Despite a strong showing of acclaimed titles in 2024, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, an action-adventure game from developer Don't Nod, emerged as a critically lauded but commercially underperforming title that is now more accessible than ever.
The game, developed by the studio known for narrative experiences like Life is Strange and Vampyr, centers on the intertwined lives of Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith. Their professional and romantic partnership is dramatically altered early in the game, setting them on a path to confront numerous spectral entities.
Players navigate the community of New Eden, engaging in both melee and ranged combat against ghosts and spirits. The journey involves interacting with various settlements, each presenting unique challenges and moral quandaries. These narrative choices significantly impact the game's multiple endings, contributing to its replayability.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden has been recognized for its superb writing, strong performances, an inventive central mechanic, and engaging storylines that tackle mature themes such as slavery, denied queer love, spousal abuse, and the patriarchy. The game is estimated to offer a 30- to 60-hour experience, with critics noting its emotional resonance and potential to evoke tears.
Following its initial release, Don't Nod reported that Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden performed below expectations. However, the title was added to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass in 2025, offering a new opportunity for players to experience what has been described as 2024's overlooked action masterpiece. Given the typical subscription window for games on these services, players are encouraged to explore the title while it remains available.