If recent trends have told us one thing, it’s that we cannot get enough on Asian-inspired action games. Akin to games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Neo, Developer Wildfire Game and publisher bilibili offer us another masterfully orchestrated action game known as Eastern Exorcist.
Story
Eastern Exorcist takes place in a fantasy world filled with a plethora of Asian-inspired demons and vengeful spirits. You follow the story of Lu Yunchuan, a warrior exorcist charged with cleansing Mount Qi of King Mandrill; the most dangerous of them all. After a shocking twist of events early within the tutorial, Lu Yunchuan finds himself alone, dishonored, and fighting for both his countrymen, and his own redemption. Throughout the story Lu Yunchuan will face constant choices that he must make and experience a beautiful array of tales and side quests all while gracefully dispelling the evil that haunts the lands.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Eastern Exorcist is a 2D Side-scroller that requires grace, timing, and focus in order to carve a path through the spirits that torment the province. Primarily using the keyboard, Eastern Exorcist’s simple tutorial guides you through learning everything Lu Yunchuan is capable of. He will need to manage his Health, Stamina, and focus in order to survive. Time your strikes and unleash devastating combos that shatter a foe’s defenses. Effortlessly dash to dodge their attacks and parry the mightiest of blows to return the favor with your own merciless counters. As Lu Yunchuan dispels enemies, he will collect Power, which can be used to increase his own abilities and unlock an arsenal of powerful abilities to unleash upon his foes. Eastern Exorcist is an easy to learn action game that is difficult to master, the reward for hard work and dedication is a fantastic display of grace and power.
Aesthetics & Sound
Eastern Exorcist’s artwork looks to be straight out of a Webtoon Motion Comic. It offers sharp, focused colors that lends itself to the setting and the atmosphere. Lu Yunchuan’s strikes are quick and controlled. His enemies can be read, studied, and their attacks can be predicted. The 2D landscapes and backgrounds are varied; each with their own charm and soundtrack that keeps you immersed in this heavily eerie place in which evil has taken root. While most of the game’s dialogue is silent, Eastern Exorcist does give some voice acting lines during the main story, which further immerses you into Lu Yunchuan’s world..
Summary
Wildfire Game has created a beautifully crafted piece of art that is difficult not to appreciate. The story is familiar, but engaging and easy to follow. The controls are simple, yet will challenge even the most experienced of gamers. The art and sound is relaxing, yet foreboding enough to always keep you on edge. Eastern Exorcist is a joy to play, and a welcomed addition to this year’s collection.
Check Out the Eastern Exorcist Steam Early Access Trailer:
Eastern Exorcist is available for PC via Steam Early Access with a PlayStation 4 release following on later down the line.
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As the (self-proclaimed) King of Casuals, I'm always seeking out new titles to play and experience across all platforms. Eventually, I have ambitions to take the many different styles of this medium to create titles that will wow the masses in fresh, innovative ways.
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