Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden – Review
Don’t Nod’s latest offering, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, isn’t just another action RPG. It’s a haunting tapestry woven with compelling characters, a deeply atmospheric setting, and a narrative that resonates with themes of grief, loss, and redemption. While its technical aspects might need some polishing, the game’s strengths shine through, offering a unique and engaging experience for players seeking a story-driven adventure.
Step into the shoes of three individuals bound by their supernatural abilities and a shared purpose: banishing the vengeful spirits that roam the post-apocalyptic world of New Eden. Each character, from the stoic Red to the enigmatic Taylor, brings their own unique personality and combat style to the table, ensuring variety and replayability. As you unravel the mysteries behind each restless soul, their stories intertwine with the larger narrative, creating a tapestry of emotional depth that lingers long after the credits roll.
New Eden itself is a character in its own right. Lush vegetation reclaims decaying structures, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for your journey. The atmosphere is thick with tension, the whispers of the past echoing through every crumbling building and overgrown path. Don’t Nod’s signature visual style shines here, capturing the unsettling beauty of a world haunted by its own history.
The heart of Banishers lies in its narrative. Each encounter with a spirit is a mini-story, revealing the pain and anger that fuels their torment. Your choices, both big and small, have consequences, shaping the relationships between your characters and ultimately influencing the game’s ending. This level of player agency adds weight to your actions, making you feel truly invested in the fate of both the spirits and the living.
Combat in Banishers is satisfying and varied, with each character offering a distinct approach. Red’s brutal melee attacks contrast with Taylor’s ranged spectral abilities, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. While the enemy variety might feel limited at times, the unique challenges posed by each spirit encounter ensure the combat remains interesting.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that Banishers isn’t without flaws. Some players might encounter technical issues like occasional frame drops or bugs. The world, while beautifully designed, can feel somewhat restrictive, with limited exploration opportunities compared to some open-world RPGs. Additionally, the crafting system could benefit from more depth and complexity.
Despite these minor stumbles, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden offers a unique and engaging experience that will stay with you long after the final battle. If you’re looking for a story-driven adventure with intriguing characters, a hauntingly beautiful setting, and meaningful choices, don’t hesitate to step into the world of New Eden. You might just find yourself captivated by the spirits’ whispers and the weight of your own decisions.
Strengths:
- Compelling Story: The narrative is well-written and emotionally engaging, exploring themes of grief, loss, and redemption. Each banished ghost has a unique story, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative.
- Diverse Characters: Players control three distinct characters, each with unique personalities, combat styles, and supernatural abilities. This variety keeps gameplay fresh and allows for different approaches to combat and exploration.
- Intriguing Setting: The world of New Eden is atmospheric and unsettling, with a blend of decaying beauty and haunting environments. The game’s visual style effectively captures the post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
- Choice-Driven Consequences: Players’ decisions can influence the narrative and character relationships, leading to multiple endings and replay value.
- Satisfying Combat: The combat system offers a mix of melee and ranged attacks, with each character having unique abilities and upgrade paths. While not overly complex, it’s engaging and provides satisfying feedback.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Enemy Variety: The enemy types can become repetitive, especially later in the game. This can make combat feel less challenging and engaging over time.
- Technical Issues: Some players have reported technical issues like frame drops and occasional bugs, which can hinder immersion.
Overall:
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a compelling narrative experience with unique characters, an intriguing setting, and satisfying action gameplay. However, its limited enemy variety, technical issues, and relatively linear exploration might not appeal to everyone. If you enjoy character-driven stories, atmospheric settings, and engaging action RPGs with meaningful choices, Banishers is worth checking out. However, if you prefer expansive exploration, complex crafting, or intense combat challenges, you might find it lacking in some areas.
