In a bold departure from its episodic narrative adventures, Don’t Nod Entertainment has unleashed “Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden,” a game that merges third-person action RPG elements with a deep, narrative-driven experience. This latest title, marking the studio’s most ambitious project since the iconic “Life is Strange,” ventures into the supernatural realm, offering players a richly woven tale set in the haunted landscapes of New Eden.
A haunting tale of love and sacrifice
At the heart of “Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden” is the story of Red and Antea, a duo of ghost banishers in the year 1695, tasked with cleansing the cursed town of New Eden. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Antea is killed, only to return as a ghost with unfinished business. The game’s dual-character mechanics allow players to switch between Red and Antea during exploration and combat, enhancing the gameplay with unique perspectives and abilities.
The emotional depth of the game is further enriched by the relationship between Red and Antea, whose love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of a dark and haunting curse. This narrative choice adds a layer of poignancy to the game, making the journey through New Eden more about personal redemption than supernatural battles.
Gameplay mechanics and world exploration
“Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden” offers a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, set within a vast open world divided into three major regions. Each area presents its own set of challenges and haunting cases, reminiscent of the side quests found in “The Witcher 3.” Players gather clues, engage in battles with specters, and perform rituals to confront and resolve each haunting, affecting the game’s outcome and the fate of Antea.
The game introduces Metroidvania elements, allowing access to new areas as players acquire special abilities. This, combined with the game’s combat system that evolves, provides a satisfying balance of strategy and action. Despite its expansive world, the game faces pacing issues, with some critics noting that the large navigable spaces could have been condensed for a more focused experience.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden visual and technical performance
“Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden” boasts impressive visuals, from the snow-capped mountains to the murky swamps of New Eden. However, the vastness of the game’s world sometimes leads to a lack of detailed environments compared to previous Don’t Nod titles. The game’s atmosphere is effectively conveyed through its music and sound design, complementing the haunting theme.
Despite its visual appeal, the game has been reported to experience technical issues, including crashes and minor performance stutters. These issues, while not detracting significantly from the overall experience, are points of concern that the developers may need to address in future updates.
“Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden” stands as a testament to Don’t Nod’s ability to craft engaging, narrative-driven games outside the confines of episodic adventures. With its compelling story, innovative gameplay mechanics, and immersive world, it represents a significant achievement for the studio. While not without its flaws, the game’s strengths lie in its deep narrative, character development, and unique blend of action and exploration.
Despite the pacing issues and technical glitches, “Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden” is a noteworthy addition to the action RPG genre and a must-play for fans of supernatural narratives and complex character dynamics. As Don’t Nod continues to explore new genres and storytelling methods, “Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden” may well pave the way for future titles that dare to venture into the unknown.
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