When it comes to the most compelling, gripping and enthralling narrative experiences in gaming, the names ‘Focus Entertainment’ and ‘DON’T NOD’ spring to mind. This publisher and developer pairing are pivotal figures in the genre, and the chances are that anything they put their hand to will be top-notch. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is their next title, and it has just received a release date and new trailer to boot.
Ghost-Hunting Action
It is 1695; we are introduced to a Banisher known as Red mac Raith. As a Banisher, your duty is to protect the living from any spectres that wish to possess their bodies, and send them to the spirit realm. Your lover – Antea Duarte – tragically fell to a spectre, and is now firmly within the spirit realm.
By switching between the two protagonists, the mission to rescue Antea and bring her back to life is what we must complete.Â
DON’T NOD have brought us Life is Strange 2, Tell Me Why and the recent Harmony: Fall of Reverie. That should mean the narrative side of Banishers is certainly one to look out for. And with a premise as mysterious and epic as ghost-hunting sounds, we cannot wait to get stuck into this supernatural tale.
God of War-esque Combat
Publishers Focus Entertainment have previously delivered Aliens: Dark Descent amongst others, so they certainly know how to publish an exhilarating and tense game! From first looks, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden looks to go for a modern God of War type of combat. It’s full of smashing blows and crunching attacks coming from Red’s arsenal of weapons. We will also be making use of Antea’s spiritual powers to supplement our weaponry; chaining combos together and switching between targets will be key.
Key Features
- Play as both Antea and Red, and battle supernatural forces with magic, weapons and spiritual powers
- Unlock new gear and abilities to unleash the full power of the Banishers
- Uncover the ancient secrets and hidden mysteries of a mystical, lore-rich world
- Characteristic of renowned studio DON’T NOD, make meaningful and morally ambiguous choices that affect the story, the world and the fate of all characters, dead or alive
Release Date Revealed!
And the date that we are all marking in our calendars is the 7th November, 2023. What better way to settle down for winter than with a sprawling, ghost-hunting extravaganza?
The game will be available for Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC, with both digital versions for Xbox, PlayStation and PC, and physical editions for console. You won’t find Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden playable on Xbox One though.
There is also the opportunity to pick up a Collector’s Edition of the game, complete with statuette of the game’s heroes, an official artbook, a Steelbook, two Banishers signet rings (fancy!) and the game with the Wanderer Set DLC. You can find the game up on the Xbox Store.
For the time being, make sure to check out the Release Date trailer below, and we will of course publish any further information on the game, as well as a full review nearer release.
