'Eastward: Octopia' Impressions
Launched earlier this week is Eastward: Octopia, a paid DLC for the pixel art RPG Eastward which launched in 2021. This charming indie title stands out with its retro-styled, yet detailed environment and original universe. Since its launch, the game has received some much-needed updates such as the option to fast travel and chapter selection that makes it worth (re)visiting. But if you’d prefer exploring the world of Eastward without the stress of combat and the looming miasma threat, then this DLC might be for you.
Eastward: Octopia is a farming simulator set in a parallel world to the main game where there is no threat of the miasma or monsters. We are reunited with John and Sam, who have become the new owners of a farm close to the abandoned town of Octopia and need to tend to their land. As they begin their new life in the countryside, the duo encounter familiar characters from the base game as well as some new quirky ones who also set camp in Octopia. And so, what was initially a deserted town slowly expands with new inhabitants and new commercial activities.
As a cosy and relaxed DLC, Eastward: Octopia swaps combat for farming and management mechanics. You’ll clean up areas, plough the land, sow seeds, water your crops and tend to livestock as you develop your farm. In tandem, you will help the town evolve by constructing and upgrading stores and homes, assisting the new inhabitants, and engaging in trade.
However, your farming and resource-collection activities require energy and you’ll have to keep an eye on your energy gauge. It can be refilled by a good night’s sleep as well as by consuming meals. Octopia brings back cooking to Eastward but through a simplified mechanic. But you’ll still have to gather ingredients and come up with recipes.
Cooking meals is where you’ll make use of what you farm while other ingredients can be found by fishing as well as by foraging in the surrounding areas. Some NPCs will also send you on quests to make specific dishes and while some of these ingredients can be bought in William’s newly-opened store, you’ll need to find others on your own. At first, your resources will be scarce and you’ll have to devise a good strategy to maintain your farm, keep up your energy levels and complete quests. But as you progress, unlock new areas and upgrade your farming kit, the process gets easier and it’s satisfying to experience the farm and town evolve from being abandoned to bustling with activity.
Eastward: Octopia’s main content can take up to 20 hours to complete as it does have an overarching story but one that is more laid back and relaxed in nature, compared to the main game. It’s a good reason to revisit the gorgeous universe of Eastward if you’ve been wanting to do so. This DLC brings back the game’s iconic detailed pixel art environment, original characters and catchy soundtrack but in a more chilled and relaxed atmosphere that is new, yet familiar to returning players of Eastward. That said, it is also welcoming to newcomers to the game as it occurs completely separate from the main game, is accessible from the main menu (and doesn’t need any progression from the main game) and has its own story.
At $5.99/£4.99 /€5.89 on Steam and Nintendo Switch, Eastward: Octopia does give quite some bang for your buck; but you’ll need a copy of the base game to access it. So be sure to check out our official review of the base game to learn more about what it has to offer!
Eastward Official GBAtemp Review
