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableSep 16, 2021

PlatformPC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperPixpil

Overview

Eastward is a beautifully detailed and charming adventure RPG, from Shanghai-based indie developers, Pixpil and published by Chucklefish. Escape the tyrannical clutches of a subterranean society and join Eastward’s unlikely duo on an exciting adventure to the land above! Discover beautiful yet bizarre settlements and make new friends as you travel across the world by rail. Inspired by 90s Japanese animation, the visual style of Eastward has been brought to life using a combination of a modern, innovative 3D lighting system and a rich retro-pixel artwork.

Elsewhere

7.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Eastward are quite varied, showcasing a range of perspectives on the narrative experience. Critics such as Cultured Vultures and Finger Guns praise the game for its fantastic storytelling, endearing characters, and strong bond between the main characters, John and Sam. The narrative is described as charming, engaging, and filled with mystery and intrigue. Hobby Consolas also appreciates the emotional storytelling and charming characters in a retro-style adventure setting, highlighting the positive impact of the narrative on the overall experience. On the other hand, critics like Metro GameCentral and Nintendo Enthusiast criticize the story for its poor pacing, lack of character development for the main characters, and generic plot elements. Metro GameCentral specifically mentions that the plot is aimless, the dialogue is overwrought, and the story loses itself in multiple digressions, leading to an unsatisfying resolution. IGN Japan also points out weak plot and storytelling, lacking depth in narrative and character interactions, which detracts from the overall impact of the story. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side, with many reviewers appreciating the engaging storytelling, character interactions, and emotional depth of the narrative. Critics like Game Informer and DualShockers praise the captivating story, characters, and lore of Eastward, highlighting its real, heartfelt, and memorable qualities. While there are criticisms regarding pacing, character development, and plot execution from some reviewers, the majority of critics find the story to be intriguing, evocative, and well-crafted, offering a blend of mystery, emotion, and engaging character dynamics. The overall sentiment suggests that Eastward succeeds in delivering a compelling narrative experience that resonates with players on different levels, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre of story-driven games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Eastward's story: some praise its engaging narrative, charming characters, and emotional depth, while others criticize its poor pacing and lack of character development. Despite some flaws, the majority of reviewers find the storytelling to be compelling, evocative, and well-crafted, making Eastward a noteworthy addition to story-driven games.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Eastward has received a lot of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers highlighted the ability to switch between characters and utilize their unique strengths as a fresh and engaging mechanic. COGconnected appreciated this feature, mentioning that it adds a twist to the genre. Cultured Vultures also praised the gameplay, mentioning that the combat, exploration, and environmental puzzles akin to 2D Zelda games escalate in difficulty in surprising but fair ways. Additionally, RPG Fan noted that controlling both John and Sam adds depth to combat and puzzle scenarios, making for a rewarding experience. On the other hand, some critics had mixed opinions about certain aspects of the gameplay. Metro GameCentral criticized the combat and puzzles for being simple and lacking substance or originality, only coming alive during boss battles. Game Informer also mentioned that the combat and puzzles are simplistic and not satisfying, although they did appreciate the cooking mechanic. PC Gamer pointed out that some sections of the game felt repetitive, and aiming with the frying pan during combat could be difficult. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Eastward is largely positive. The game is praised for its engaging mechanics, challenging puzzles, and satisfying combat, with well-designed dungeons providing a rewarding experience. Critics like Vooks and WellPlayed highlighted the seamless and enjoyable combat mechanics, while Gamers Heroes appreciated the fusion of classic RPG elements like combat, dungeon exploration, and puzzle-solving. Despite some criticisms about simplicity and occasional pacing issues, the majority of reviewers found Eastward's gameplay to be a successful blend of action-adventure, RPG, and puzzle elements, creating an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Eastward's gameplay wins over critics with engaging character-switching mechanics, challenging puzzles, and satisfying combat. While some find certain aspects simple or repetitive, the majority praise its fresh twist on the genre, well-designed dungeons, and seamless combat mechanics. A successful blend of action-adventure, RPG, and puzzle elements that offer an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Eastward, highlighting its stunning pixel art style and detailed environments. Critics such as Cultured Vultures and Finger Guns commended the eye-popping pixel art style with detailed and well-realized settings that depict a post-post-apocalyptic world. The game's visuals were described as vibrant, expressive, and capturing the essence of the game's world, with Hobby Consolas noting a nostalgic art style with visually stunning design. The attention to detail, emotive character animations, and unique NPCs were also highlighted by Nintendo Enthusiast and NintendoWorldReport, further emphasizing the game's visual appeal. However, some critics did mention minor drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of Eastward. IGN Japan criticized the lack of varied camera angles and reliance on Studio Ghibli-inspired animation ideas, which may have impacted the overall visual experience for some players. SpazioGames noted occasional bugs and frame rate drops during intense battles, suggesting potential technical issues that could detract from the otherwise charming 16-bit graphics reminiscent of Earthbound. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment among critics leans heavily towards the positive aspects of the game's graphics and visual design. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Eastward. The game's pixel art style, detailed environments, expressive character animations, and unique world-building elements were widely praised, with critics such as Eurogamer Italy and Game Informer highlighting the visually striking graphic style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films and the whimsical and enchanting atmosphere created by the pixelated art style. While some critics pointed out minor issues such as technical glitches and lack of variety in animation angles, the overall sentiment is that Eastward delivers a visually stunning and immersive experience that successfully blends nostalgia with modern detail, making it a standout title in terms of graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Eastward's stunning pixel art style, detailed environments, and expressive character animations, capturing a post-post-apocalyptic world beautifully. While some mention minor drawbacks like camera angles and technical issues, the overwhelming consensus is highly positive. The game's visual design, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films, creates a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere, making Eastward a standout title blending nostalgia with modern detail.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Eastward, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Finger Guns appreciated the retro-style game soundtracks, with chiptune arrangements that were described as stunning and emotional, enhancing the overall experience. The 80s influenced synthwave score was also well-received, with COGconnected mentioning it as satisfying, and Pocket Tactics noting how it added personality to the characters. Several critics, such as KeenGamer and Launcher, specifically praised the memorable and immersive nature of the soundtrack, with Joel Corelitz's compositions standing out for their ability to enhance the atmosphere and gameplay experience. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Eastward was positive, there were some criticisms raised by a few critics. Nintendo Enthusiast mentioned that the soundtrack was serviceable but did not complement the storytelling as effectively as the visuals. IGN Japan noted that the high-quality music sometimes clashed with the game's atmosphere, suggesting a potential inconsistency in the integration of the soundtrack. Vandal also pointed out moments of repetitiveness in the music integration, indicating a need for more variety or dynamic musical cues to prevent monotony. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Eastward. The majority of reviewers found the soundtrack to be captivating, immersive, and enhancing of the overall gaming experience. Critics like Game Informer, Gameblog.fr, and DualShockers described the music as excellent, fantastic, and delightful, respectively, underlining its significant contribution to the game's atmosphere and storytelling. Despite some minor criticisms, the general consensus is that the Sound Design and Music of Eastward successfully evoke nostalgia, enhance immersion, and elevate the overall quality of the gameplay, making it a standout aspect of the title that resonated with the majority of critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Eastward's Sound Design and Music, praising the retro-style chiptune and synthwave tracks that enhanced the gaming experience. While some critics had minor criticisms about the music's integration, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The soundtrack was described as captivating, immersive, and contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere and storytelling.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The absence of voice acting in Eastward seems to have garnered mixed reactions from the critics. COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming both noted the lack of voice acting but highlighted that it did not detract from the characters and narrative. PC Gamer praised the text design for effectively conveying the personalities of the characters without the need for voiceovers. RPG Site also commended the game for bringing characters to life through great dialogue, showcasing humor even with a silent protagonist. TheXboxHub mentioned that despite the absence of voice work, emotions and personalities were effectively portrayed, indicating that the game still managed to resonate with the players. On the flip side, God is a Geek, PC Games, and PC Gamer pointed out the absence of spoken dialogue in Eastward. PC Games specifically mentioned that while the English voice acting and extensive dialogues were commendable, language barriers for non-English speakers hindered the overall experience. This limitation could potentially impact the accessibility and immersion for players who rely on voice acting for a more engaging gameplay experience. Overall, the critics' opinions on the voice acting in Eastward reflect a diverse range of perspectives. While some reviewers appreciated the game's ability to develop characters and convey emotions effectively through text-based dialogue, others highlighted the potential drawbacks of not having voiceovers, particularly in terms of accessibility for non-English speakers. Despite the lack of voice acting, the consensus seems to be that Eastward still manages to deliver a compelling narrative and engaging character interactions through its well-crafted dialogue and storytelling, resonating positively with players and critics alike.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the lack of voice acting in Eastward. Some praise the game for effectively conveying characters and emotions through text, while others believe it hinders accessibility for non-English speakers. Despite the absence of voiceovers, Eastward still impresses with its compelling narrative and engaging character interactions, resonating positively with players and critics.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, several critics noted both positives and negatives. Positives include the generous autosave feature, as highlighted by critics like RPG Fan and WellPlayed, which helped mitigate the impact of occasional crashes. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Hobby Consolas and Vooks, mentioned that minor technical issues were present but not significant enough to detract from the overall gameplay experience. These aspects indicate that the game generally runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, with the autosave system being particularly praised for its convenience. On the flip side, the Nintendo Switch version of Eastward faced criticism for frequent crashes and frame drops, especially during cutscenes and boss fights, as noted by critics like KeenGamer and Nintendo Enthusiast. This negatively impacted the overall experience for some players, with instances of crashes leading to frustration during gameplay. The technical issues, including crashes and glitches, mentioned by Switch Player also contributed to a less than optimal experience for players on the Nintendo Switch platform. Across all gaming platforms, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Eastward leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers on the Nintendo Switch highlighted the presence of technical issues such as crashes and frame rate drops, others on PC, like RPG Site, reported a stable gameplay experience with only minor glitches. The overall sentiment suggests that while the game may suffer from technical hiccups on certain platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch, patches have been released to address some of these issues, as mentioned by Vooks. Ultimately, the technical performance of Eastward varies depending on the platform, with some players experiencing smoother gameplay than others.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed views on Eastward's technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. While some praise the autosave feature and smooth gameplay, others criticize frequent crashes and frame drops, impacting the overall experience. The consensus is that technical issues vary across platforms, with patches addressing some issues but not all players having a seamless gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives regarding the replay value of Eastward, several critics highlighted the diverse range of activities and hidden content available within the game. Switch Player appreciated the various things to see and do, such as collecting gacha figures, cooking, and engaging with a separate game within Eastward. Checkpoint Gaming and RPG Site also noted the optional side quests, mini-games, and secrets scattered throughout the game, providing players with extended gameplay opportunities. IGN specifically mentioned the detailed roguelite JRPG game-within-the-game, adding depth and replay value to the overall experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that may impact the replayability of Eastward. Switch Player mentioned the absence of a New Game + mode and the challenge of revisiting previously explored areas without guidance, potentially hindering players looking to fully explore the game's content. XGN highlighted the inability to skip cutscenes during replays, which could dampen the appeal of replaying chapters in random order. Meristation also critiqued the game for lacking combat difficulty and challenging puzzles, which could deter players seeking a more engaging gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Eastward offering a decent amount of replay value through its hidden areas, mini-games, and additional content. While some critics like GAMINGbible and Screen Rant praised the optional areas to explore, secrets to uncover, and the RPG minigame within the game, others like PC Games and SpazioGames expressed concerns about the limited replay value due to linear gameplay and the inability to revisit certain locations. Despite mixed opinions on specific features like side quests and combat difficulty, the general sentiment suggests that Eastward provides a varied gameplay experience with enough incentives for players to revisit and explore its world.

TL;DR

replay value

Eastward offers replay value through diverse activities and hidden content, like collecting gacha figures and engaging with a detailed roguelite JRPG game-within-the-game. Some critics noted drawbacks such as the absence of a New Game + mode and challenges in revisiting areas without guidance. Overall, while there are mixed opinions on specific features, the game provides a varied gameplay experience with incentives for players to explore its world.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Eastward for its captivating narrative, stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters. Critics like Finger Guns and RPG Fan highlighted the game's charming characters, beautiful graphics, and captivating music, recommending it as a must-play title. The game was commended for its unique world-building and originality, with Cultured Vultures describing it as a fantastic and unexpected contender for game of the year. Additionally, the game's nostalgic feel, homage to classic RPGs, and pixel art style were appreciated by reviewers like Vooks and Gameblog.fr, who found it visually stunning and engaging. On the flip side, some critics pointed out shortcomings in Eastward, such as pacing issues, simplistic combat, and technical hiccups. Reviewers like Metro GameCentral and NintendoWorldReport mentioned that the game's simplistic action and poor pacing detracted from the overall experience. Launcher from The Washington Post noted that while the game had strong elements like gameplay, graphics, and music, the story lacked coherence and failed to connect all the dots. Furthermore, IGN Japan criticized the game for falling short in narrative depth and character engagement, highlighting areas where Eastward could have been improved to provide a more immersive experience. Overall, despite some criticisms, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Eastward. The game is widely regarded as a standout title in the indie gaming scene, with many reviewers recommending it for its captivating story, stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters. The blend of RPG and action-adventure elements, along with the unique pixel art style, has resonated well with fans of the genre. Critics like GAMINGbible and Screen Rant lauded Eastward as a sparkling, affecting, and strikingly confident video game that offers a comfortable yet fresh experience, showcasing the game's strengths in storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and world design. Ultimately, Eastward emerges as a highly recommended title that successfully captures the hearts of players despite its minor flaws, solidifying its position as a must-play for fans of indie RPGs and pixel art adventures.

TL;DR

Critics praise Eastward for its captivating narrative, stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters, labeling it a standout title in the indie gaming scene. The game's charming characters, beautiful graphics, and captivating music have been highlighted as must-experience features. While some critics mention pacing issues, simplistic combat, and narrative shortcomings, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Eastward is recommended for its blend of RPG and action-adventure elements, unique pixel art style, and immersive storytelling, solidifying its position as a must-play for fans of indie RPGs and pixel art adventures.

CRITIK

Reviews

103 reviews found

100

Screen Rant

Sep 14, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Eastward is a phenomenal debut that deserves attention. It shines in its narrative, solid gameplay, impressive visuals, mesmerizing soundtrack, and indie design. It may have some shortcomings, but it's an unmissable and impressive feat of indie design.

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100

WellPlayed

Nintendo Switch

Sep 24, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An absolute classic that is deep, moving, and enjoyable.

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Noisy Pixel

Sep 20, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Eastward is a genuinely standout gaming experience with a fantastic final chapter. It fulfills action-adventure needs and offers a memorable experience.

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KeenGamer

Nintendo Switch

May 17, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Eastward is a highly recommended game with a strong story, fun gameplay, stunning visuals, and a brilliant soundtrack, despite some technical issues.

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Gameblog.fr

Sep 14, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Visually stunning, engaging, and well-crafted 2D adventure game that blends nostalgia with modern gameplay elements

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Jeuxvideo.com

Nintendo Switch

Sep 14, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exceptional adventure game with captivating narrative, stunning visuals, enjoyable gameplay, and attention to detail, despite some minor flaws.

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Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Oct 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Eastward is a masterful title with amazing pixel art, great characters, and a perfect blend of RPG and action-adventure gameplay.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Oct 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Eastward is praised as a gem in the pixel adventure-RPG genre, with a captivating story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable characters. It is recommended for lovers of pixel JRPGs.

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GAMINGbible

Sep 14, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Eastward is a sparkling, affecting, strikingly confident video game with gorgeous pixel art, an unforgettable story, and excellent world design. Despite some minor issues like clunky combat and backtracking, it offers a comfortable yet fresh experience that remixes classic RPG elements exceptionally well.

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Hey Poor Player

Sep 16, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Eastward for its charm, nostalgic feel, and homage to SNES-era gaming, giving it a final score of 4.5/5

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