Eastshade

 PC
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Feb 11, 2019
    It’s definitely a shame that painting isn’t more of a thing. But this really comes together. A slow, gentle, personal RPG, with neat little stories, characters I remember, and a real sense of having spent time in a special place. Oh, and last of all, in Eastshade if you want to get around a bit faster, you buy a bicycle. Yeah, it’s exactly that sort of place.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 59
  3. Negative: 4 out of 59
  1. TantFuriosa
    Feb 16, 2019
    8
    I thought I was fed up with fantasy games and their lore, but to my surprise Eastshade draws me in. I think it's simply because it's not yeI thought I was fed up with fantasy games and their lore, but to my surprise Eastshade draws me in. I think it's simply because it's not ye ol' fighting warrior dragon blah blah narrative, but a story focused on artists, painting, writing, architecture, reading and creating. There's a laid back atmosphere, a calm demeanor in the characters you meet, that's contagious.

    The driving mechanic is to paint commissions for people to solve quests, and the concept works splendidly. It's exciting and engaging, at least for me who have an interest in photography. To solve a quest you could just sloppily get a corner of the thing you're supposed to paint into frame, but I spend a lot of time on finding the perfect angle and light, simply because I find it so enjoyable to compose. I'm itching to paint all the time, but there's an "inspiration meter" that has to be filled before you can paint - you get inspiration from seeing, experiencing or reading about new things - so I'm constantly driven forward by that enticing mechanic.

    I'm coming straight from screenshotting an AAA title, which makes the graphics a bit meh for me, but of course I understand why it is the way it is and I'm impressed with what they have pulled off here. I was also at first disappointed at the low quality of the paintings themselves, but it seems that doesn't stop me from internally screaming for painting everything I see. There are at the moment of release a lot of bugs, some unfavorable game mechanic kinks here and there, bad voice acting, and the weird, glaring omission of giving us the possibility to get a clear screenshot of our paintings to share. Added together these things drags the score down for me. Expect an excellent core idea, with the endearing flaws of a fresh indie game.

    I've been aching for years for a story driven game like this that doesn't shove constant combat in my face, and it's finally here. I'm so grateful!    … Full Review »
  2. Lefarien
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    A really beautiful experience. It manages to be new and interesting without being wacky or alienating, providing a delightful character andA really beautiful experience. It manages to be new and interesting without being wacky or alienating, providing a delightful character and world-driven experience whilst avoiding violence in its mechanics. Eastshade creates a sense of place incredibly successfully.

    Absolutely charming and rewarding.    … Full Review »
  3. hoanns
    Jun 6, 2020
    5
    Not for me. Played 30min and just couldn't get into it. It felt cheap and boring. The characters are pretty bland and nothing really caught myNot for me. Played 30min and just couldn't get into it. It felt cheap and boring. The characters are pretty bland and nothing really caught my interest and made me want to continue playing this game.… Full Review »
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