The action-RPG soulslike metroidvania 斩妖行 Eastern Exorcist is currently free, on Windows, 100% free to keep, for a limited-time Epic Store’s giveaway offer! Don’t miss it, as Eastern Exorcist normally costs US$17.99.
斩妖行 Eastern Exorcist is a side-scrolling action-RPG with metroidvania and soulslike elements, set in a fictional version of China infested with various types of demons and other malevolent creatures that must be banished. It was developed by Wildfire Game and initially released on August 14, 2020.
The game takes place during a fictional Ming Dynasty and features two separate campaigns depending on the chosen character: either one of the Eastern Exorcists, part of an order of magical knights who hunt infernal beings, or a half-demon on a quest to find a cure for her poisoned brother.
Published by BiliBili and available on Windows, Windows Apps, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and Switch, Eastern Exorcist received average reviews from critics. At the time of this writing, on Steam, it has thousands of very positive reviews, while on the Epic Games Store it holds a 4/5 rating.
You can get the game here!
Trailer
Gameplay
The world of Eastern Exorcist is plagued by infernal creatures hunted by demon slayers trained by the Cangshan Sect. Tasked with purging the land of evil, these knights are sworn to fight relentlessly until peace is restored between humans and supernatural beings. The setting features hand-drawn art, parallax layers, and striking particle and lighting effects, especially noticeable during combat. To develop the narrative, the game includes cutscenes in a “motion comic” style influenced by Chinese opera, alongside idle and character animations that enhance immersion.
The game combines fast-paced combat with strategic exploration and risk-reward mechanics. At the start of a playthrough, players choose between two playable characters: the exorcist Lu Yun-chuan or a half-human, half-hulijing character like Xiahou-xue, offering distinct campaigns with complementary narratives.
In the Exorcist campaign, Lu Yun-chuan, a young swordsman in training with the Cangshan Sect, embarks on a mission that quickly evolves into a journey of revenge and unexpected revelations. In the Half-Demon campaign, the player controls Xiahou-xue, whose mission is to save her brother Xiahou-qing, transformed into a spirit after being poisoned by a powerful demon, balancing combat and exploration to restore his body before his soul dissipates.
Combat is fast and demands attention: attacks must be timed to take advantage of the risk-reward system, allowing players to unleash powerful strikes when they block or dodge at the right moment. Dodging is essential, while the defense button is almost optional. The stamina bar limits movements such as dodging and jumping, and strong enemies, including bosses, have evolving patterns that grow more complex as the fight progresses.
Additionally, the game features combos, finishing moves, and a skill tree with seven options, four of which can be equipped simultaneously, each upgradeable individually. Players can also use healing potions to recover HP, collect orbs for enhancements, and activate Dark Souls-style checkpoints to restore health and used abilities.
The exorcism system is unique: each defeated enemy can be “exorcised” by pressing a specific button, preventing it from regenerating and returning stronger. The game combines fights against groups of smaller monsters with epic boss battles, requiring reflexes, observation, and strategy. Platforming elements are occasional and simple, with Eastern Exorcist indeed keeping its focus on combat and narrative progression.
About the game
Play as a skilled exorcist to fight against the chaos of evil!
Eastern Exorcist is a stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fictitious eastern world with the infestation of vicious demon monsters. Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience unforeseen entanglements of complex beings and different stories of joy and sorrow.
Art Direction
All hand-drawn Chinese ink painting style, with many atmospheric scenes.
Combat system
Use your sword to execute demons and monsters with tactical combat mechanics in hand-drawn frame-by-frame action design.
Storyline
Experience a complicated journey with joy and sorrow as an exorcist.
Cutscenes
Cutscenes are shown in the form of Chinese Opera.
Accolades
- Winner: Excellence in Visual Arts – Indie Play 2019
- Nominee: Best Games Grand Prize – Indie Play 2019
- Nominee: Best Game Design – Indie Prize America 2019
- Nominee: Best Game Art – Indie Prize America 2019
Screenshots
More info and RPG
Details
- Get @ store.epicgames.com - Download link(s) or store's listing.
- Size: 8 GB
- License: Commercial
- Operational systems: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Developer(s) and/or publisher(s): Wildfire Game, Bilibili
- Categories: Action, RPG
- Views: 7
- Added by: Valewson