Eastward follows John, a hardworking miner, and Sam, a mysterious young girl, as they leave the underground society of Potcrock Isle for the world above. In a near-future where a toxic miasma has ravaged the land and survivors have gathered in underground villages, their journey unfolds through unusual settlements and a cast of eccentric characters. The result is a story-led adventure that pairs a bleak setting with warm humor and a curious, colorful world.
Exploration and combat both make use of the duo’s contrasting abilities. Players can switch between John and Sam to solve environmental puzzles and tackle dungeons, or separate them to reach hidden paths. John fights with tools such as a flamethrower, cog-shooter, and frying pan, while Sam can temporarily stun enemies with a kinetic blast. The cross-country railway links stops across the decaying continent, and cooking dishes from ingredients found along the way grants health bonuses, power boosts, and other boons.
Its appeal rests on the pairing of character-switching puzzles, varied combat, rail travel, and a heartwarming story with offbeat humor, all set against a world in decline. The soundtrack and detailed environments add further texture to that journey.
