Leaving Lyndow Review

Leaving Lyndow, the prequal to the game Eastshade, is a short adventure game about Clara, who just graduated from the Guild of Maritime Exploration, and is set to be part of a research expedition. The game entrails her last day in Lyndow before her travels as she bids her friends and family farewell. Throughout the game Claire learns what the other inhabitants thinks about her upcoming adventure, both the good and the bad. The expedition is a dangerous one, so naturally there are concerns.

It is a very short game, and you do not get to string along on the expedition itself. The game serves as an introduction into the world of Eastshade, and in the following game you get to explore a whole lot more of the island. Regardless, after saying her goodbyes Claire leaves on-ship for her big adventure.

As the game is but a short prelude to the main game you will get to see everything in a couple of hours of gametime. What you do get to see, is a beautifully crafted world. Going outside, nature looks great, and taking a look at the town from a distance is a pretty image in of itself. The gameplay is a little slow, it is after all a walking sim. But the story is short and sweet, and sets the tone for the sequel.

The game has no in-game music and is reliant on ambience alone. This goes well with the nice scenery you are exploring and works very well depicting a mood for the game.

If you ever thought of playing Eastshade you should definatly give Leaving Lyndow a go beforehand. You will recognize some of the places when picking up the sequel, and have a better understanding of the lore around the game.