Bahnsen Knights
- December 14, 2023
- LCB Game Studio
A harsh yet engaging narrative drives Bahnsen Knights down the streets of hell, flanked by vivid violence and stomach-churning scenarios. It’s short, but it packs a punch all the same.
"Bahnsen Knights" is a pixel art game where you play as Boulder, an undercover agent investigating the mysterious disappearance of a friend while infiltrating the Bahnsen Knights, a cult known for their fast cars and religious fanaticism. The cult, led by the enigmatic Toni, is said to perform "route exorcisms" and holds a paranormal investigator captive. Uncover the cult's secrets and stay alive in this dangerous world.
Reviews
- Bahnsen Knights features stunning pixel art and a captivating atmosphere that immerses players in its unique narrative.
- The game offers a compelling story with well-defined characters and engaging dialogue options that enhance the player's experience.
- Innovative mini-games and strategic choices keep the gameplay fresh and interactive, making it a fun and memorable adventure.
- The game is relatively short, leaving some players wishing for a longer experience.
- Some mini-games can feel awkward or frustrating, particularly those that rely on clunky menu navigation.
- The story may lose focus towards the end, resulting in an abrupt conclusion without much closure.
- story50 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story of "Bahnsen Knights" is a captivating blend of pulp fiction and interactive storytelling, set against a backdrop of a cult in the 1980s amidst extreme tornadoes. Players are drawn into a moody narrative filled with layered characters and intriguing plot twists, enhanced by stunning pixel art and engaging mini-games that keep the experience dynamic. While some reviews note a lack of closure and occasional pacing issues, the overall consensus highlights the game's unique atmosphere and compelling storytelling.
“I am a huge fan of the pixel pulps because the games are visually stunning, have amazing writing (don’t be fooled by the 'pulp' tag, the plot is pulpy but the writing is incredible and characters are very layered and interesting), are super fun to play and feel very unique.”
“The art work is an absolute feast for the eyes, the story had me hooked the whole way through.”
“Though the pace is sometimes interrupted, Bahnsen Knights certainly captivates with its striking pixel art and captivating story, weaving a narrative where loneliness, tornadoes, and fast cars come together in unexpected ways.”
“Granted, I haven't done multiple playthroughs and looking at achievements alone, there are many things I could go back and do, but the way I played ended the story very abruptly and without much real closure.”
“I thought the story was fine and the cult had some interesting car-inspired rituals, but it mostly felt like a decent but fairly standard undercover cop storyline.”
“Bahnsen knights is an interesting visual novel that leans heavily on pulp fiction storytelling while giving players the illusion of choice.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics in this series are consistently praised for their high quality and nostalgic appeal, featuring a captivating art style that draws inspiration from the ZX Spectrum era. Reviewers highlight the vibrant color palette and atmospheric visuals, which enhance the interactive narrative experience and create an engaging backdrop for the gripping stories. Overall, the artwork is described as a visual feast that complements the unique storytelling and immersive gameplay.
“The artwork in this series is top notch!”
“The art work is an absolute feast for the eyes, the story had me hooked the whole way through.”
“Like the previous games, the visuals and sounds are on point with the ZX Spectrum inspiration - the atmosphere is unmatched.”
“While the game is quite short, it’s a good recommendation for a player wanting a gripping narrative set within a late 80s aesthetic.”
“[graphics are nostalgic, characterizations are well done, fills the hole left by Give Yourself Goosebumps novels].”
“[high-quality storytelling, well-integrated action sequences, those visuals—a four-colour feast for the eyes, you’ll be hypnotized by the soundtrack, at two-and-a-half hours, a nice bite-sized experience].”
- atmosphere15 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its brilliant design, moody storytelling, and captivating visuals, creating an engrossing experience that few games can match. The combination of art, color, and chip tune music enhances the overall mood, making it a standout feature that resonates deeply with players. Overall, the atmosphere is described as heavy, beautiful, and immersive, elevating the game's narrative and emotional impact.
“A moody, atmospheric, and intriguing story enhanced by the art and some great chiptune music.”
“The use of color in this game (plus the 10/10 writing) creates a mood and atmosphere that few games manage to achieve.”
“The atmosphere is as heavy as ever!”
“Like the previous games, the visuals and sounds are on point with the ZX Spectrum inspiration - the atmosphere is unmatched.”
“Loving the moody atmosphere so far.”
- music6 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as moody and atmospheric, effectively enhancing the storytelling and overall experience with captivating chip tune tracks. Reviewers appreciate the integration of the soundtrack with the game's visuals and narrative, although some note that the story's focus wanes towards the end. Overall, the music contributes significantly to the game's intriguing ambiance.
“A moody, atmospheric, and intriguing story enhanced by the art and some great chiptune music.”
“The game features nice pixel art, music, and an interesting story.”
“You'll be hypnotized by the soundtrack, making for a nice bite-sized experience.”
“Are we still hypnotized by the soundtrack? The story loses a touch of focus near the end.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“While the soundtrack has some good moments, it often feels out of place and doesn't enhance the gameplay.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its tighter focus, making it potentially the best installment in the series, though opinions may vary among players. Overall, it offers a refined experience that enhances enjoyment.
“With its tighter emphasis on gameplay, it's arguably the best of the three, though that would be like choosing your favorite child.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Many users indicate that the game offers significant replay value, even if they are still in their initial playthrough.
“On my first playthrough, but it sounds like there's significant replay value.”
“On my first playthrough, but it sounds like there's replay value.”
Critic Reviews
Bahnsen Knights Review (PS5)
Bahnsen Knights is an interesting visual novel that leans heavily on pulp fiction storytelling while giving players the illusion of choice. While the game is quite short, it’s a good recommendation for a player wanting a gripping narrative set within a late 80s aesthetic.
78%Bahnsen Knights (Nintendo Switch)
Bahnsen Knights does a great job at keeping fans of visual novel adventures involved. It’s fun and unique story, visuals, and occasional minigames make it hard to put down, and it never feels repetitive or slow across the few hours it takes to complete it.
80%Bahnsen Knights (Switch) Review
Bahnsen Knights lead to Bahnsen Days and on and on
55%