We’re Halloween fanatics at GamingShogun.com, and when the season ends, we fall into a holiday funk that lasts the other ten and a half months of the year. One way we cope is by playing some deliciously creepy games. So, when Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden came along, I jumped at the chance to review it. The hardest challenge was pausing long enough to eat, sleep, and write – not necessarily in that order!
This is a game where the story matters, but the developers wanted to cater to a wide range of players. You can play on Story, Easy, Normal, Hard, or Extra Hard modes. It’s great that there’s a strong focus on the narrative, as that’s less common in this genre, whereas Extra Hard is definitely for those who like a serious challenge. The stories are well-crafted, offering a unique spin on haunted settings. We’re in an alternate 17th century in the Americas, and things are definitely not what they seem. After receiving a disturbing note from a dear friend, two Banishers – people who can banish spirits from our realm – set out to help him and his entire community. When they arrive, the Banishers discover their friend missing, spirits on the attack, and a terrifying new enemy lurking in the shadows. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say the story is engaging and kept me playing well into the night. There are some moments that will tug at your heartstrings!
The graphics are gorgeous and impressively detailed. For example, there’s a scene where two characters are talking, and it starts to rain. You can see the raindrops hitting and soaking into the fabric on one character’s shoulders – and that’s just background detail! The lighting is fantastic and adds to the realism of the visuals. Sound effects, music, and voice acting are all top-notch, enhancing the immersive experience.
Of course, beautiful environments wouldn’t mean much if the gameplay wasn’t good. Luckily, the combat is satisfying. Exploring and basic combat reminded me of classic third-person action games, which is a good thing here. It’s a familiar formula, made more exciting by the dark setting and spooky enemies. Be warned: some of the dialogue choices are timed, so don’t use them for bathroom breaks! When you’re not battling or in cutscenes, there’s gear to find, skills to unlock, and magical abilities to help with the challenges ahead.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (BGONE) is a fun and dark journey filled with mystery, terrifying spirits, and third-person combat. I’m hoping for more entries in the Banishers universe with the same quality of visuals, storytelling, and gameplay. Until then, it’s time for another playthrough!
