![]() The story itself has no compass for an outsider, as each new scenario presents something out of the box. ![]() Some early, emotional twinges - circling bullying, beliefs, and the strength of a paternal bond with their child - momentarily brings Eastward back to solid ground, only for it to grip you by the imagination and take off once again. The drastic change from upbeat, ego-satisfying victory themes - accompanied by your character’s air-punch - to sudden, sporadic notes bathed in mystery and melancholy is a delight to experience during gameplay. In union with Irish studio, Hyperduck Soundworks, Eastward’s score and sound design are the most surprising components involved. It’s funny that one of the game’s opening shots in the introductory cutscene immediately brings Death Stranding to mind, because Eastward’s composer, Joel Corelitz, also helmed the score for Hideo Kojima’s title. It’s comforting to experience these familiar mechanics within a new setting that essentially has you trapped deep underground, and it's another component that adds to the game's nostalgic blanket. The cooking mechanic from Breath of the Wild - where recipes are followed to cook health-restoring meals - is also present in Eastward, along with a foot-tapping jingle while it’s cooking. Everything from the life hearts to the victory tune when opening chests is present, with the addition of bomb placement in dungeons, brain-teasing puzzles, and collecting heart orbs in order to gain another life heart space. Speaking of a silent lead, Eastward’s mechanics - and occasionally its sound design - is clearly inspired by The Legend of Zelda. The drastic change from upbeat, ego-satisfying victory themes - accompanied by your character’s air punch - to sudden, sporadic notes bathed in mystery and melancholy is a delight to experience during gameplay. Their relationship is synergic, as these interchangeable characters can be switched to better suit your needs during combat and puzzle-solving. ![]() Despite being a silent protagonist, John’s care towards Sam is showcased through his actions, or in our case, objectives. The main characters John and Sam - a silent, hard-working digger and his white-haired, adopted child - ignites Eastward’s small-scale story, before it gradually expands with fantastical elements and uncapped imagination. Despite most of the population accepting the Mayor’s word - and deeming any talk of a habitable world above absurd, one girl is adamant that there is beauty on the surface. Generations who grew up underground have accepted that there is nothing above for them, cemented by the overbearing Mayor. Set in the near future, the subterranean civilization dwelling in Potcrock Isle was established by people who fled the above world when a toxic threat invaded. The narrative at the core of Eastward is somewhat familiar - think Levi, Furlan, and Isabel from Attack on Titan: No Regrets during their days living underground and wondering what sights awaited them above. Life is Strange: True Colors Review: Deeply Moving Tale About Love, Loss and Lies.
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