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
- The game features stunning pixel art and an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the immersive experience.
- The writing is exceptional, with layered characters and a compelling narrative that keeps players engaged.
- Innovative mini-games and diverse gameplay elements add depth and strategic thinking to the overall experience.
- The game feels less polished compared to previous entries in the Pixel Pulps series, particularly in its final section.
- Menu-based mini-games can be frustrating, especially those that rely on clunky navigation and timing.
- The story ends abruptly, leaving players wanting more closure and a longer gameplay experience.
- story18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's story revolves around a cult investigation set in a bizarre 1980s world marked by extreme tornadoes, blending intriguing pulp storytelling with layered characters and a moody atmosphere. While some players found the narrative to lack closure and depth compared to previous entries, many praised the engaging plot, unique character development, and the integration of mini-games that enhance the storytelling experience. Overall, the combination of stunning pixel art and compelling writing has captivated players, making it a standout in the pixel pulps series.
“This is a fictional story of investigating a cult in the 80s in a weird world where extreme tornadoes are frequent, though society seems to be carrying on.”
“The art work is an absolute feast for the eyes, the story had me hooked the whole way through.”
“A moody, atmospheric and intriguing story enhanced by the art and some great chip tune music.”
“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.”
“The story hooked me right away, Boulder is a great character and this is a game all about uncovering motives.”
“[quote] Bahnsen Knights is magic in general, whether it's the plot that is so light-handed at pencilling in its themes, leaving the player to do the crucial part of writing that ties the narrative together, to the way that the action finds interesting gaps for you, whether you're maneuvering a car on a busy road or realizing that you have run out of interesting things to say to a vital contact, or whether you're using a tarot card system to organize the case you're making against the enemies who you've had to pretend to be pals with.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its brilliant design, moody storytelling, and captivating visuals, enhanced by a fitting chip tune soundtrack. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a deeply immersive and intriguing environment, with a unique use of color and art that elevates the overall experience. Overall, the atmosphere is described as unmatched and engrossing, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
“Brilliantly designed, atmospheric, beautiful, and engrossing.”
“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!”
“Loving the moody atmosphere so far.”
“Art, storytelling, atmosphere - all better than ever so far.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Mothmen 1966" are highly praised for their top-notch artwork and captivating aesthetic, drawing inspiration from ZX Spectrum visuals. Reviewers highlight the game's pixel art as a feast for the eyes, effectively enhancing the immersive narrative experience and overall atmosphere.
“I played Mothmen 1966 and generally enjoyed it; I was really taken in by the aesthetic of this new pixel pulp entry.”
“The artwork in this series is top-notch!”
“The artwork is an absolute feast for the eyes; the story had me hooked the whole way through.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized as moody and atmospheric, effectively complementing the intriguing story and enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the combination of great chip tune music and appealing pixel art, which together create a captivating 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.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
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- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players indicate that there is potential for replayability, suggesting that the game offers elements that encourage multiple playthroughs.
“On my first playthrough, but it sounds like there's a lot of replay value.”
“The game offers multiple endings and choices that make me want to play again.”
“Each playthrough feels unique due to the different character builds and strategies.”
“On my first playthrough, but it sounds like there's replay value.”
“The game lacks significant changes in subsequent playthroughs, making it feel repetitive.”
“Once you complete the main story, there's little incentive to replay the game.”
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%