I have always known that Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden would be a great game. However, I was totally blown away by how good it was after watching the Focus Entertainment showcase on 30 August 2023. The game was developed by Don’t Nod and published by Focus Entertainment and is scheduled for November 7 release. You can pre-order the game here.
“Hunt ghosts as two memorable characters in a story-driven Action-RPG where your decisions have dramatic consequences,” read the game blob on Steam. “Solve haunting cases and battle supernatural forces combining Antea’s spiritual powers and Red’s arsenal”.
Before you go scratching your head on the names, let me rewind the story. Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden was set in the fictional world of New Eden somewhere in North America in the year 1695. The game revolves around two lovers Antea Duarte (female) and Red mac Raith (male), formidable Banishers that hunt and banish ghosts that roam among the living.
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However, in their last mission, Antea was fatally injured and became “one of the spirits she loathes”. Now, the lovers must work together to free her from her new plight which will happen through her reawakening or eternal rest. Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden promises an intimate and powerful story as well as dynamic gameplay.
Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden has been compared to different games. Marco Wutz of Video Games compared it to The Witcher. Ben Lyons of Gamereactor compared it to God of War. However, I think Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden is a unique game with unique qualities that should not be placed second to any game.
As a storyteller, I was already intrigued by the central theme of Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden. However, where I think the game really shines is the gameplay mechanics and what players can do.
Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden will bring unique gameplay mechanics
In most games where there are two protagonists, players will have to choose which to use. However, in Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden, players will play as both Antea and Red interchangeably, although mostly as Red. Knowing when to use either of the characters will be key to the player’s success.
As Red, players will have a sword and a fire torch (Ruaidhrigh’s Set), and a musket to fight off the ravenous spirits. When you switch to Antea, it is all about magic and quick dash. Antea’s quick dash ability allows her to get out of tough situations quickly.
Obviously, the vengeful spirits have found a way to take over animals. Killing the animal they have possessed will force the spirit out for you to banish. The game is designed in as a semi-open world and the screen will guide you to where you need to go at all times. Nevertheless, the game has lots of hidden areas and alternative paths.
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Like most games, the hidden paths are littered with collectibles. These will come in handy for crafting useful resources. Also, there are puzzles that the players will have to solve to progress through certain areas. Some hidden items like a whirl of spiritual energy that allows her to teleport.
Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Players that pre-order the game will get the Wanderer Set DLC which includes the Wanderer outfit and Cortador and Ascua, long-lost fabled weapons.
Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden took influences from different games
Through the gameplay, it was easy to see that Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden drew influences from different games. One of the most glaring was the save points which was a fireplace that Red will light which gave off a Tomb Raider vibe. Once he does, the player will have the option to either Rest, check their Inventory, Fast Travel, or evolve their character through the Evolution option, all four arranged on a wheel.
Red will also have to perform rituals in some places to reveal hidden spirits. From the gameplay, I spotted three rituals namely “Harkening”, “Make-Manifest”, and “Summon Scourge”. What I can’t say for now is whether players will need to decide the right ritual at each spot or if players will be told the ritual to perform.
Apparently, the first boss fight will be against “The Beast” which will be summoned after you choose the “Summon Scourge” ritual. Another interesting feature I found in the gameplay is how Red can see deep into the dark when he holds hands with Antea.
Players will have to make tough choices along the way. One of the toughest choices I found in the gameplay was Red’s decision to sacrifice the community chief using the Blame ritual. However, it appears every sacrifice contributes to Antea’s resurrection. However, if you choose to spare, it will contribute to Antea’s Ascent. In other words, it is up to you to decide whether Antea lives or dies.
In addition to Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, Focus also showcased the gameplay of Space Marine 2. However, my view on that game is a story for another post.
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