Name: Earthbound it isn't.
Item: Eastward
Rating: 6
Author: Philip Tauschek

If you have played any classic JRPG in the SNES, visually, Eastward would ignite a feeling of nostalgia inside you. However, don't let its looks fool you. Despite it gorgeous visual appeal, this game stumbles a lot.

Lets begin!

Story! (mild spoilers)

You play as both Sam (a joyful little girl with a massive mane of white hair who has mysterious powers) and John (Sam's father figure who packs a mean strike with a frying pan and has cooking skills that can rival any Iron Chef out there). You are both exiled from your town underneath the earth and must venture upward to the surface and find a true home.

Interesting? Well, in the first few chapters the story will capture your attention. On your adventures, you'll come across a village with a literal whale breached over a mountain, a creepy "human factory", an evil all-consuming entity known as the MIASMA, and unravel the mysteries revolving Sam and her true self.

Now, this all sounds great and all. But boy does the story suffer from bad pacing. In one chapter you are on the edge unravelling the mystery revolving Sam and suddenly, you are stuck in a time loop inside a train full of monkeys who make films for Monkollywood. What?!

And the one thing that really ruined the story for me, is that unfulfilling ending. No spoilers, but man, do not get your hopes up for a great ending.

Next, Gameplay!  
  
Gameplay, is somewhat meh. Its just like any typical top down ARPG.

Jon is the bruiser who can melee with his frying pan, shoot with a gun or a buzzsaw, and plant bombs that are stationary, floating and remote.

Sam has little to no offense on her skills. She can shoot rays of light that can stun or disable enemies or obstacles and can heal herself and Jon if the situation becomes dicey.

There are some puzzles along the way which aren't really that challenging. I'd say the puzzles get a little tough when you reach the Tower of Time. You'll be dealing with timed puzzles up the wazoo!

Also, just like any other RPGs out there, you'll be dealing with bosses. And the bosses are pushovers. I'd say, the only boss that would probably give you a tough time would be the giant robot monkey-train (don't ask).

Next, Music!

If you try to bring up any of your favorite RPG, think of the main character (or any interesting characters in that game) and most likely what comes to your mind would be that specific characters theme. Sadly, Eastward does not have any unique themes or music for its characters.

I'd like to describe Eastwards soundtrack as "mood" themes. You'll be hearing a specific music depending on what situation John and Sam are currently in. Something joyful and comedic is happening, you'll hear some upbeat music with a bit of a cartoony theme. Something terrible is happening? You'll hear a suspenseful and tense music. And you'll notice this after chapter 5. It becomes repetitive and can truly sour the experience as you go further in the story.

Its sad that the developers never decided to give a theme for both John and Sam cause despite the story's awful pacing, I do happen to love these characters.

So, all in all. Do I recommend Eastward? For me. Its a no. Despite its wonderful sprite animations and character designs, the game suffers badly on its weak points.

If there ever will be a sequel, then perhaps it would be good to go through this game for the sake of having knowledge of the story and its characters. But a sequel is highly unlikely to happen.

If you have played any classic JRPG in the SNES, visually, Eastward would ignite a feeling of nostalgia inside you. However, don't let its looks fool you. Despite it gorgeous visual appeal, this game stumbles a lot. Lets begin! Story! (mild spoilers)You play as both Sam (a joyful little girl with a massive mane of white hair who has mysterious powers) and John (Sam's father figure who packs a mean strike with a frying pan and has cooking skills that can rival any Iron Chef out there). You are both exiled from your town underneath the earth and must venture upward to the surface and find a true home. Interesting? Well, in the first few chapters the story will capture your attention. On your adventures, you'll come across a village with a literal whale breached over a mountain, a creepy "human factory", an evil all-consuming entity known as the MIASMA, and unravel the mysteries revolving Sam and her true self.Now, this all sounds great and all. But boy does the story suffer from bad pacing. In one chapter you are on the edge unravelling the mystery revolving Sam and suddenly, you are stuck in a time loop inside a train full of monkeys who make films for Monkollywood. What?!And the one thing that really ruined the story for me, is that unfulfilling ending. No spoilers, but man, do not get your hopes up for a great ending.Next, Gameplay! Gameplay, is somewhat meh. Its just like any typical top down ARPG. Jon is the bruiser who can melee with his frying pan, shoot with a gun or a buzzsaw, and plant bombs that are stationary, floating and remote. Sam has little to no offense on her skills. She can shoot rays of light that can stun or disable enemies or obstacles and can heal herself and Jon if the situation becomes dicey.There are some puzzles along the way which aren't really that challenging. I'd say the puzzles get a little tough when you reach the Tower of Time. You'll be dealing with timed puzzles up the wazoo! Also, just like any other RPGs out there, you'll be dealing with bosses. And the bosses are pushovers. I'd say, the only boss that would probably give you a tough time would be the giant robot monkey-train (don't ask). Next, Music!If you try to bring up any of your favorite RPG, think of the main character (or any interesting characters in that game) and most likely what comes to your mind would be that specific characters theme. Sadly, Eastward does not have any unique themes or music for its characters. I'd like to describe Eastwards soundtrack as "mood" themes. You'll be hearing a specific music depending on what situation John and Sam are currently in. Something joyful and comedic is happening, you'll hear some upbeat music with a bit of a cartoony theme. Something terrible is happening? You'll hear a suspenseful and tense music. And you'll notice this after chapter 5. It becomes repetitive and can truly sour the experience as you go further in the story.Its sad that the developers never decided to give a theme for both John and Sam cause despite the story's awful pacing, I do happen to love these characters.So, all in all. Do I recommend Eastward? For me. Its a no. Despite its wonderful sprite animations and character designs, the game suffers badly on its weak points. If there ever will be a sequel, then perhaps it would be good to go through this game for the sake of having knowledge of the story and its characters. But a sequel is highly unlikely to happen.

Eastward

Earthbound it isn't.

Player Score

Philip Tauschek