Eastward

The majority of critics praised Eastward for its emotionally resonant storytelling and strong character dynamics, particularly the bond between John and Sam. TheXboxHub highlighted the "beautiful tale of a father/daughter relationship," while Atomix celebrated the "optimistic and fantastical" narrative with "well-written dialogues" that added depth to the characters. Cultured Vultures called it a "fantastic story" with themes of "domesticity and humanity," and Nintendo Life emphasized the "heartwarming relationship" between the protagonists. Critics like Finger Guns and RPG Fan praised the "cute, quirky, and episodic" narrative, noting the "endearing characters" and "memorable interactions." The game’s ability to blend whimsy with post-apocalyptic themes, as highlighted by Siliconera’s "cutesy calamity aesthetic" and IGN’s "whimsical post-apocalyptic world," was frequently lauded for its charm and emotional impact. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws in the narrative structure and pacing. Cubed3 criticized the "poorly paced" story with "little character development," while Metro GameCentral called the plot "aimless" and the dialogue "cliché-ridden." IGN Japan dismissed the storytelling as "weak" with "lackluster narrative," and XGN noted that "many questions remain unanswered," leading to a "vague and disappointing" experience. PC Gamer pointed to unresolved plot holes, and NME criticized "uninspired characters" and "overwritten dialogue." Additionally, some reviewers, like Launcher and Nintendo Enthusiast, found the main story "generic" or "obtuse," despite acknowledging well-developed side characters. These critiques often centered on the game’s struggle to balance its ambitious themes with coherent execution. Overall, Eastward received a mixed but largely favorable reception, with critics divided between its emotional depth and narrative shortcomings. While many praised its heartfelt exploration of relationships and unique post-apocalyptic setting—echoed by reviewers like Cultured Vultures, Nintendo Life, and IGN—the game’s pacing, character development, and unresolved plot threads were frequent points of contention. The consensus seemed to hinge on personal tolerance for its slower moments and thematic ambition; as RPG Fan noted, the "quirky charm" and "dark humor" compensated for its flaws, while others, like Metro GameCentral, found these elements insufficient to salvage a disjointed story. Despite the criticisms, the game’s ability to evoke empathy through its characters and world-building left a lasting impression on many reviewers.

The gameplay of Eastward receives widespread praise for its innovative dual-character mechanic, which allows players to switch between John and Sam to solve puzzles and combat enemies. Critics like Game Informer and Twinfinite highlight the strategic depth this adds, noting that it enhances both puzzle-solving and combat scenarios. The game’s puzzle design is frequently lauded as well-integrated and challenging, with Meristation praising its unique visual style and NME commending the seamless blend of combat and puzzles. Additionally, the cooking system is a standout positive, with Game Informer and SpazioGames noting its practicality and charm in healing and enhancing gameplay. Many reviewers, including IGN and PC Gamer, compare the game’s mechanics to classic Zelda titles, emphasizing its balanced approach to action-adventure elements and the satisfaction of its dungeon exploration. However, several critics point out flaws in the gameplay’s simplicity and pacing. Game Informer and Metro GameCentral criticize the combat and puzzles as overly simplistic and lacking originality, while TouchArcade and Twinfinite note that repetitive mechanics and drawn-out dungeons can detract from the experience. The game’s difficulty curve is also a point of contention; Nintendo Enthusiast mentions issues with the RPG subgame Earth Born, and Cubed3 and Eurogamer Italy observe that some dungeons feel excessive. Additionally, PC Gamer points out frustrating moments due to time constraints in certain sections, while Vandal highlights pacing issues and readability challenges in level design. These critiques suggest that while the core mechanics are functional, they occasionally lack the polish or variety to sustain engagement throughout. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans positive, with many appreciating Eastward’s nostalgic charm and inventive gameplay. The dual-character system is consistently praised as a fresh twist on the action-adventure genre, with COGconnected and Switch Player highlighting its effectiveness in adding depth. While some reviewers, like IGN and PC Gamer, acknowledge minor flaws in combat simplicity or pacing, they also recognize the game’s strengths in puzzle design, exploration, and narrative-driven progression. The mixed reception reflects a balance between accessibility and ambition, with Eastward standing out as a love letter to classic RPGs while offering enough innovation to appeal to modern audiences. As RPG Fan and Cultured Vultures note, the game’s blend of real-time combat, puzzle-solving, and character-driven storytelling creates a rewarding experience despite its occasional shortcomings.

The majority of critics praised Eastward’s graphics and visual design as a standout achievement, highlighting its meticulous pixel art, vibrant color palettes, and nostalgic yet modern aesthetic. Reviewers like TheXboxHub lauded the “incredible pixel art with meticulous detail and a warm color palette,” while Atomix noted the “dynamic lighting effects” enabled by the custom engine, enhancing immersion. Cultured Vultures called the pixel art “eye-popping,” emphasizing its ability to depict a post-post-apocalyptic world with rich, detailed settings. Many drew comparisons to classic 16-bit games and Studio Ghibli films, with KeenGamer noting the “16-bit style inspired by Ghibli films” and Siliconera describing the visuals as “vibrant, warm, and almost hospitable.” The game’s environments were frequently praised for their creativity, from the “breathtaking and diverse setting” (COGconnected) to the “beautifully crafted retro-industrial world” (Jeuxvideo.com). Critics also highlighted expressive character animations, with Finger Guns noting a “Chrono Trigger-esque modern flair” and RPG Fan applauding unique character sprites and layered environments that add depth. While the consensus was overwhelmingly positive, some critics pointed to minor flaws. IGN Japan criticized the game for relying on “Studio Ghibli-inspired animation ideas” and lacking varied camera angles, while SpazioGames noted occasional bugs and frame rate drops during intense battles. Ragequit.gr mentioned that the “childish” charm of the visuals might not appeal to all, and Eurogamer Italy observed that the retro-industrial world occasionally struggled with readability. Additionally, Meristation pointed out “minor discrepancies in action segments,” suggesting that while the art style excels in exploration, it sometimes falters in fast-paced sequences. These critiques, however, were relatively isolated and did not detract from the overall acclaim for the game’s visual identity. The overwhelming majority of critics celebrated Eastward’s graphics as a triumph, with its pixel art style earning universal praise for blending nostalgia with modern innovation. Nintendo Life called it “incredibly detailed and impressive,” while PC Gamer described it as “utterly gorgeous” and “straddling the line between retro and modern.” Even critics who noted minor issues acknowledged the game’s visual ambition, such as Vandal, who praised its “visually stunning and immersive experience” despite readability challenges. The game’s ability to evoke emotional authenticity through its art—whether through the “whimsical pixel art” (Hey Poor Player) or the “emotive characters” (KeenGamer)—solidified its reputation as a visually distinctive title. While no review was entirely without critique, the consensus was clear: Eastward’s graphics and visual design are a defining strength, offering a memorable and aesthetically rich experience that resonates with both retro fans and modern audiences.

The sound design and music of Eastward received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting its nostalgic charm, emotional depth, and immersive quality. Joel Corelitz’s soundtrack, described as a "stunning take on retro-style game soundtracks" by Cultured Vultures, was praised for its cathartic chiptune-adjacent arrangements and ability to evoke the spirit of classic RPGs like Chrono Trigger (Finger Guns). The 80s synthwave influence, noted by COGconnected, added a layer of retro-futurism that complemented the game’s post-apocalyptic setting. Critics like GameOver.gr and RPG Fan emphasized how the music enhanced the atmosphere, blending beauty, melancholy, and horror to match the narrative’s tone. Pocket Tactics and PC Gamer also highlighted the soundtrack’s role in immersion, with the latter calling it a "chiptune love letter to games of the '90s" that lingered long after gameplay ended. The music’s ability to adapt to different scenarios—from quirky character interactions to tense action sequences—was repeatedly lauded as a key strength. While the majority of reviews celebrated Eastward’s soundtrack, some critics pointed to minor flaws. Nintendo Enthusiast noted that the score "doesn’t complement storytelling as well as visuals," suggesting a disconnect between audio and narrative depth. IGN Japan mentioned that the high-quality music occasionally clashed with the game’s atmosphere, while Vooks criticized repetitive themes despite their quality. Additionally, Ragequit.gr observed that some tracks had a "childish" charm that might not resonate with all players, though they acknowledged the music contributed to the game’s unique personality. These critiques were relatively rare and often framed as subjective preferences rather than major shortcomings. Even Twinfinite, which praised the soundtrack’s dynamic shifts between groovy and dramatic tones, noted that the bass-heavy underground tracks and string-driven surface sequences were tailored to specific environments, reflecting a nuanced approach to audio design. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music of Eastward being a standout element. The retro-inspired chiptune and synthwave elements, combined with Joel Corelitz’s emotive compositions, created an atmosphere that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Critics like The Indie Game Website described the score as "mainlining nostalgia-laced serotonin," while GAMINGbible called it a "mesmerising" force that punctuated key moments. Even when minor issues were raised—such as repetition or tonal clashes—the majority of reviewers emphasized how the soundtrack elevated the game’s storytelling and immersion. As Game Informer noted, the music provided an "incredible backdrop," and Screen Rant highlighted its hummable motifs that "add to the overall experience." For most critics, Eastward’s audio design was not just a complement to gameplay but a defining feature of its charm and emotional resonance.

The majority of reviewers highlight the strength of Eastward’s character development and narrative despite the absence of traditional voice acting. TheXboxHub notes that emotions and personalities "come across well" without vocal performance, emphasizing the game’s ability to convey depth through visual storytelling. Atomix praises the silent protagonist John, stating that his expressions and gestures effectively communicate emotion, while PC Gamer commends the text design for giving characters distinct personalities. RPG Site also applauds the humor and engaging dialogue, even with a silent lead, suggesting that the narrative thrives on written interactions. These critiques collectively underscore how Eastward leverages visual and textual elements to create compelling character dynamics, proving that voice acting is not essential for emotional resonance. While most critics view the lack of voice acting as a non-issue, some nuances emerge in their feedback. PC Games acknowledges the presence of English voice acting with "extensive dialogues" but points out that language barriers may hinder accessibility for non-English speakers. This critique highlights a potential limitation for international audiences, though it is framed more as a contextual challenge than a major flaw. Additionally, while no reviewer explicitly criticizes the absence of VA, the focus on text-based dialogue and visual cues suggests that some players might prefer vocal performance for immersion. However, these concerns are minor compared to the widespread praise for the game’s storytelling and character design. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding Eastward’s approach to voice acting. Reviewers like Atomix, PC Gamer, and RPG Site emphasize that the game compensates for the lack of vocal performance through strong writing, expressive visuals, and a well-crafted narrative. While PC Games raises a valid point about language accessibility, it does not detract from the broader acclaim for the game’s ability to engage players without traditional voice acting. The collective sentiment is that Eastward succeeds by prioritizing character depth and storytelling, proving that effective communication in games can transcend audio-centric approaches. This balance of text, visuals, and narrative ensures that the absence of voice acting feels intentional rather than lacking.

The technical performance of Eastward varies across platforms, with notable positives reported on Xbox One and PC, while the Nintendo Switch version faces more mixed reception. On Xbox One, TheXboxHub noted no specific enhancements or technical issues, suggesting a stable experience. For PC, critics like Eurogamer Italy and RPG Site highlighted that the game is "playable on a wide range of hardware" and "stable gameplay," with minor visual glitches but no major problems. On the Nintendo Switch, while some reviewers like Atomix and Hobby Consolas praised its smooth performance, others such as WellPlayed and RPG Fan acknowledged occasional slowdowns or crashes, which were mitigated by autosaves. Vooks also noted that a patch resolved earlier issues, indicating potential improvements over time. However, the Nintendo Switch version faced more consistent technical challenges compared to other platforms. Critics like KeenGamer and Nintendo Enthusiast reported frequent crashes during critical moments, such as cutscenes or boss fights, while Gamers Heroes and Switch Player described "unfortunate blemishes" like frame drops and glitches. These issues were compounded by the game’s reliance on specific save mechanics, such as interacting with a refrigerator or respawning at checkpoints, as noted by SpazioGames. On PC, while most reviewers found the experience stable, PC Games mentioned "language and technical issues reported on the Switch platform," which may hint at cross-platform inconsistencies. Despite these drawbacks, many critics acknowledged that autosaves and patches helped alleviate frustration, particularly for Switch players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Eastward performs reasonably well across platforms, with Xbox One and PC offering more consistent experiences compared to the Switch, which struggled with stability issues. While Xbox One’s lack of enhancements was neutral, PC received praise for its adaptability and minimal technical hiccups. The Switch version, however, faced repeated reports of crashes and frame rate drops, though some reviewers like Vooks and RPG Fan noted that patches or autosaves mitigated these problems. Despite the platform-specific challenges, most critics agreed that Eastward remains a polished title with minor technical flaws that don’t overshadow its core gameplay.

The reviewers generally highlight several positive aspects of Eastward’s replay value, emphasizing its layered design and optional content. TheXboxHub notes the inclusion of an RPG with roguelite elements, which adds variability to subsequent playthroughs, while Switch Player praises the game’s abundance of hidden power-ups, cooking mechanics, gacha collecting, and a self-contained mini-game within the world. IGN and Checkpoint Gaming both commend the game for offering extended gameplay through side quests, mini-games like the Earth Born arcade title, and secrets to uncover. Additionally, XGN acknowledges the New Game+ mode, which allows players to replay chapters in random order, though they note that unavoidable cutscenes might dampen its appeal. GAMINGbible and RPG Site also highlight the game’s creative diversions, such as optional exploration and a “game-within-a-game,” suggesting that these elements provide enough depth for multiple playthroughs. However, several critics point to limitations that could hinder replayability. Atomix criticizes the linear progression and absence of side quests, which they argue restricts long-term engagement, while Switch Player notes the lack of a New Game+ mode and the inability to revisit previously explored areas without external guidance. XGN and PC Games also express concerns about the game’s linear structure, with PC Games estimating only 20 hours of gameplay despite optional content. Player 2 specifically mentions the frustration of needing a second playthrough to collect everything, which they find disappointing, while SpazioGames argues that the inability to revisit cities or unlock additional modes may deter completionists. Meristation further criticizes the game for lacking challenging puzzles and epic battles, suggesting that its design prioritizes charm over depth in certain areas. Overall, the critics present a mixed but nuanced view of Eastward’s replay value. While many praise its creative mechanics, hidden content, and RPG-inspired elements—such as those highlighted by TheXboxHub, IGN, and RPG Site—the game’s linear structure and limited post-game options are seen as drawbacks by others like Atomix, PC Games, and SpazioGames. The consensus seems to lean toward a balanced assessment: Eastward offers enough engaging content for players who enjoy exploration and mini-games, but its lack of flexibility in replay mechanics may leave some wanting more. Critics like Switch Player and XGN acknowledge the game’s potential for multiple playthroughs, yet the absence of features like chapter select or New Game+ creates a divide between those who find it satisfying and those who feel it falls short of true replayability.