Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (PS5)

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden ist ein Ausflug in eine wunderbar düstere, ernste und teils harte Welt. Es erwarten euch viele schwerwiegende Entscheidungen, tolle Charaktere und interessante Wendungen, besonders bei den sogenannten „Haunting Case“-Nebenmissionen. Abseits davon enttäuschen leider die Kämpfe, welche viel zu gleichförmig und klobig bleiben und ein zu häufiges Umherirren bei der Suche der Missionsziele. Fans von Okkultem und dem Übernatürlichen à la The Witcher oder Detektiv-Geschichten sollten aber in jedem Fall zugreifen.

Don't Nod drops the melodrama for a poignantly performed story about grief and injustice, where the difficult choices tug at your heart and principles.

Banishers' strengths lie in its storytelling and characters. These aspects--along with its combat--can't quite match the caliber of its genre-defining contemporaries, but Don't Nod differentiates Banishers from the pack by implementing the studio's signature brand of choice and consequence. It's easy to become enraptured by Antea and Red's story; shaping their relationship and who they are as a couple makes for a compelling experience. That still doesn't mean I can wholly recommend Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, but those looking for a dark, story-driven tale of love and sacrifice won't be disappointed.

Going out of my way to try out Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is something I would have to think twice about. It certainly has a lot of potential, but it needs improvements before you can call it a really good game. Most notably, its combat, main characters, and main story are disappointing. All in all, while Banishers boasts an interesting world, it’s not a game that’ll live long in the memory. I mean, what can you expect from a game whose main characters aren’t determined to save even themselves?

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a fantastic piece of storytelling, and it gives you a compelling world, people and lore for you to delve into. While it labours in some areas, you can put your own personality and feelings into this largely linear adventure, making this a game and a tale that deserves to be experienced.