Game description:
Banish places the player in a first-person role within a remote forest where a ritual must be completed using a cursed book. The objective is to banish a witch by listening to spoken phrases from the book and selecting the correct responses. The game requires accuracy in both recognition and repetition, with each successful step moving the player closer to completing the process. As the ritual advances, the environment becomes less stable, adding urgency and difficulty to each action. The player has no weapons or tools beyond the flashlight and the book.
Focus On Audio And Selection
The gameplay centers around interpreting audio clues provided by the book. The player navigates to specific ritual areas and listens to incantations, then chooses a response from four possible options. The accuracy of the response determines whether progress is made or disrupted. Environmental conditions—such as sound interference and visual changes—affect the player’s ability to focus. Movement is limited to walking, sprinting, and interacting with objects, allowing attention to remain on sound and timing. The forest is dark, with minimal direction, which increases dependence on the audio system.
Main Loop And Actions
The structure of Banish consists of repeating a pattern that includes the following tasks:
· Move through the forest to find the next ritual location
· Listen carefully to the book's phrase
· Match the phrase with the correct incantation
· Complete the interaction to progress the ritual
This loop forms the basis of the game. Each round brings changes to how sounds are delivered and how threats are introduced. Mistakes reset the current stage or apply consequences that increase difficulty. The player is expected to maintain focus despite distractions.
Development And Modifications
Banish was created within a short development timeframe for a themed event. Since the initial release, the game has received adjustments to improve clarity and navigation. Updates include visual markers to guide the player, changes to how failed rituals are handled, and improvements in how ritual sites are identified. These changes aim to make the experience more accessible without altering the original intent of precision and tension through sound-based tasks.
Banish is a short-form game that emphasizes repetition, listening, and reaction. The mechanics rely on limited input, and progress depends on memory and timing rather than exploration or combat. The structure is designed for quick sessions where the objective is clear from the beginning. By focusing on audio-driven mechanics and controlled movement, the game creates a system where concentration and repetition are the primary tools available to the player.
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