Eastshade

If there ever was an easy-to-remember game-studio-developer combination it would be Eastshade. Eastshade is an open-world exploration game, developed by Eastshade Studios, and published by Eastshade Studios as well. Released in February 2019 for Playstation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Linux, and macOS, the game received overall positive reviews from fans and critics alike.

A Portrait You Haven’t Seen

Eastshade is most likely a game you have never experienced before. It is technically classified as an indie game, but anyone who has loaded up the game once knows, this is a work of art. In fact graphics, and level design are crafted with such intricacy that you would bet a major studio was behind it. Yet, a relatively small studio delivered what can only be described as a work of art. The heart, passion, and attention to detail devoted to this game are something felt through every inch of available exploration.

Conceptually Eastshade is a one-of-a-kind game that revolves around painting. The way the game integrated its screenshotting, and shot composition into brand-new mechanics is truly a breath of fresh air. Truthfully, this is a must-play title simply for its ambition, uniqueness, and heartfelt development. Even if the game falters at times through performance, bugs, or simply mechanics that either feel dated or just don’t work properly, Eastshade is worth your time. After all the visually stunning title, is a short game for the exploration genre clocking in at around ten hours of gameplay.

Your Own Masterpiece

The premise of Eastshade is a beautiful story of a traveling painter that sets out to explore the world, and capture its beauty in honor of your mother. As a young artist you find yourself at the shores of Lyndow port, after a shipwreck. Soon enough you will find yourself exploring this world and filling your to-do list, and number of quests quickly. In your gameplay you are tasked with gathering, finding food, crafting and developing different types of materials that can either be used by you or delivered to characters for quest completion.

As an artist of course you need to pay attention to your resources to be able to acquire currencies to facilitate your journey in Lyndow. The game comes alive by exploring this peaceful world, filled with interesting characters, and discoverable conversation and friends. Interacting with NPCs is a big part of actually uncovering the game's many quests, secrets and unique places. There’s a lot to praise in Eastshade, especially for its scope and what it set out to accomplish.

Conclusion

Eastshade is a game for anyone, and everyone, even if it resonates more with people who love being outdoors and artists. The characters are remarkable and unique, and voice over and dialogues are well-written. This is a very casual, immersive and relaxing experience that is recommended for anyone. A dash of puzzle solving and vast exploration provide challenge and direction, but nothing overwhelming. Eastshade is a work of art.

PROS:

• Visually Stunning
• Attention to Details
• Unique Mechanics
• Heartfelt Story
• Casual and Relaxing Game

CONS:

• Mechanics Might Glitch
• Save/Load Feature Had Its Issues
• Short Campaign