Eastward is a shining gem in modern-day pixel RPGs, with artwork, worldbuilding, characters, and a soundtrack that will keep you coming back for more. Despite being set in a distinctly more worn-out world than our own, this game feels nostalgic and immersive.
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If you enjoyed your time with Sam and John and feel like you still need more, take heart and enjoy the many other games out there that carry the same essence and feeling of Eastward in their own special way. Whether it’s the art style, story, or gameplay that you’re still yearning for, these titles should hit the spot.
10 Little Witch In The Woods
When you take on the role of the Little Witch In The Woods, you explore a world full of wonder that is both relaxing and entrancing at the same time. This game does bring you in for its charming world, foraging, and potion mechanics, but it really keeps your attention with its lovable characters and encyclopedia.
Despite still being in Early Access, the world already feels rich and full of side quests that make it feel more alive. It also doesn’t hurt that the soundtrack sets the cozy ambiance excellently.
9 Hyper Light Drifter
Hyper Light Drifter establishes a mesmerizing aesthetic and a world that is dripping with its ominous yet richly colored atmosphere. The visual appeal of this game is a testament to the great stylistic choices one can make with pixel graphics.
There’s a lot of mystery in the game as it urges you to slowly uncover the lore, but its striking level design and soundtrack do a good job of urging you to continue exploring. It shares enough similar elements to draw in players that enjoyed Eastward, but still establishes itself with distinctive gameplay and art choices.
8 Potion Permit
If you enjoyed Eastward’s cooking system, combat style, and cozy yet dilapidated environments, you’ll likely get a kick out of Potion Permit as well. Here, you are a chemist from the capital that helps Moonbury’s citizens by healing them. There’s a lot to explore if you like discovering everything, and you can enjoy a number of activities like fishing, diagnosing symptoms, brewing potions, and petting your adorable pet dog.
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Make no mistake - this isn’t a farm-heavy sim, despite what the premise may have you thinking. With the various gameplay elements present, this game is meant to be enjoyed slowly, like a cup of hot chocolate.
7 Moonlighter
Moonlighter does an awesome job of blending very different elements to create a wholly realized narrative that you feel compelled to see through to the end. By day, you tend to your shop and improve your skills as a merchant. By night, you travel through the dungeons in search of artifacts, besting creatures and other challenges.
Despite the comforting vibe throughout the game, it’s challenging enough to keep you on your toes. There’s something to be said about titles that literally encourage you to pick the harder difficulty level to experience it as intended. Hack, slash, loot, and make companions to aid your journey through this beautifully animated game.
6 Crossing Souls
If you love the era of big hair, neon, parachute pants, and TMNT, Crossing Souls is the love letter you’ll want to get into. Certain levels can be punishing, but it is rewarding to see the switch-up every now and then. At the heart of it, this game seems to have no overly lofty goals beyond giving you a fun experience - and with that, it delivers.
Twists and turns aside, the overall narrative is interesting, nostalgic, and actually heartfelt. Besides, who doesn’t love a great soundtrack and some solid ‘80s references?
5 Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger is a classic entry in the pixel RPG genre, with a story that both old fans and new players alike can enjoy. The story is a timeless treasure that, yes, has multiple endings that are tempting to peer into. Some of them are even exclusively attainable by starting a New Game Plus.
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Though certain mechanics can feel a little dated, the latest PC release is remastered so that the graphics and controls are easier to adapt to. It’s an epic tale that has a lot of depth, especially for its time.
4 Unsighted
Unsighted takes place in a future where humans have long gone, and dwindling resources threaten your sentience. The world feels fully realized, with various routes you can take depending on your playstyle. Time is ticking and your choices matter, so it’s a tense experience trying to complete your quests before things go awry.
Of course, the beautiful art and rewarding exploration perfectly balance out this tension as you try to not only survive but save your friends from grim fates. It also features a queer protagonist (and side characters) that actually feels like a fleshed-out character.
3 Owlboy
Owlboy varies from other titles here by being a platformer (for the most part), but it also features a bustling world that feels like it’s alive even when your character isn’t around. It’s touted as a story-driven adventure, and it definitely lives up to that as you go through the entire thing.
Although it does have certain flaws in its combat mechanics, the story and world are still worth going through the less stellar sections. For what it’s worth, Owlboy is also truly fantastic when it’s in its element - delivering humor, touching moments, and a gorgeous world that is fun to platform through.
2 CrossCode
CrossCode combines the best aspects of modern and retro gaming to create a title that is comprehensive, engaging, and hard to put down. It’s a spectacularly polished adventure that actually earns how massive it is. The story, world, and gameplay complement each other well, and tasks hardly ever feel like a chore to accomplish.
Whether you like fighting or solving puzzles, there’s something for you to enjoy in CrossCode. It’s impressive to see what indie developers are able to come out with these days, and this game is at the top of the mountain.
1 EarthBound
It’s hard not to see the influence of EarthBound when you play Eastward. The latter plays like a more mature version of the classic RPG, while still bringing the best parts of its sensibilities. The playable Earth Born in Eastward is even a pretty clear homage to this title.
Right now, you can only officially play EarthBound using the Nintendo Switch Online membership, unless you have the original game and console. It’s worth exploring to bask in the nostalgia and enjoy a game that keenly straddles the line between cheerful wonder and impending doom. It’s fascinating how good this game is despite its original marketing failing to bolster its initial success.
Next: Things Everyone Completely Missed In Eastward
