Eastern Exorcist is a premium role-playing game for PC by developer Wildfire Games. It is a side-scrolling action title that features a stylish art style and takes inspiration from Asian myth and folklore. In it, players are skilled exorcists that journey through the land to defeat evil spirits and demons.

Similar to Hollow Knight and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Eastern Exorcist offers fast-paced and challenging combat paired with slick visuals and animations. New players can try the demo version to get a preview of what it's all about and what they can expect from the gameplay.

Be gone, evil spirit

Eastern Exorcist takes place in a dark fantasy world that hosts all manner of spirits, creatures, and supernatural abominations. The story follows the unlikely pair of exorcists Lu Yunchuan and the half-demon Xiahao Xue. The former seeks vengeance and redemption for his fallen comrades, while the latter searches for a remedy to the poison that struck her brother. You'll bear witness to their stories and help them achieve their wishes.

The game’s combat is simple but requires mindfulness and strategy around your stamina bar. Every attack, dodge, or block consumes it, but you can replenish it by performing well-timed parries and counters. Level up to increase your base stats and unlock spells and abilities that augment your playstyle in various ways. They also come with passive bonuses that can be synergized for some interesting effects.

Enemies can be punishing to battle with and defeat. Basic foes are easy enough given their predictable attack patterns. Bosses have more complex moves, though, and when both types come at you, things can escalate very quickly. A few things that could use more tweaks and improvement in future updates are some game balance issues and the somewhat plain and uninspired level design—a shame given its striking visuals.

A hauntingly beautiful spectacle

If you're big on side-scrolling action games and are looking for something a little different to try out, check Eastern Exorcist. It offers fast-paced and challenging gameplay coupled with a robust combat system. Its Eastern setting and story are also quite intriguing and pull you into its world. Its difficulty can be punishing at times, but if you like a challenge, this will be a good test of your mettle.