I have to admit, readers, Eastshade wasn’t high on my list of games to play for two reasons: Firstly, I don’t really play RPGs, and secondly, this game didn’t really pique my curiosity. It just didn’t seem like my sort of game to play. However, the better half was considering getting the game on her Steam account, and well, currently it’s on Microsoft’s Game Pass for Xbox. So, armed with a bottle of Irn Bru and a few hours, I decided to sink my head into the game.
The good points
The first thing you’ll notice about this game is that despite the obvious graphical comparisons you can make to Skyrim, this is a (mostly) non-violent first-person adventure at your fingertips. The reason I’ve said “mostly” is because one NPC can punch you at one point.
That was the biggest surprise about this game: Put down your battleaxes and swords gamers, this one’s all about artwork. Instead of unleashing your inner Oberyn Martell, you’re unleashing your inner David Hockney. The aim of this game is to paint as many paintings as possible, and honestly, it’s a refreshing change of pace.
In this game, you play a shipwrecked artist, who recovers in a small seaside town called Lyndor, and then take part in myriad side quests, as you head towards the capital city of Eastshade to sell any paintings you make along the way. In many ways, if Skyrim is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, then Eastshade is either Arthur The Aardvark or Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood. I know I’m showing my age a bit there, but the point stands: Here we have a beautiful first-person RPG with fun for all the family with no violence! It’s really quite refreshing from this standpoint.
Niggles
However, there are a couple of niggles that I have with this game. Considering it’s basically Animal Crossing-meets-Skyrim in visuals, the NPCs can look really disturbing at points. I get that Eastshade Studios were definitely going for an Arthur The Aardvark sentiment, but seeing a bipedal humanoid with a monkey’s head talking to you can be off-putting. I might be missing the point there, but that’s my take. Am I wrong for thinking that? I know I didn’t get the same vibes from Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The other niggle is that you can’t talk to every NPC. If I’m playing Fallout New Vegas or Oblivion, one of the things I do is just that. Talk to everyone, complete the side-quests, and get everything completed. Spending hours on side-quests away from the main story to get bonuses is fine for me. Unfortunately, there are scant few in this game. I am however, aware that Eastshade Studios view this game as a work in progress. I’m looking forwards to more being added in updates and patches.
Overall
This game is a breath of fresh air to play, for all those sick of Dark Souls or Bethesda being the only high-graphic RPG options available. The graphics are sharp (if not a little too sharp at times) and the set-up is masterfully executed. This game definitely is one I’d recommend playing for a palate cleanser. It’s a lovely game to play, but one for the Game Pass.
That’s my review folks! Is it going to get a playthrough from you? Am I painting and barking up the wrong tree? Let me know here, and thanks for reading through! If you have a suggestion, please let me know in the comments.
Have a safe and blessed Hogmanay, and please, keep yourself safe during these times. I value your readership, and am keen on hearing from you.
For the Gamerhub, I’ve been Davey.
