Sometimes you have to keep moving on. Even in the tough times. Even in the face of loss. And even when things are at their best. But that doesn't mean the journey wasn't worth it. That doesn't mean we can't enjoy what we've done, where we've been, and who we've met. And it also doesn't mean it won't hurt like hell.
I bought Eastward on sale, having no real idea what to expect, but knowing that it seemed interesting. It may seem like a "dad simulator," what with starring as gruff, perpetually silent John alongside his surrogate daughter and endless ball of joy and energy Sam, but it's so much more than that. If anything, while we hear a lot about indie RPGs being "Earthbound likes," I think this is the first one to really capture the essence and spirit of Mother 3. The air to the dialogue, the fantastical locations, and the groundedness and heavy turn things can take really remind me of that game in the best ways. Even if you primarily play as John, Sam is the real lead here, as the story centers on her not just because of her mysterious origins and connections to a red-tinted spectral version of herself that talks quite villainously, but because of how infectious her energy and brightness is and how fun she is with every character, even her silent father figure John.
The game's combat is solid, though I do admittedly have my problems with it: sometimes there aren't enough i frames and you can just get combo'd into oblivion and hearts barely drop out in the world, leaving you to contend with a rough backpack size when it comes to storing items to heal you. One weapon you get you get startlingly late, but considering how strong it is, I can let it slide.
The cast of characters and the story itself is truly where it shines. Though it gets a bit exposition-y to explain some big things at the end, the way the story is handled is incredibly excellent, with some absolutely incredible shots to let the visual aspect do the talking over text. I didn't expect this game about a silly looking girl with big eyebrows and big red boots to have such a heartwarming and heartbreaking cast of characters. I won't go much more into it because of spoilers, but this features some really wonderful relationships between characters.
The locations are absolutely beautiful and varied, and it was a treat going to each new location and expanding upon the world from how we first see it in Potcrock Isle.
This game is, honestly, just a wonderful experience. Even my small complaints aren't enough to detract from my enjoyment playing the game. Great puzzles, great writing, great art, this is really an all-timer, and I 1000% recommend playing it the first chance you get. Sam is a character for the ages, and I'm so happy (and, well, heartbroken) to see her journey through.
I bought Eastward on sale, having no real idea what to expect, but knowing that it seemed interesting. It may seem like a "dad simulator," what with starring as gruff, perpetually silent John alongside his surrogate daughter and endless ball of joy and energy Sam, but it's so much more than that. If anything, while we hear a lot about indie RPGs being "Earthbound likes," I think this is the first one to really capture the essence and spirit of Mother 3. The air to the dialogue, the fantastical locations, and the groundedness and heavy turn things can take really remind me of that game in the best ways. Even if you primarily play as John, Sam is the real lead here, as the story centers on her not just because of her mysterious origins and connections to a red-tinted spectral version of herself that talks quite villainously, but because of how infectious her energy and brightness is and how fun she is with every character, even her silent father figure John.
The game's combat is solid, though I do admittedly have my problems with it: sometimes there aren't enough i frames and you can just get combo'd into oblivion and hearts barely drop out in the world, leaving you to contend with a rough backpack size when it comes to storing items to heal you. One weapon you get you get startlingly late, but considering how strong it is, I can let it slide.
The cast of characters and the story itself is truly where it shines. Though it gets a bit exposition-y to explain some big things at the end, the way the story is handled is incredibly excellent, with some absolutely incredible shots to let the visual aspect do the talking over text. I didn't expect this game about a silly looking girl with big eyebrows and big red boots to have such a heartwarming and heartbreaking cast of characters. I won't go much more into it because of spoilers, but this features some really wonderful relationships between characters.
The locations are absolutely beautiful and varied, and it was a treat going to each new location and expanding upon the world from how we first see it in Potcrock Isle.
This game is, honestly, just a wonderful experience. Even my small complaints aren't enough to detract from my enjoyment playing the game. Great puzzles, great writing, great art, this is really an all-timer, and I 1000% recommend playing it the first chance you get. Sam is a character for the ages, and I'm so happy (and, well, heartbroken) to see her journey through.