Eastward (v1.2.1 & ALL DLC)

A dying world hides beneath charming pixel art, sharp comedy, and an undercurrent of genuine melancholy. Eastward follows John, a silent, practical miner, and Sam, an unusually powerful young girl, as they leave the oppressive underground settlement of Potcrock Isle in search of life on the surface. Their route crosses a post-apocalyptic continent where toxic miasma has emptied cities and reshaped society, yet every station still seems to contain oddball locals, small pleasures, and fresh mysteries. The result feels like a story-driven action adventure with the warmth of classic 16-bit RPGs, but with a stranger, more cinematic personality.

Travel largely unfolds along a railway line linking distinct towns, forests, camps, malls, and dungeon-like ruins. John handles most combat with a growing collection of improvised weapons, including bombs, a flamethrower, a ranged cog launcher, and the ever-reliable frying pan, while Sam can stun enemies with her kinetic powers. Many areas ask players to swap between the pair, split them across separate paths, activate switches, and work through environmental puzzles before facing monster-packed rooms or sizeable bosses. Ingredients scavenged from the world can also be turned into meals, providing healing and useful temporary buffs that make cooking more than a decorative side activity.

Pixpil’s greatest strength is its remarkably dense world: screens overflow with animated details, expressive character portraits, and visual storytelling that rewards slowing down to inspect each new stop. Eastward balances its bleak setting with playful dialogue, surreal encounters, and a cast that ranges from lovable to deeply suspicious, though its pacing sometimes favors long story sequences over constant action. Combat is accessible rather than brutally demanding, making it a strong choice for newcomers to action adventures, while hidden routes, recipes, optional conversations, and its elaborate setting give curious players plenty to chase. Anyone who enjoys the exploration and puzzle rhythm of The Legend of Zelda alongside the character-driven charm of EarthBound should find a lot to love here.