The Witcher, God Of War fans urged to check out surprise 2024 hit

While you may hear many declare Palworld or Helldivers 2 to be their favourite new release of the year thus far, mine is easily Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden.

From Life Is Strange developer Don’t Nod, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a fantastic new narrative RPG that’s somewhat flying under the radar. Set in 1695, the game sees a duo of spectral ‘banishers’ - Red and Antea - arrive in New Eden Town, New England, in order to banish the settlement of a powerful ghostly entity known as a Nightmare. It’s not a job that’s as simple as it sounds, forcing you onto a sweeping open-world adventure complete with some troubling narrative choices.

Take a look at Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden in action below.

It’s easily one of the most engaging narratives I’ve experienced in a long time - and a narrative packed with a fair amount of choice at that. Those choices reflect a number of starkly different moral intentions, affecting the outcome of the story. Add in a nicely sized open world, engaging combat, and some stellar acting, and there’s a lot to love about Banishers. I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks so, as revealed by a trip to Reddit.

“If you like God of War (2018), you need to play Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden,” wrote Fresh_Achilles. “Amazing story where choices actually matter. Combat feels like GoW. Similar open world and puzzles as well. Some of the best exploration I’ve seen in a game. I always get pulled away from the main mission. Look at some reviews/gameplay. I won’t say it’s underrated, but definitely flying below the radar. I’ve been switching between this and Helldivers 2 and it’s some of the most fun I’ve had gaming.”

“I agree! Although the combat is less refined and the exploration can be very repetitive. The story and side stories are amazing, and the choices actually make an impact on the story and ending. Very good game,” added steveishere2, while Apollo_Danger wrote, “I've been talking about this game on Reddit whenever I get the chance. I'm about 20 hours in and loving it.

The world they've created is so interesting with ghosts, witches, the occult, and curses.”

I definitely think Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden will scratch the itch of those who enjoyed God of War and The Witcher 3. I will add that the budget is lesser here, so Banishers will feel a tad more simplified. That being said, Don’t Nod have crafted something special that I will continue to rave about until everyone I know has sampled it.