Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden remains a remarkable hidden gem
Among 2024’s major releases, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden was easy to overlook. Yet for players who enjoy action-adventures with a classic structure and modern presentation, it stands out as one of the year’s most compelling options.
Developed by Don’t Nod, the team behind Life Is Strange and Vampyr, Banishers combines supernatural combat with an intimate story about love, grief and impossible choices. The central characters are Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith, partners both romantically and professionally.
A supernatural investigation shaped by difficult choices
An incident early in the adventure changes the couple’s relationship permanently. From there, Antea and Red confront ghosts and other spirits while investigating the troubled community of New Eden.
The journey moves through settlements populated by people facing personal crises. Their stories become more than optional distractions: resolving each haunting or dilemma can force the player to make a moral decision, with consequences that help determine which of the game’s multiple endings is reached.
Why the combat and story work together
Combat mixes close-range attacks with ranged techniques as the pair takes on supernatural enemies. That action gives the exploration a steady rhythm, while the investigation structure keeps the focus on the people living in New Eden.
Its emotional range is equally important. The adventure can last between 30 and 60 hours, depending on how thoroughly you pursue its content, and its themes include slavery, denied queer love, spousal abuse and patriarchy. Strong writing, capable performances and a clever central mechanic give those themes room to land.
Banishers is best understood as a story-led action game where every major decision carries personal and narrative weight.
An overlooked release with a limited window
Despite its qualities, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden performed well below Don’t Nod’s expectations, as noted in the developer’s fiscal report.
The game was added to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass in 2025. Subscription titles commonly remain available for one or two years, so Australian players interested in trying it through either service may not have an unlimited opportunity to do so.
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