Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, a 2024 action RPG developed by Don’t Nod and published by Focus Entertainment; hit the shelves for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on February 13, 2024, earning generally favorable reviews from critics. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden unfolds as a third-person action RPG, placing players in the shoes of ghost hunters Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith. Tasked with investigating the haunted community of New Eden, the duo embarks on a mission, leading to Duarte’s transformation into a ghost. Players navigate encounters using Raith’s conventional armaments and Duarte’s spectral abilities to fend off adversaries. Throughout the game, players face numerous choices, each shaping the narrative trajectory.
In 1695, Banishers and lovers Antea Duarte and Ruaidhrigh “Red” mac Raith journey to colonial New England at the behest of their friend Charles Davenport to dispel a potent curse plaguing the town of New Eden. The curse has ensnared New Eden in an eternal winter and claimed numerous lives, including Charles’. Upon arrival, they encounter town leaders Governor Fairefax Haskell, huntress Thickskin Newsmith, and Captain Saul Pennington, as well as Charles’ widow Esther. Summoning Charles’ ghost, Antea learns of a rare and formidable spirit, the Nightmare, haunting New Eden. Reluctantly, Antea persuades Charles to depart to the afterlife permanently. However, their attempt to confront the Nightmare ends tragically, with Antea’s demise and Red’s narrow escape.
Red awakens in a cave, rescued by the witch Seeker under her master Siridean’s orders. Parting ways, Red reunites with Antea’s ghost, who agrees to aid him in seeking vengeance against the Nightmare and reclaiming her body for a proper ascension. However, Red contemplates a dark ritual involving human sacrifice to resurrect Antea. Alongside survivors led by Thickskin and Kate, they uncover disturbing truths about New Eden’s leadership. Haskell and Pennington were responsible for the wrongful execution of Deborah as a witch, leading to the Nightmare’s vengeful return. Red faces moral dilemmas, deciding whether to spare or sacrifice Thickskin, Haskell, and Pennington for their crimes.
As Red and Antea weaken the Nightmare’s hold, Seeker reveals herself as Grace, Pennington’s exiled daughter. Assisted by Seeker, they confront Naruku, an evil spirit banished by Antea as a child. Upon reaching New Eden, they confront the Nightmare, revealed to be a Retribution spirit fueled by Deborah’s anger. With the truth unveiled, Deborah renounces her quest for vengeance, allowing Red and Antea to banish Retribution.
The outcome hinges on Red’s choices:
– If Red resurrects Antea through sacrifice, they depart New Eden together, haunted by their actions, delving into dark magic.
– If Red fails to fulfill his oath, Retribution returns, punishing him with a time loop, erasing his memories. – If Red lets Antea ascend, he either finds solace in raising a new generation of Banishers or remains haunted by her loss, seeking closure in Cuba.
