Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden - Before You Buy

TL;DR

A mixed review on Banishers' engaging story but lackluster gameplay.

Transcript

(bright tones) - [Jake] Hey, and we're back with another episode of "Before You Buy," that show where we give you some straight up gameplay, and our first impressions of the latest games releasing. As usual, it's me, Jake, and today we're talking about "Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden." This is from Don't Nod, the team behind the most recent "Jusant,... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 "Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden" explores themes of love, loss, and morality within a unique historical setting, offering a fresh take on ghost hunting in gaming.
• 🧑‍🏭 The relationship between the main characters provides emotional depth, enriched by excellent voice acting that enhances player engagement.
• ✴️ The game’s combat mechanics and exploration aspects are major points of contention, lacking variety and depth needed to make them truly enjoyable.
• 🥺 The decisions made throughout the game bear weight, leading to diverse outcomes that encourage thoughtful engagement with the story and its characters.
• 🎨 The visual design includes attractive yet empty environments, which can detract from the overall experience despite their aesthetic appeal.
• ❓ Technical performance varies by platform, indicating potential buyers should consider platform-specific reviews to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
• 🎮 Fans of previous Don't Nod titles may find familiar storytelling techniques and character-driven narratives, though gameplay execution varies.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main premise of "Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden"?

"Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden" follows two ghost hunters, Red and Antea, who are tasked with solving ghostly mysteries in a fictional colonial America during the 1600s. The story unravels themes of love, loss, and moral decision-making as they confront both living and ghostly adversaries, showcasing a blend of adventure and narrative depth.

Q: How do character dynamics affect the story in the game?

The character dynamics between Red and Antea significantly enrich the narrative. Their romantic relationship and the complexities that arise from Antea's death create emotional stakes. As players progress, the gradual exploration of their backstory and their evolving relationship makes players invest in their fate, enhancing the game's immersive storytelling experience.

Q: What aspects of gameplay were critiqued in the review?

The gameplay received criticism for being tedious and repetitive, particularly during combat. The idea of switching between human and ghost forms was praised, but the execution felt lackluster. Players found themselves engaged in a limited set of attack combos and uninspired loot systems, which detracted from the otherwise intriguing narrative.

Q: Are there any standout elements in the combat system?

While the combat system has its flaws, highlights include boss battles that require players to adapt their strategies, adding a layer of challenge. However, the overall gameplay often felt like a slog due to lacking variety, reliance on simple attack combos, and a less engaging lock-on system during regular encounters.

Q: How does the exploration contribute to the gaming experience?

Exploration in "Banishers" often felt unrewarding, with many areas appearing empty and designed with filler content. While there are beautiful settings like swamps and graveyards, the adventure's pace is sometimes hampered by slow traversal mechanics, leading to a focus on story-driven elements instead of encouraging meaningful exploration for loot.

Q: What role does character choice play in the game?

Character choices are pivotal, as players engage in conversations that lead to impactful decisions regarding ghost banishments and moral dilemmas. The game allows for multiple outcomes based on player actions, which adds depth to the narrative and allows exploration of the character's motivations and moral complexities.

Q: How does the game’s performance on different platforms compare?

Gamers on PS5 reported some minor frame drops as they progressed, while PC players experienced greater performance issues. It's advised that potential buyers research performance reviews specific to their platform, especially around launch, as technical issues can greatly affect the gaming experience.

Q: What type of players might enjoy "Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden"?

Players who appreciate narrative-driven games with strong character development, moral dilemmas, and mystery elements will likely find enjoyment in "Banishers." It's best suited for those who prefer story and character interactions over pure gameplay mechanics and who are willing to overlook some gameplay flaws for a compelling story.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden" presents an intriguing narrative centered around ghost hunters navigating a haunted colonial America, rich in themes like love and mysticism.

• The main characters, Red and Antea, offer engaging character dynamics, supported by strong voice acting that deepens emotional connections throughout the story.

• Despite a captivating premise and thoughtful story choices, the gameplay is criticized for its repetitive combat and unfulfilling exploration, detracting from the overall experience.