Eastward
A post-apocalyptic action RPG with dual protagonists and a retro game within.
Eastward is an action-adventure role-playing game released in 2021. It was created by the developer Pixpil and published by Chucklefish. The game initially launched for Nintendo Switch, macOS, and Windows, with an Xbox One version following in 2022.
In terms of gameplay, Eastward combines combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. Players control two characters with distinct abilities. John, the main protagonist, uses weapons and bombs for offense and can move heavy objects. Sam, the second protagonist, provides support by stunning enemies, clearing hazardous areas with an energy ball, and fitting into small spaces. While the two often work together, certain sections require players to use each character separately to advance, such as clearing a path to an exit.
The game is structured into chapters, each containing various objectives and map areas to explore. Fast travel is available at certain points. Outside combat, players can interact with non-player characters, save progress at specialized fridges, and combine ingredients to cook food that restores health and grants temporary bonuses, like increased damage.
A notable feature is a separate game within Eastward called "Earth Born," a homage to the Dragon Quest series. It plays like a traditional role-playing game with rogue-like elements and serves as a fantasy abstraction of the main story. Earth Born has no impact on the main game but can be played up to chapter 7; after completing the main story, it becomes accessible as an extra. During the main game, players can collect tokens to unlock "pixballs" for Earth Born, which also unlock additional features.
The story is set in a near-future world where humanity was nearly destroyed by a toxic plague called MIASMA. Survivors moved underground to rebuild civilization. Over time, nature reclaimed former cities, and new creatures evolved. Some humans eventually returned to the surface, establishing new settlements, reusing old technology, and sometimes worshipping ancient gods. The game follows a miner named John and a young girl named Sam, whom he discovered during his work.
John lives underground in Potcrock Isle and adopts Sam after finding her. After Sam is expelled from school for wanting to see the outside world, she encounters a being called "Mother," who encourages her to leave.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Eastward
- Developer
- Pixpil
- Publisher
- Chucklefish
- Composer
- Joel Corelitz
- Released
- Switch, macOS, Windows · September 16, 2021 · Xbox One · December 1, 2022
- Genre
- Action-adventure, role-playing
- Modes
- Single-player
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch · macOS · Windows · Xbox One
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Eastward is set in a near-future world where humanity was nearly wiped out by a toxic plague called MIASMA. Survivors moved underground, but some eventually returned to the surface. The story follows John, a miner, and Sam, a young girl he found and adopted. After being banished from their underground home, they travel on a train called Charon, encountering settlements, a high-tech factory, and a city trapped in a time loop. The plot involves Mother, a mysterious entity, and a conflict over humanity's survival.
Gameplay focuses on action RPG mechanics with combat, puzzle solving, and exploration. John uses offensive skills like weapons and bombs, while Sam provides support such as stunning enemies and clearing hazards. Players must sometimes use each character separately to progress. The game is divided into chapters with map areas to explore, fast travel, NPC interactions, save points at fridges, and a cooking system for health and buffs.
A second game, 'Earth Born,' is a Dragon Quest homage with rogue-like elements, playable during the main story until chapter 7 and accessible as an extra after completion. Tokens earned in the main game unlock 'pixballs' for Earth Born, which can unlock additional features.
Reader's Guide
Eastward represents a notable indie RPG release of the early 2020s, developed by the Shanghai-based studio Pixpil as its debut game. Development began in 2015 by three founders, inspired by sketches of a monster dormitory resembling Kowloon Walled City. The team grew to around 12 full-time employees. The game uses a custom engine called Gii with open source software MOAI for 3D effects, aiming to utilize modern hardware processing power. The title 'Eastward' was coined as a key concept, reflecting the characters' journey eastward. The game's inclusion of 'Earth Born' as a retro-style RPG within the main game adds a layer of meta-commentary on classic role-playing games. Its release on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch and Xbox One, broadened its audience. The story's themes of survival, artificial creation, and sacrifice, along with its dual-character mechanics, contribute to its identity as a narrative-driven action RPG from a small but dedicated development team.
Did You Know?
- Eastward was developed by Shanghai-based Pixpil as its debut game.
- The game includes a second game within it called 'Earth Born,' a homage to the Dragon Quest series.
- Development began in 2015 with three founders and grew to around 12 full-time employees.
- The game's title was coined by the founder as a key concept, as the characters are trying to go east.
More in Role-Playing Games of the 2020s, Part 1 1-24
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