Wow. Not sure what I was expecting here but my eyes are in heaven right now. From a technical standpoint alone this game has some problems. The graphics are not the best and there are many times where there is screen tearing and random dropouts. Some of the characters do not even load properly. Though these are pretty annoying things they in no way are a match for the type of game Eastshade aspires to be and is successfully able to establish in almost all meaningful cases.
This game is something special for being under 3 gb of space. The art assets are used with magnificent efficiency in setting a unique color and tone in building a beautiful world. It is incredibly artistic in theme and execution.
The world and terrain design are impeccable, with great dynamic contrast displayed between a wide assortment of colorful flora and fauna. The lighting systems are wicked good. While I’m speaking of ‘light’, there is a lighthearted intimacy in this game that I haven’t believed possible until now. In the music, the sound, the story, the characters... Flowers will pop out at you, dialogue will make you chuckle, the sea will glisten with the amber glow of the afternoon sun, waterfalls and fountains babble pleasantly in the background, sailboats in the distance seem to smile at you, a strange cat-creature meditating on a raft of balloon flowers amidst reefs and the flowing waters of a nearby river talking in a slow cockney drawl will not only surprise but enchant you. Not enough games take such an artistic approach to framing scenery but it makes so much sense here as you will be painting these landscapes to progress in the game.
This game is gentle in every facet. In the age of dark souls such a game may initially seem out of place. I would make the argument that this is the kind of game we need in the time we live in. There is so much turbulence in our social and political order that we need games not only for playing, but for healing. If video games have a potential as therapy for our soul, then I can think of no example that better illustrates this fact than Eastshade.
The characters in this game are charming. The dialogue is light hearted and amusing. The writing is typically well done and funny. The voice acting is phenomenal. This is a game worthy of getting lost in. This is a game to chill to and to find peace in. This is a game we didn’t know we needed. The music and environmental sound effects, accentuated by flowing melodies and dynamic environmental water effects, sooth the savage, tired soul and provide fantastic immersion to accompany outstanding visuals.
Also. This game needs vr support. It’s design would make it a perfect addition to the psvr library.
Do yourself a favor. Get lost in this game.
It’s freaking sexy.