Bastion
A hack-and-slash RPG featuring a reactive narrator, various unlockable weapons, weapon upgrades, practice mini-games and optional difficulty modifiers, set in an imaginary world in the aftermath of an uncertain apocalypse, in which the player embodies a teenager with a troubled past as he and the narrator work together to rebuild the world out of a persisting hub called the Bastion.
What it feels like
Despite devastation, an earned optimism that renewal and rebuilding are possible anchors the narrative arc. A wistful, contemplative sadness underscores the beautiful yet broken world, finding quiet beauty in loss and recovery. The reactive narration and artistic presentation invite reflection on the world's nature and the player's role in its restoration.
What it's about
An uncertain apocalyptic catastrophe called the Calamity has shattered the world, and rebuilding from ruins is the central narrative. Discovering the secrets and nature of the Calamity structures much of the story's intrigue and player curiosity. A troubled teenager working to rebuild and atone plays into themes of redemption and second chances.
How it plays
Fast melee combat against multiple enemies with flashy attacks is the core mechanical foundation of Bastion's gameplay loop. Close-quarters weapon combat with various unlockable and upgradeable weapons is central to moment-to-moment interaction. Different weapons with distinct upgrade paths and playstyles allow players to theorize and specialize builds.
How it looks and sounds
A sweeping live-orchestra symphonic soundtrack by Darren Korb is integral to the experience and critically acclaimed. The game is presented in a fixed three-quarter isometric camera angle throughout, defining the visual perspective. The reactive narrator voice-acts extensively throughout, responding dynamically to player choices and actions in real time.
How it's structured
Designed as a sole-player experience with no multiplayer component. A bounded authored narrative arc with a definite beginning, middle, and end centered on rebuilding the world. The Bastion serves as a persistent central hub from which discrete levels and areas are accessed and returned from.
Kindred games
Shares Hack-and-Slash, Post-Apocalyptic, Orchestral Score, Melee Combat.
Both lean into Single-Player, Hack-and-Slash, Post-Apocalyptic, Orchestral Score.
Shares Hand-Drawn 2D, Orchestral Score, Handcrafted World, Melancholic.
Both lean into Single-Player, Hand-Drawn 2D, Handcrafted World, Orchestral Score.
Shares Isometric, Orchestral Score, Hand-Drawn 2D, Melancholic.
Both lean into Single-Player, Isometric, Campaign, Orchestral Score.
Closest hidden gems
A lesser-known kindred — Hand-Drawn 2D, Orchestral Score, Handcrafted World, Melancholic. 95% positive across 4,380 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Single-Player, Hand-Drawn 2D, Campaign, Orchestral Score.
A lesser-known kindred — Isometric, Hub-and-Spoke, Hand-Drawn 2D, Hopeful. 94% positive across 4,861 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Single-Player, Campaign, Isometric, Hub-and-Spoke.
A lesser-known kindred — Hand-Drawn 2D, Melee Combat, Hack-and-Slash, Mystery. 94% positive across 4,416 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Single-Player, Hand-Drawn 2D, Melee Combat, Hack-and-Slash.