Traverse the pixelated world of ‘Eastward’ with John and Sam.
Pixel art games have a rich history that dates back to the early days of video gaming.
A necessary visual style borne out of technological limitations, this style of game design uses small, colourful squares called pixels has capture the hearts of many gamers for its nostalgic appeal and narrative charm.
None are more representative of this than Eastward by Shanghai-based small indie-developer Pixpil, a pixel art game released in 2021 that seamlessly blends captivating visuals and an emotionally resonant narrative with an utterly enchanting musical score.
Eastward follows the story of unlikely duo John and Sam as they try to escape the tyrannical clutches of a subterranean society and traverse the post-apocalyptic surface world ravaged by poison, while battling monsters and mechanical beasts along the way with telekinesis – and a frying pan?
Reminiscent of Earthbound, an RPG that was released in North America in 1995, for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the world of Eastward is rich in lore and the characters are wonderfully endearing albeit, a bit one note.
The game takes place in the near-future where society is fast hurtling down the path of destruction. An unknown, toxic presence has spread, poisoning the air and those who could escape flocked to underground settlements to start a new life.
As new generations were forged, all memories of the blue skies above were forgotten but for the hardworking yet quiet miner John and mysterious young girl, Sam, the hope of a thriving outside world beckons.
A world of pixelated beauty
Eastward is a quirky affair and one of its most alluring aspects is its meticulous world-building.
With a narrative that is equal parts odd, zany and humourous, the pixel art style, lends itself perfectly to the game’s out-of-this-world premise, providing any gamer worth their salt, a sweet escape into the beautifully crafted world of Eastward.
But rather than just being an aesthetic choice, it is used ingeniously as a narrative tool as every character and scene has been designed with a level of detail that perfectly captures the essence of classic games, with an added modern flourish.
The game’s environment and ambience is truly a love letter to steampunk, showcasing feats of pixelated marvels that evoke both the fantastical and the science fiction.
From a train station shaped like a white whale, a desolate shopping mall dungeon filled with steam-powered traps to an underground tunnel lit exclusively with glowing mushrooms, Eastward is a game that invites players to explore its simultaneously rustic and mechanised world, in order to unearth its many mysteries.
A symphony of emotions
One of the most compelling features of Eastward is its musical score composed by Joel Corelitz which incorporates both slow-paced and fast-tempo synthwave that hearkens back to the break-neck combat music of the Mega Man franchise as well as the dreary and ponderous background music of farming simulators like Harvest Moon.
It has a distinct 80s feel that is exquisitely nostalgic and will at times, lull you into false sense of security or keep your heart racing with adrenaline.
Whether it’s conveying the tranquillity of a peaceful village or the tension of a thrilling battle, the music immerses players into the game’s world, evoking emotions that complement the on-screen action.
The music is not just a backdrop, but a living character in itself as it guides players through the emotional highs and lows of the story, enhancing the emotions behind character interactions as well as events.
Bombastic gameplay and a heartfelt narrative
Beyond its artistic elements, Eastward’s gameplay experience combines RPG elements with puzzle-solving and exploration. Essentially, it’s a top-down game that is undeniably inspired by early 2D Legend of Zelda games, including dungeons which feature similar sound effects.
Throughout the game, players will have to explore dungeons by controlling the two protagonists, John and Sam, each sporting different abilities and functions; John with his trusty and aforementioned frying pan and Sam with her powerful kinetic blasts.
Throughout these dungeons, players have to interact with the environment, utilising each character’s given skill to clear obstacles that will usher the game protagonists towards the next chapter of the narrative.
The gameplay mechanics are well designed and simple, complementing the pixel art and music, giving players a satisfying sense of accomplishment as each dungeons are impeccably bookended by Eastward’s enthralling story beats.
Players will experience a vast array of character interactions as they make their way through the different various towns and encounter a cast of intriguing yet eclectic characters. Fortunately, these interactions are filled with witty dialogues and heartfelt moments that breathes more life into what is already an almost boundless game world.
You will experience first-hand as the bond between John and Sam get stronger and you will watch their individual stories unravel, all the while exploring themes of friendship and family, love and loss as well as personal sacrifice.
Alongside the fluid animations of characters and enemies and coupled with the diverse array of landscapes, Eastward is an immersive and visually satisfying experience that will stick with you even after the credits roll.
Eastward is more than a game; as it showcases the incredible potential of when beautifully designed pixel art, a compelling narrative and good music is combined.
If you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure that marries artistry and gameplay, Eastward is a must-play that will leave a lasting impression on your gaming journey. – Wardi Wasli
