My thoughts on Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (XBOX SERIES X): It's OK but has some major flaw that will get in the way of enjoyment.

genre: action RPG

Hunt ghosts as two memorable characters in a story-driven action-RPG where your decisions have dramatic consequences. Solve haunting cases and battle supernatural forces, combining Antea's spiritual powers and Red's arsenal.

The Banishers is a decent game that is more of an adventure game with combat in it. Some people have complained about the combat being repetitive. I agree with this. There are RPG elements where you improve your weapons and skills, but to be honest, the progression takes too long and is not that different compared to how you start. I didn't even bother changing up my gear. I am sure those matter in some way, but OG gear is good enough. But it's something I can live with.

What is unforgivable is the backtracking. The map is big, with lots to explore, but is it worth exploring?  A lot of locations have a samey feel. This also goes for the enemies btw. There are fast travel points, but even with these it's pretty hard to find the locations. And if you do have an idea where you need to go, you probably are prevented since it requires a case or activity to be activated. It's padding of the worst kind.

After finishing the main game, there is no new game plus. The game does warn you of the point of return, so you'd better save if you still feel like exploring and solving the haunted cases that are left. I don't know. I used to love these narrative games where you had to solve mysteries. Actually, deep down I do still love them but not like this. After a while, even the compelling haunted cases feel samey. And with the immense backtracking and illogical navigation, it will take you a while to finish them.

Forza Horizon 6, this game and some others were the reason to subscribe to Game Pass again for two months. And I am glad I did. I really would have felt bamboozled if I had purchased this for 30 euros. Don't get me wrong. I was liking the game until I realized how much time you need to invest in order to progress. That would have been worth it if the investment was worth it. It's not.

I think The Banishers doesn't go deep enough about the afterlife. Actually, the main characters who should know more are also clueless. They don't even dare to mention certain terms. Probably to keep it universal. But by doing this, it kind of destroys the impact of the events that occur. The game also doesn't give you enough background on the main characters. There is one boss towards the end which should have been an emotional fight for Antea, but it ends just like another enemy you have to beat to get back to New Eden.

Overall, The Banishers could be worth it if you have a lot of patience and time. If not, forget about it!