When talking about the great indie games of recent years, it’s almost impossible to ignore Bastion. Developed by Supergiant Games and first released in 2011, this action RPG quickly secured a place in the hearts of many players. But what makes the game so special? Is it the unique narrator, the vibrant art style, or the gameplay? I replayed Bastion for my review and here’s why the game is still a blast today.
The Story – A Narrator That Changes Everything
The first thing that grabs your attention in Bastion isn’t even the graphics, but rather the way the story is told. Normally, in games, you get cutscenes or text boxes to explain the plot. Bastion takes a completely different approach: there’s a narrator who literally comments on everything you do. When you move for the first time, he says in his deep, gravelly voice: “The Kid just woke up one morning.” And just like that, you’re in.
This narrator is more than just a gimmick – he makes you feel instantly pulled into the world. Whether you’re finding a new weapon, smashing an enemy, or simply wandering around aimlessly, it’s all seamlessly woven into the atmosphere. It’s incredibly clever and gives the game a truly unique identity.
The actual story revolves around a catastrophe called “The Calamity”, which shattered the world into pieces. You play as “The Kid,” a silent hero who explores the remnants of the world and tries to rebuild the Bastion – a kind of safe refuge. It sounds simple at first, but over time the story evolves into a deeply emotional journey. It’s about loss, guilt, and also about hope.
Gameplay and Weapons – More Than Just Button-Mashing
Of course, Bastion doesn’t just live off its storytelling. The gameplay is just as important – and here, Supergiant Games really delivered. At first glance, it looks like a classic isometric action RPG, similar to Diablo or Torchlight. But Bastion has its own unique flow.
You guide “The Kid” through various levels that literally build themselves piece by piece under your feet. Not only does this look stylish, but it also makes you feel like the world is being created right before your eyes. Along the way, you fight all kinds of enemies, from small creatures to tough bosses.
The combat system is surprisingly versatile. There’s a wide selection of weapons, each playing completely differently. From the quick bow to the powerful rifle and even the giant hammer – it’s all there. Every weapon can be upgraded, letting you develop your own playstyle. Do you prefer fighting tactically from a distance, or charging in with brute force? Bastion gives you the choice.
Another cool feature is the so-called “Idols”. These are god statues you can activate to make the game harder. Enemies become stronger, faster, or more aggressive – but you get bigger rewards in return. It’s a fair deal and adds a lot of replay value, since you can experiment with different combinations.
Graphics, Sound and Atmosphere – A Small Work of Art
One of Bastion’s biggest strengths is definitely its look. Everything in the game feels hand-painted – vibrant colors, playful details, and a world that, despite being shattered, still looks gorgeous. It’s the kind of game you want to screenshot constantly, because every scene feels like a painting.
But what would the visuals be without the music? The soundtrack by Darren Korb is a real highlight. Some tracks have a calm, Western-inspired vibe, while others hit you with driving beats that push you straight into battle. What’s especially cool is how the music often reacts dynamically to the situation. And together with the narrator, it creates an atmosphere you won’t forget anytime soon.
The world of Bastion feels alive, even though it’s broken. You can sense the tragedy behind it all, but at the same time you see the beauty that still remains. This balance is what makes the atmosphere so unique.
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Review: Why Bastion Is Still Worth Playing Today
Bastion isn’t a particularly long game – depending on your playstyle, you’ll finish it in about six to eight hours. But those hours are packed with intensity and full of little moments that stick with you. It’s one of those games that convinces not with length, but with quality.
What impresses me the most is how cohesive everything feels. The storytelling, the gameplay, the graphics, the music – it all fits together as if crafted from one piece. And that’s exactly why Bastion is still absolutely worth playing more than ten years after its release.
Sure, if you look at it critically, there are a few small weaknesses. Sometimes the enemies can feel a bit repetitive, and not everyone will love the isometric perspective. But those are minor issues that barely affect the overall experience in my review.
In the end, Bastion remains a true indie masterpiece that shows just how much heart can go into a game. If you haven’t played it yet, you definitely should – it’s worth it!
