Banished Review: A Deep Dive into the Survival City-Building Strategy Game

What is Banished? A Brief Overview

Banished is a city-building strategy game developed by Shining Rock Software that immerses players in a challenging medieval setting. Released in 2014, the game places a strong emphasis on resource management and survival, requiring players to create a thriving community from a group of exiled travelers. Unlike traditional city-building games, Banished does not include combat or warfare, focusing instead on the logistics of managing a settlement in a harsh environment.

In Banished, players begin with a small group of settlers who have been banished from their homeland. The primary goal is to develop this community into a self-sustaining town. To achieve this, players must gather crucial resources, build essential structures, and ensure that their citizens are well-fed and healthy. Key resources include food, firewood, and building materials, which are crucial for survival as seasons change.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

• Resource Management: Players must gather and manage various resources, such as food, wood, and stone, to support their growing population.
• Citizen Management: Each settler has a unique role and needs. Players must assign jobs such as farming, hunting, or gathering to ensure their community thrives.
• Seasonal Challenges: The game features dynamic seasons affecting resource availability, requiring strategic planning to survive the brutal winters.
• Building and Expansion: As the population grows, players can construct new buildings and expand their settlement, balancing growth with the need for resources.

One of the standout features of Banished is its environmental simulation. Players must adapt their strategies based on factors like weather changes and natural disasters, adding a layer of complexity to the gameplay. This realistic approach to survival makes each decision critical, as the failure to effectively manage resources can lead to famine and population decline.

Another significant aspect of Banished is its modding community. Players have the freedom to modify the game and create custom content, enhancing replayability. This has led to a wealth of user-generated mods that introduce new buildings, resources, and gameplay mechanics, allowing players to tailor their experience further.

Gameplay Mechanics: How to Survive in Banished

In Banished, survival is a delicate dance between resource management, strategic planning, and the welfare of your citizens. Understanding the game’s unique mechanics is crucial for building a sustainable settlement. Players start with a small group of exiled travelers, tasked with establishing a thriving community in a randomly generated world. With no additional assistance, the burden of survival falls squarely on the player’s shoulders.

Resource Management

Managing resources effectively is at the heart of Banished. Essential resources include:

• Food: Gathered through farming, hunting, and fishing.
• Building Materials: Obtained from chopping down trees and mining resources.
• Firewood: Important for heating homes during winter.
• Clothing: Necessary for protecting citizens from the harsh climate.

Players must ensure that they have balanced supplies to prevent starvation and maintain their population’s happiness. Monitoring seasonal changes and adjusting resource priorities accordingly can be the difference between life and death.

Village Layout and Planning

Creating an efficient village layout is essential for optimizing resource gathering and citizen productivity. Players should consider:

• Proximity: Place essential buildings close to each other to reduce travel time for citizens.
• Roads: Construct pathways to improve movement speed between critical locations.
• Future Expansion: Leave space for future buildings and resource storage to accommodate growth.

Layout decisions influence not only efficiency but also the morale of your citizens. A well-planned settlement can enhance productivity and reduce the risk of resource shortages.

Citizen Management

Each citizen in Banished has a specific role that can significantly impact overall survival. Assigning tasks such as gathering, farming, and building is fundamental. Be aware of:

• Workload: Balanced workload prevents burnout among citizens and maintains efficiency.
• Age Distribution: An aging population may lead to workforce shortages; consider breeding strategies.
• Health and Happiness: Constructing wells and providing food sources improves overall community health.

By carefully managing your population’s roles and needs, you can create a resilient workforce capable of adapting to the challenges of a harsh environment.

Adapting to Seasonal Changes

Seasons in Banished can drastically affect your settlement’s survival. Winter requires strategic planning to ensure the provision of food and warmth. Players should:

• Prepare Stockpiles: Store enough food before winter to last through the cold months.
• Build Warm Homes: Insulate houses to keep citizens safe from freezing temperatures.
• Adjust Labor: Shift workers to gather firewood and produce clothing as seasons change.

Adapting to these seasonal shifts allows settlements to thrive irrespective of the weather, ensuring a steady progression towards a self-sufficient community.

Graphics and Sound: The Artistic Elements of Banished

The artistic elements of Banished, a city-building strategy game developed by Shining Rock Software, play a crucial role in immersing players within its world. From the detailed graphics to the atmospheric sound design, each component is finely tuned to enhance the gameplay experience. The combination of these elements creates a visually and aurally captivating environment that draws players into the struggles of managing a fledgling community.

Stunning Visuals

One of the standout features of Banished is its stunning visuals. The game’s graphics are characterized by:

• Realistic Terrain: The landscapes are intricately designed, showcasing seasonal changes that reflect the passage of time.
• Diverse Biomes: Each area is unique, featuring different flora and fauna that further immerse players in the environment.
• Detailed Structures: Buildings and infrastructures are visually appealing and functional, crafted with a blend of artistry and practicality.

These visual elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to gameplay by providing players with information about resources and terrain.

Atmospheric Sound Design

Complementing the visuals, Banished features an atmospheric sound design that supports its immersive qualities. The sound elements include:

• Natural Ambiance: Players can hear the sounds of nature, including chirping birds, rustling leaves, and flowing water, setting a peaceful tone.
• Environmental Sounds: Each season brings unique auditory cues, such as snow crunching underfoot in winter or the lively buzz of insects in summer.
• Building Sounds: The sounds of construction and daily activities contribute to the living world of the game, enhancing the realism of town management.

This rich soundscape helps players feel engaged and connected to their in-game choices and the consequences they bring.

Art Direction and Style

The art direction of Banished merges realism with a charming, stylized quality. The choice of color palettes and textures enhances the overall theme of survival and community. Warm earthy tones dominate the landscapes, evoking a sense of home and safety for players as they expand their settlements. This mix of realism and stylization attracts players looking for both aesthetic beauty and functionality.

Impact on Gameplay

The graphics and sound in Banished are not just for show; they have a significant impact on gameplay. Visual cues help players identify resources and understand their environment, while sound effects alert players to important events happening in their towns. For instance, the sound of a villager in distress or the faint noise of an impending winter storm can prompt players to take immediate actions. This interplay between audio-visual elements and player decisions underlines the game’s strategy component, making every choice feel impactful.

The meticulous attention to the graphics and sound design in Banished showcases the developers’ commitment to creating a rich and immersive player experience. By effectively combining stunning visuals and engaging audio, the game transcends typical city-building barriers, inviting players into a world that feels both dynamic and alive.

Banished Strategies: Tips for Beginners

When starting out in Banished, a city-building strategy game, it’s essential to understand a few key strategies that can set you up for success. The game places you in the role of a group of exiled travelers who need to build a sustainable settlement. As a beginner, focusing on resource management and planning will be crucial to your early survival. Below are some strategies to help you get started.

1. Prioritize Gathering Resources

In the early stages of the game, your starting settlers will require basic resources such as food, wood, and stone. It’s important to gather these resources efficiently:

• Food: Set up gathering houses and hunting lodges to ensure a steady food supply.
• Wood: Assign laborers to chop down trees, as wood is vital for building structures and tools.
• Stone: Designate areas for stone gathering; quarrying can help you stockpile this resource quickly.

2. Develop Your Town Layout Wisely

The layout of your settlement can have a significant impact on its efficiency. Begin by planning a centralized area for your basic facilities:

• Gathering Points: Position food sources near residential areas to reduce travel time for settlers.
• Storage Facilities: Ensure that storage barns are easily accessible to warehouses and production buildings.
• Roads: Create roads to connect your buildings, which will improve the movement speed of your citizens.

3. Balance Population and Resources

Managing the population is key to ensuring that your town doesn’t suffer from resource shortages. You should:

• Limit New Settlers: Initially, focus on building your resource collection before expanding your population.
• Assign Jobs Strategically: Ensure that there are enough workers for gathering food and building materials.
• Monitor Happiness: Keep an eye on citizen happiness, as it affects productivity; build more homes if necessary.

4. Learn to Use the Trade System

As you progress, utilizing the trade system can help you acquire resources that may be scarce in your area. Here’s how to make the most of trading:

• Trading Posts: Construct trading posts as soon as possible to start procuring needed supplies.
• Trading Strategies: Focus on trading surplus items like food for materials you lack.
• Resource Management: Adjust your trading based on the seasons and your resource availability.

5. Make Use of Your Environment

Your surrounding environment offers numerous opportunities that can be advantageous for your settlement:

• Fishing: Utilize nearby water sources for fishing, providing a reliable food source throughout the year.
• Foraging: Allow foraging in forests to gather wild foods and materials without substantial effort.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye on wildlife population; hunting can supplement food supplies but be mindful of overhunting.

Mastering these beginner strategies can significantly elevate your chances of thriving in Banished. Consistent resource management, careful planning, and effective use of trade will lay a solid foundation for your settlement’s success.

Community Feedback: What Players are Saying About Banished

The city-building game Banished has captivated gamers since its release, and the community feedback reflects a wide range of experiences and opinions. As players delve into the mechanics of survival and resource management, they have shared their thoughts on various aspects of the game, ranging from gameplay mechanics to the challenge level.

Gameplay Mechanics

Many players appreciate the intricate gameplay mechanics in Banished. The necessity to manage resources effectively is often highlighted in forums, with users praising the balance between the needs of the population and the available resources. Some comments spotlight the complexity of the resource management system, noting that it requires strategic thinking and foresight, which keeps players engaged.

The Challenge Factor

Players often discuss the game’s difficulty level, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand, some members of the community enjoy the challenge, stating that it provides a great sense of accomplishment upon overcoming a difficult situation. On the other hand, there are those who feel that the high difficulty can be off-putting, especially for new players. A common sentiment is that Banished encourages learning through failure, making each playthrough a unique experience.

Graphics and Immersion

Visually, players have praised Banished for its charming graphics. The simplistic yet engaging art style adds to the game’s immersive experience. Feedback often mentions how the visual environment impacts the overall gameplay, as players feel a deeper connection to the town they build. Reviews frequently reflect on the beauty of crafting a thriving settlement amidst challenging conditions, enhanced by the game’s aesthetics.

Modding and Customization

The modding community surrounding Banished is vibrant, with many players expressing their enthusiasm for the ability to customize their gameplay experience. Players have noted that mods significantly enhance replayability, allowing them to explore new features and settings that the base game does not offer. This aspect has created a dedicated sub-community focused on sharing and developing mods.

Community Support and Resources

Another notable aspect highlighted by players is the sense of community support surrounding Banished. Forums and social media groups are filled with tips, guides, and shared experiences that help newcomers navigate the game’s challenges. Many players express gratitude for the wealth of resources available, making it easier for them to improve their skills and enjoy the game to its fullest.

Overall, the community feedback for Banished is a mix of appreciation, constructive criticism, and shared experiences. As players continue to engage with the game, their insights contribute to the evolving understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, ensuring its place in the gaming world for years to come.

Banished vs. Other City-Building Games: A Comparative Review

Banished stands out in the crowded genre of city-building games, offering a unique blend of survival mechanics and resource management that sets it apart from its competitors. Unlike many traditional city-builders that emphasize expansion and development, Banished places a strong focus on the survival of your citizens within a challenging environment. This creates a gameplay experience that is both rewarding and demanding, compelling players to strategically manage resources while ensuring the well-being of their citizens.

Gameplay Mechanics Comparison

When comparing Banished to other city-building games, one of the most notable differences lies in its mechanics:

• Resource Management: Players must gather resources carefully to prevent starvation and illness, contrasting with games like SimCity where resources are more abundant and easily acquired.
• Citizen Management: In Banished, the aging and health of your citizens plays a critical role, while other games may focus more on growth and expansion without such dire consequences.
• Immediate Threats: Banished throws players into the deep end with immediate survival threats such as harsh winters and food shortages, unlike games like Cities: Skylines, where challenges tend to develop more gradually.

Aesthetics and World Building

Visually, Banished adopts a more rustic and simplistic approach, focusing on a medieval aesthetic that enhances its survival theme. In contrast, other city-building games often feature modern or futuristic graphic styles. The world of Banished is crafted with a noticeable emphasis on natural resources, requiring players to utilize their surroundings effectively. This environmental dependency is less pronounced in many traditional city-builders, where players can expand into urban settings with more freedom.

Difficulty and Learning Curve

While many city-building games cater to a broad audience with user-friendly interfaces and gentle learning curves, Banished is notorious for its steep learning curve. Beginners may face significant challenges, particularly due to the lack of tutorials and guidance. In contrast, games like Anno 1800 offer intricate tutorials that ease players into complex systems, providing a smoother entry point into the genre.

Community and Modding Support

The community surrounding a game often enhances its longevity and enjoyment. Banished has a dedicated modding community that adds layers of depth and new content, improving replayability. While games like Cities: Skylines also have robust modding tools, they cater to different gameplay experiences — often emphasizing urban growth rather than survival.

Overall, when considering Banished versus other city-building games, it’s clear that its unique combination of survival elements, resource scarcity, and environmental challenges sets it apart. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its difficulty and distinct focus, those who appreciate a more intense and strategic survival experience will find Banished to be an enriching addition to the city-building genre.

Pros and Cons of Banished: An Honest Assessment

Banished, a city-building strategy game developed by Shining Rock Software, has captivated players with its unique mechanics and challenges. However, like any game, it has its strengths and weaknesses. In this section, we will delve into the pros and cons of Banished to provide an honest assessment for potential players.

Pros of Banished

• Deep Strategic Gameplay: One of the main advantages of Banished is its emphasis on strategy. Players must carefully manage resources and make critical decisions to ensure their village thrives.
• Engaging Survival Elements: The game blends city-building with survival mechanics, pushing players to adapt to changing seasons, weather, and disasters.
• Stunning Visuals and Atmosphere: Banished features a beautifully crafted world, with detailed graphics that enhance the immersive experience of building a settlement.
• Modding Community: A robust modding community continues to extend the game’s longevity, offering new content and gameplay experiences that can be tailored to player preferences.

Cons of Banished

• High Difficulty Curve: New players may find Banished challenging, as the game does not hold their hand, resulting in a potentially steep learning curve.
• Lack of Storyline: Unlike other city-building games, Banished lacks a defined narrative, which may leave some players yearning for more context and direction.
• Limited Trade Options: While resource management is a key aspect of the game, the options for trading with outside factions are somewhat restricted, which can limit strategic variety.
• Repetitive Gameplay: Some players may experience monotony over time as they face similar challenges repeatedly with little variation in gameplay mechanics.

Balancing these pros and cons is essential for players interested in Banished. The game’s strengths in strategy and atmosphere are matched by challenges in accessibility and depth. By weighing these factors, players can make a more informed decision about their gaming experience.

Final Verdict: Is Banished Worth Your Time?

When considering whether Banished is worth your time, it’s essential to weigh the game’s unique mechanics against its potential drawbacks. With its focus on survival and city-building, Banished presents an engaging challenge for players who enjoy strategizing their settlements. However, this complexity can also make the game less appealing for those seeking a more relaxed gaming experience.

One of the most praised aspects of Banished is its in-depth management system. Players must not only build and expand their towns but also maintain a delicate balance of resources. Here are some reasons why many players find this aspect compelling:

• Resource Management: Players must carefully manage food, clothing, and shelter to keep their citizens healthy and happy.
• Dynamic Challenges: Natural disasters and the changing seasons add an unpredictable element that keeps gameplay fresh.
• Replayability: Each game presents a new landscape and challenges, allowing for varied strategies and outcomes.

However, it is also necessary to consider the steep learning curve associated with Banished. New players may quickly find themselves overwhelmed by the intricate systems and limited tutorials. This aspect may not be suitable for casual gamers but can be rewarding for those willing to invest the time to master the mechanics.

Moreover, the game’s graphics and presentation elicit mixed reviews. While the artistic style is visually appealing to some, others may find it outdated compared to modern city-builders or survival games. This disparity in taste plays a significant role in determining whether Banished is worthwhile for your specific preferences.

Ultimately, Banished shines as a niche title in the survival and city-building genres. If you’re a player who thrives on crafting strategies, overcoming hardships, and building a thriving community from scratch, you may find that this game is indeed worth your time. However, if you prefer high-paced action or simple, straightforward gameplay, you might want to explore other options that better suit your gaming style.