Epic Games store is giving away a mythological exorcism game called “Eastern Exorcist” this week. It is 2D side-scroller where you hunt down and eliminate demons infesting the world.
The Game Storyline
Eastern Exorcist follows Lu Yunchuan, a skilled swordsman and member of the Eastern Exorcists—an elite order trained to slay monstrous demons. The story kicks off with a gut-wrenching tragedy: Lu’s brothers are brutally murdered by dark forces, igniting his quest for revenge.
As he traverses haunted landscapes from misty mountains to cursed villages, Lu uncovers layers of lore that humanize his foes. Many demons aren’t just mindless beasts; they carry tragic backstories, like tormented souls trapped in eternal suffering. Slaying them feels less like victory and more like a merciful release, adding emotional depth to the bloodshed.
The narrative unfolds across multiple chapters, introducing a second protagonist, Xiahao Xue—a half-demon exorcist with her own burdens. She must rescue her brother from betrayal’s grip, weaving in themes of family, loyalty, and the blurred line between human and monster.
Cutscenes styled like traditional Chinese opera bring these moments to life, with dramatic poses and flowing robes that echo ancient theater. It’s not just a backdrop; the opera elements infuse the plot with poetic flair, making every twist feel like a scene from a mythic legend. Players will encounter a cast of memorable characters, from wise mentors to vengeful spirits, all drawn from Chinese mythology—think mandrills as demonic overlords and ethereal foxes as sly tricksters.
Gameplay
Gameplay in Eastern Exorcist is where the real thrill lies—a tight, responsive system that demands precision and patience. As a side-scroller, it echoes classics like Hollow Knight or Sekiro, but with a sword-swinging flair rooted in wuxia martial arts. Your basic moveset includes quick slashes, charged heavy attacks, dodges, blocks, and parries. Timing is everything: a well-timed parry stuns enemies, opening them up for devastating combos, while a mistimed block leaves you vulnerable to counterattacks.
What sets the combat apart are the Exorcism Arts—unlockable skills powered by Aura, the game’s experience points. Collect enough from fallen foes, and you can upgrade abilities like summoning shadow clones for multi-hits, firing celestial swords from afar, or unleashing tidal waves to sweep groups away.
These cater to different styles: go aggressive with fire-based barrages or play defensive with barriers that reflect projectiles. Boss fights ramp up the intensity, requiring you to learn patterns, exploit weaknesses, and sometimes dispel lingering spirits before they revive stronger. Fail too often, and you’ll feel the sting of a Souls-like death loop, but victory brings that sweet rush of mastery.
Exploration adds variety, though it’s not the star. You’ll platform across treacherous terrain—leaping chasms, scaling vine-covered cliffs, and navigating foggy ruins. Shrines serve as checkpoints for saving, fast travel, and tough optional challenges, like timed rematches against beefed-up bosses for rare rewards. It’s not overly complex, keeping the focus on combat, but those tricky jumps can frustrate if you’re not careful.
Visual and Auditory Masterpiece
The game’s art style is a love letter to Chinese ink painting—bold black strokes on parchment-like backgrounds create ethereal, atmospheric scenes. Demons burst with grotesque detail: hulking yaksha with jagged horns or serpentine dragons coiling through mist. Every frame feels alive, hand-drawn with care that makes the world pop. Cutscenes in Chinese opera form are a highlight, blending shadow puppet vibes with operatic flair for storytelling that’s both intimate and grand.
Sound design complements this beautifully. Combat clangs with satisfying thwacks of steel on flesh, while the soundtrack swells during bosses with haunting erhu strings and thunderous drums. Regular areas lean subdued, letting ambient whispers build tension, though some might wish for more consistent energy. Overall, it’s an immersive package that pulls you into a mythic realm where every slash echoes ancient legends.
Conclusion
Eastern Exorcist is more than a demon-slaying romp; it’s a cultural odyssey that marries heart-pounding action with poignant myths. Whether you’re dodging ethereal claws or unraveling a spirit’s sorrow, it leaves you pondering the cost of vengeance long after the credits roll. If you seek a 2D adventure that’s equal parts beautiful and brutal, grab your sword and step into this ink-stained world. At around 10-15 hours for a first playthrough, it’s a compact triumph worth every drop of virtual blood.
Claim the Giveaway
In order to claim the giveaway game, you can visit Epic Games store webpage https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/eastern-exorcist-d49923, login to your Epic Games account and then click on the Get button. You will have to use Epic Games Launcher in order to download and install it.