Banished

Feb 18, 2014 12 years ago

Trailer 1 / 2

Type Base game 2014 Genres Indie Real Time Strategy (RTS)Simulator Strategy Companies Shining Rock Software · Publisher Follow Log in to follow

Welcome to the world of Banished! In this city-building strategy game, you control a group of exiled travelers who decide to restart their lives in a new land. They have only the clothes on their backs and a cart filled with supplies from their homeland. The objective of the game is to keep the population alive and grow it into a successful culture. Options for feeding the people include hunting and gathering, agriculture, trade, and fishing. However, sustainable practices must be considered to survive in the long term.

What it’s like

Banished offers a stark, unadorned city-building experience where you guide exiled travelers to establish a sustainable settlement in a harsh, unforgiving wilderness. The premise is purely functional: survive the winter, manage resources, and grow your population without the distraction of warfare or fantasy elements. The tone is one of quiet tension and melancholic realism, emphasizing the fragility of human life against nature’s indifference. Structurally, the game operates as a deep economic simulation where every citizen is a vital resource. You must balance hunting, farming, forestry, and trade to prevent starvation, disease, and cold. The craft lies in its intricate interconnectivity; a failure in one sector can cascade into societal collapse. It rewards careful planning and adaptation over brute force, creating a satisfying loop of observation, adjustment, and growth that feels both punishing and deeply rewarding for those who enjoy systemic complexity.

Strong in Gameplay / MechanicsSimulation / ManagementSystems Depth / Build VarietyAtmosphere / MoodDifficulty / ChallengeVisuals / Art

Keep in mind The game lacks narrative or character-driven hooks, relying entirely on mechanical engagement which may feel dry to some. Its steep learning curve and unforgiving difficulty can lead to frequent, frustrating failures for players seeking a relaxed building experience.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from pcgamer.com, metacritic.com, ign.com, reddit.com, every-days.com, en.wikipedia.org.