Every ‘90s kid knows the wisdom of TLC’s hit song “Waterfalls”: stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to. In essence, it’s an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality that favors pragmatism over passion. And it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about pop music or cinematic universes or video game franchises, the challenge here lies in recognizing what you do well and doing it again in a way that both meets the standard and feels fresh. This is easier said than done, but a new addition to the Xbox Game Pass roster proves it’s possible to play to your strengths even when you step into new territory.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden arrives from Don’t Nod as an action-RPG that’s unusually intimate for the genre: a story-driven duet about two ghost hunters whose partnership, and choices, form an emotional foundation that defines the experience. Best known for their narrative-driven Life is Strange series, Don’t Nod excels at serving up these meaty interpersonal dynamics. Banishers has plenty of that, but also ups the action, albeit with varying degrees of success. It’s a spooky, splashy escape that’s perfect for a long weekend of dreary weather and reheated leftovers.
