EASTWARD REVIEW FULL

I was struck by the beauty of this game throughout my playthrough, from its bright and vibrant landscapes to the deeper, darker underbelly that lies forgotten below the surface. The world gave me big Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind vibes, albeit in a modern setting.

EASTWARD REVIEW FULL

The pixel art visuals of the main game are nothing to sniff at either – it’s some of the most detailed I’ve seen in a long time and all of the environments, buildings and characters are unique and full of personality. It’s beautifully animated and gives you a window into the story you’re about to experience. The first thing that’ll strike you about Eastward is the amazing opening cutscene. John has to save her but by trespassing they are both forced to set out on a journey into the unknown in order to atone for their sins. Sam gets into a spot of trouble when she tries to head to the forbidden surface to prove to some mean kids who don’t believe her that it’s safe.

Eastward focuses on an unlikely duo of characters in John, the ever-silent digger, and Sam, a mysterious girl who was found by John in a Death Stranding-esque yellow bubble. The world above is hell, supposedly, and the underground is humanity’s only salvation (so best make sure you don’t do wrong by its Mayor). Eastward is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity has retreated underground to escape from the Miasma.

Eastward review