Eastward

 PC
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. GameStar
    Sep 19, 2021
    72
    Charming and colourful pixel action-adventure with a lot of heart, solid combat and puzzle dungeons, yet apparent deficiencies in the narrative pace.
  2. IGN Japan
    Nov 16, 2021
    70
    Eastward’s action and puzzles play things a bit too much by the book, the plot and storytelling don’t really come together, and the dialogue lacks wit. But even with so many negative aspects, the top-notch pixel art is true craftsmanship. These wonderful graphics were enough for me to push through, and perhaps you will too.
  3. Edge Magazine
    Oct 9, 2021
    70
    Even for those players who are too young to perceive the winds of nostalgia blowing through Eastward, this is a game that shows the endurance of the Super Nintendo-era RPG template as a vessel for storytelling across decades - and that is a magic of its own, too. [Issue#364, p.118]
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  5. NME
    Sep 14, 2021
    60
    In many ways, Eastward is the perfect evolution of 90s JRPGs, with its gorgeous artwork, endearing protagonists and well-designed dungeons that offer a satisfying blend of combat and puzzles. But it goes overboard with its story, packing in uninspired characters and giving them too much screen time. It’s a lot to sit through to get to the good bits.
  6. Gamer.no
    Oct 3, 2021
    50
    Eastward is charming and offers a surprisingly dark story, but is bogged down by stale combat mechanics and too much boring and non-sensical dialogue.
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  1. Eurogamer
    Sep 14, 2021
    A strong love for storytelling and the feel of games like Earthbound makes Eastward shine even where the gameplay flags. [Eurogamer Recommended]
  2. Polygon
    Sep 14, 2021
    Details like Earth Born are what make Eastward special for me. Not only is the gameplay both challenging and clever (and sometimes, punishing), but the worlds are built with depth. In both its dungeons and places of reprieve, Eastward is continually worth exploring.
  3. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Sep 14, 2021
    Some of that action will involve fetching rare fish from the belly of an even bigger fish so you can serve up the ultimate dish of forgiveness to a scheming casino lord, and yes, you'll also be hunting down mischievous creatures in the forest to help out the village ranch. It's all in a day's work for this unlikely pair of world-saving do-gooders, but gosh darnit if I didn't also enjoy every second of it. It may be slow to get going, but once Sam and John find their feet, Eastward roars to life like nothing else. Pixpil have created a world of exquisite detail here, and its winsome cast are easily the best bunch of NPCs you'll meet this side of Toby Fox's Undertale. It's been a long time since I've cared this much about the everyday folks in an RPG, but as Eastward handsomely proves, pigs really do fly in this excellent retro adventure.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best PC Game of 2021
54
#54 Most Discussed PC Game of 2021

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 105 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 105
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 105
  3. Negative: 24 out of 105
  1. raucher
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    Amazing game, brought it without knowing anything about it, just saw it on pre-sale on Steam and bought. Best decision i've made in months,Amazing game, brought it without knowing anything about it, just saw it on pre-sale on Steam and bought. Best decision i've made in months, the game is so nostalgic and well made that i played 15h nonstop, a mix of zelda, earthbound, fallout and stardew valley.… Full Review »
  2. Nashty208
    Nov 30, 2021
    1
    Felt like it would have be a good game, but it doesn't let you do anything creative. Follow story, go to next town, get more hearts, nextFelt like it would have be a good game, but it doesn't let you do anything creative. Follow story, go to next town, get more hearts, next town, more hearts. Long dialogue, slow pacing. Beautiful artwork and characters. I quit after 3rd town. Based on reviews it gets even slower. It could have been something, but it is not.… Full Review »
  3. giyaced686
    Sep 22, 2021
    0
    You have to praise the art and music in Eastward, if nothing else because there's nothing else to praise. But even the art and music getYou have to praise the art and music in Eastward, if nothing else because there's nothing else to praise. But even the art and music get repetitive at a certain point, and that certain point is very early on in the game. What really kills any chance of Eastward being worth the player's time is a combination of flat, longwinded writing and gameplay so stale that there's nothing for the art and music to elevate. Honestly, I would love for someone who knows how to make a game to take the visuals and music in Eastward and make something playable out of it. At the moment, that's all there is. Music and art. There's no game.… Full Review »
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