Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a captivating RPG that combines a compelling narrative with intense combat and decision-making. Developed by Don't Nod, known for their willingness to explore new genres, this game takes players on a thrilling journey into the 17th century colonial America.
At the core of Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a love story between the two main characters, Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith. These ghost hunters are not only romantically involved but also have a mission to help the residents of New Eden rid themselves of the ghosts from their past. Each investigation requires them to uncover why the spirits linger, find an object that connects them to the mortal realm, and make a fateful decision to either let the ghost ascend peacefully, banish it to Hell, or blame a connected human.
The game takes an unexpected twist when Antea dies in their first major battle. Red is left to face the challenges alone but is still accompanied by Antea's ghostly presence. The choices made throughout the game will determine whether Red can resurrect Antea or allow her to ascend. This adds a compelling conflict to the moral decisions players must grapple with, as they may have to sacrifice human lives to bring back their beloved.
While the game offers a captivating story, the pace of the first hour may feel slow as players familiarize themselves with the mechanics. However, the combat and puzzle-solving elements quickly pick up, keeping players engaged. The ability to switch between characters, utilizing their unique strengths, adds depth to the gameplay and creates a satisfying push-and-pull dynamic.
Despite the immersive narrative and engaging gameplay, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden does have some limitations. The variety of enemies is limited to a few archetypes, which can make combat repetitive over time. Additionally, the gear system offers little impact on the overall experience, giving a false sense of progression. Performance issues and occasional framerate drops on the PS5 version also detract from the overall experience.
Visually, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden excels with its atmospheric design and stunning graphics. The audio mix, especially with spatial speakers, enhances immersion, and the voice acting performances by Amaka Okafor and Russ Bain bring depth and authenticity to the characters.
In conclusion, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a dark and compelling love story set in a beautifully crafted world. Despite its limitations in combat variety and gear system, the engaging narrative, intense decision-making, and strong performances make this a game worth experiencing. With its release falling close to Valentine's Day, it explores the lengths one is willing to go for love, even at the expense of professional obligations.
Final Rating: 8 out of 10. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
