Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, developed by Don’t Nod (Life is Strange) is a 2024 action RPG that takes players on a ghost-hunting odyssey through a hauntingly beautiful 1695 New England. While it excels in storytelling and atmosphere, the combat can feel repetitive at times.
Reasons to Play Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
- Compelling Narrative: The central story of love, loss, and moving on is surprisingly emotional, with well-developed characters like Red, the hot-headed Scotsman, and Antea, the sardonic ghost hunter. Choices you make can have a meaningful impact, making for a more personal experience.
- Unique Paranormal Investigation: Switching between the physical and spectral planes to uncover clues and solve ghost-related mysteries is a fresh take on detective work. The world itself is steeped in lore, creating a believable and atmospheric setting.
- Solid Action RPG Elements: Upgrading your characters’ abilities and utilizing a mix of supernatural and physical combat adds some depth to the gameplay loop.
Reasons to Hold Off on Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
- Repetitive Combat: While the spectral plane-swapping is interesting initially, the enemy variety and combat mechanics themselves can feel repetitive over longer stretches.
- Pacing Issues: The story can meander at times, with some side quests feeling like filler content.
- Technical Quirks: Some players have reported occasional bugs and wonky controls, particularly on the console versions.
Critic Reviews:
- IGN: 7.5/10 – Praises the story and characters but notes the repetitive combat.
- Rock Paper Shotgun: 8/10 – Calls it a “goth Uncharted” and commends the atmosphere and world-building, while acknowledging the uneven pacing.
Platforms and Availability:
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is currently available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC. You can purchase it digitally on the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, or Steam.
You can try the game by downloading the demo available also on steam.
Conclusion:
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a game best suited for players who prioritize story and atmosphere over deep combat mechanics. If you’re looking for a character-driven adventure with a unique paranormal twist, Banishers delivers. However, if repetitive combat and occasional pacing issues are deal breakers for you, it might be best to wait for a sale.
Recommendation:
Buy it if: You enjoy narrative-driven RPGs with a touch of the supernatural.
Hold off if: Repetitive combat and potential technical issues turn you away.