Bastion

One of the best XBL games ever is now one of the best PC games ever too.

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In Bastion, play as a survivor navigating a floating, post-apocalyptic world destroyed by the Calamity. Wield an arsenal of upgradeable weapons while listening to a reactive narrator who comments on your actions. Explore over 40 hand-painted environments, discover the secrets of the Calamity, and unlock New Game Plus and Score Attack modes after finishing the main story.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 34,120 reviews

story9,999 positive mentions

grinding212 negative mentions

story
18,268 mentions
55 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The story of *Bastion* is a captivating journey set in a post-apocalyptic world, narrated in real-time by a character named Rucks, whose engaging voice adds depth to the unfolding narrative. Players control "the kid," who seeks to restore the titular Bastion after a catastrophic event known as the Calamity, with the story gradually revealing themes of loss, redemption, and the consequences of conflict. While the gameplay is enjoyable, many players highlight the unique storytelling approach and emotional resonance of the narrative as the game's standout features.
- “Genuinely interesting story delivered in a very immersive and fluent game language; literally zero cut-scenes or jarring NPC monologues.”
- “The story was not that pretentious and it was actually well made with a beautiful lore, and the soundtrack...”
- “The narrator is the star of the show here; he both tells the story and injects little quips as you make your way through the beautiful and broken world.”
- “The main character is the typical blank canvas shell of a character, and his story is told to you amid battle through little more than one-liners from a narrator trying to sound cool and completely failing at it.”
- “The pacing is slow, and the story itself is just meh.”
- “The story is the least attractive feature of Bastion.”
music
14,402 mentions
68 % positive mentions
31 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in *Bastion* is widely praised for its exceptional quality, blending various genres such as acoustic, folk, and electronic elements to create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. Many players highlight the emotional impact of the soundtrack, with specific songs like "Build That Wall" and "Setting Sail, Coming Home" resonating deeply, often leading to nostalgic reflections long after playing. The combination of a captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and a masterfully composed soundtrack makes *Bastion* a standout title in the indie gaming scene.
- “The music is stellar and the combat is engaging.”
- “The soundtrack is amazing, and the atmosphere and art are incredible.”
- “The soundtrack, much like the narrator, adapts seamlessly to the ebb and flow of the game, elevating the emotional impact of every discovery and confrontation.”
- “I've read a lot of praise about the soundtrack, but I did not find it to be particularly compelling.”
- “The soundtrack, despite its varied instruments for each level, didn't manage to entice me with any memorable tunes.”
- “Some songs became quite grating after a while, actually.”
gameplay
10,324 mentions
58 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Bastion" is characterized by its engaging hack-and-slash mechanics, allowing players to utilize a variety of weapons and abilities that can be customized to suit different playstyles. While some reviewers noted that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, many praised its fluidity, responsiveness, and the seamless integration of narration that enhances the overall experience. The game also features a unique difficulty adjustment system through "idols," which adds depth and replayability, making it a compelling choice for both casual and hardcore gamers.
- “Bastion is an artistic game that doesn't sacrifice any gameplay elements.”
- “The gameplay is fluid, with lots of options regarding your loadout.”
- “The gameplay emphasizes the destructive nature of your character's race by having you rampage through countless areas, annihilating them in the process, all in the hopes that it will all be okay as the narrator tells you.”
- “If they had spent even half the amount of time on play-testing and polishing the mechanics as they did the aesthetics, then this game would be a gem.”
- “The gameplay can be very rough around the edges, pretty clunky and even buggy.”
- “The gameplay becomes quite repetitive about halfway through the game.”
graphics
6,978 mentions
70 % positive mentions
29 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics of *Bastion* are widely praised for their stunning hand-painted art style, which combines vibrant colors and a watercolor aesthetic that enhances the game's immersive storytelling. Players appreciate the unique visual presentation, which is complemented by a captivating soundtrack and engaging narration, creating a cohesive and memorable experience. While some critiques mention that the graphics can occasionally hinder gameplay due to depth perception issues, the overall consensus is that the visuals are a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's charm and appeal.
- “The graphics are stunning and fit the narrative really well.”
- “Bastion's hand-painted art style is a visual feast for the eyes.”
- “The visuals are bright and vibrant, and the music is also a strength.”
- “The visuals hindered the experience more than it helped in my opinion; enemies were hard to see and could hide behind something that is visible from your character's point of view, but not from the camera's point of view, meaning you'd get hit but wouldn't know from where.”
- “The art style feels oversaturated to the point that you don't even want to try to take it all in; you just want to go through these maps, see if anything becomes interesting at some point... reminds me of early 2010s cellphone games.”
- “My main complaint is that parts of the combat feel a bit unrefined, as if the developer was still finding their feet a bit within this art style and perspective.”
replayability
1,296 mentions
43 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
Bastion offers a solid level of replayability, primarily through its New Game+ mode, multiple endings, and a variety of weapon combinations that encourage experimentation. While the game is relatively short, lasting around 6-8 hours, players can engage with additional challenges and difficulty modifiers to enhance their experience. However, some reviewers noted that the linear nature of the story may limit replay value for those less interested in revisiting the narrative.
- “It has great replay value with multiple weapons and builds, multiple endings, and fantastic music.”
- “The honey-voiced narrator and excellent story is theoretically the main draw here but this game also offers very tight and replayable gameplay that, unusually for a singleplayer game, very much encourages (without requiring) tweaking and testing and refining a playstyle, and offers more than enough replayability to make it worth it between the who knows where levels, training areas, challenge modifiers, and new game+.”
- “The game has a lot of replayability and is recommended to everyone!”
- “The game has 2 major endings and a new game plus, but even then it's not very replayable.”
- “I don't have a lot of hours in it; it doesn't have a ton of replay value unless you're playing a specific, score-based mode which doesn't really interest me.”
- “The only real fault I could put against it would be minor nitpicks like the lack of sprint, or the lack of replayability.”
atmosphere
1,063 mentions
70 % positive mentions
29 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of *Bastion* is widely praised for its exceptional integration of art, music, and narration, creating a deeply immersive experience. Reviewers highlight the game's vibrant visuals, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and the captivating voice of the narrator, which together evoke a unique blend of melancholy and adventure. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its standout features, elevating it beyond typical indie titles and making it a memorable journey for players.
- “The music is top-notch, from that very first scene, all the way to the end of the game, featuring lovely atmospheric pieces that range from adventurous to deeply melancholic.”
- “Supergiant are great at establishing a story's tone and atmosphere, from the way the game plays, to the way it is presented in graphics and sound.”
- “The atmosphere is gritty, western, and impressive as all get.”
- “The atmosphere this game creates alone is worth the money.”
- “The narrator’s voice is deep and brooding and when I first started playing it was somewhat disconcerting, largely due to the fact that the voice is slightly unnerving, and creates an atmosphere of uneasiness.”
- “Fights really feel very samey in a lot of ways, and I don't get a real sense of a story that I care about or atmosphere that moves me.”
emotional
768 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Bastion" is widely praised, with many players expressing deep investment in its touching narrative and character arcs. The game's stunning visuals, haunting soundtrack, and exceptional narration contribute significantly to its emotional impact, often leading players to tears, especially during pivotal moments and the poignant ending. Overall, "Bastion" is celebrated as a beautifully crafted experience that resonates on a profound emotional level, making it a standout title in the indie gaming landscape.
- “This game is deep, emotional, and bittersweet, and flawless where it truly matters.”
- “It's a hugely emotional experience and one that'll affect how I think about video game narratives for years to come.”
- “Bastion is, without a doubt, the most emotional game I've ever played.”
- “And it's really sad, because interesting themes get overlooked for a cheap buck, and someone decided to put a ton of effort into telling a boring story with an uninteresting setting; it's almost annoying.”
- “Horrible combat, voice actor over-acts, boring storyline.”
humor
400 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is primarily delivered through a witty and engaging narrator whose commentary adds a unique charm and comedic touch to the gameplay. Players appreciate the clever quips and real-time responses to their actions, which often lead to genuine laughter, although some feel the constant narration can become repetitive. Overall, the humor enhances the storytelling and gameplay experience, making it a standout feature of the game.
- “The narration commenting on your every move is an impressive, humorous touch.”
- “Some of Rucks' comments had me laughing out loud... when you linger too long smashing crates in an area, Rucks comments, 'the kid just rages for a while.' Roll off the edge of the bastion, and he tells you, 'I've been meaning to install a railing.'”
- “The narrator is the icing on the cake, providing funny and interesting, as well as engrossing information into everything going on in the game.”
grinding
242 mentions
5 % positive mentions
7 % neutral mentions
88 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that grinding in the game can be a mixed experience; while some players find it tedious and time-consuming, especially for weapon upgrades and achievements, others appreciate the optional nature of grinding and the engaging story that keeps the gameplay fresh. Many agree that while grinding is not necessary to complete the game, it can become repetitive and dull, particularly in the later stages or when aiming for 100% completion. Overall, the game offers a balance of enjoyable combat and narrative, but players should be prepared for some grindy elements if they wish to fully explore its content.
- “Not too long, and not very grindy either - once you finish an area it's cleared and you move on.”
- “No grinding necessary, unless you want to be sure to unlock everything before finishing the narrative.”
- “Bastion is an especially excellent example of what indie games are capable of, with its combination of colorful scenery, engaging storyline, and a measured pacing that results in little to no grinding for players.”
- “The weapon trials are not fun and very tedious.”
- “To upgrade them you need to spend a significant amount of time grinding.”
- “The game does feel a little sluggish and the restriction to not replay stages in story mode makes sense from a story perspective, but farming currency in just a limited number of areas is just not fun.”
optimization
127 mentions
43 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is generally well-received, with many players noting smooth performance on lower-end systems, including the Steam Deck, and minimal technical issues. However, some users experienced performance problems, such as stuttering and controller recognition issues, particularly on high-end setups. Overall, while the game shows its age, it remains playable and enjoyable with solid optimization for most configurations.
- “The game ran very smoothly and I didn't encounter any bugs or performance issues on the Steam Deck, and the game looks great.”
- “It’s optimized and plays extremely well, giving you a few hours of gaming bliss.”
- “Brilliantly well optimized, I was capable of playing it without any hiccups on a Pentium 3.”
- “A 13-year-old action game that has performance issues on a 4080 and AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, lol.”
- “Albeit, the game suffers severe lag/stuttering which makes the game unplayable.”
- “Worst performance I've ever seen out of a game, from one of the least graphically heavy games I've ever played.”
character development
108 mentions
46 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the depth and richness of the characters and their backstories, while others find it lacking or simplistic. Many highlight the unique and vibrant character designs, which enhance the overall aesthetic experience, but note that the narrative may not provide enough engagement to foster a strong connection with the characters. Overall, while some players are drawn in by the storytelling and character arcs, others feel that the development is minimal and does not significantly impact their enjoyment of the game.
- “Moreover, there is a rich story as well as superior character development that keeps you hooked from start to finish.”
- “Easily one of the best written stories I have seen in a game for a long time, the depth of character development including design traits and backstory allows the player to have a wide variety of imagination to fill in the gaps of these characters' lives.”
- “The character development is interesting and by the end of the game they feel a little more 'real' than expected -- which is great.”
- “There isn't a lot of plot or character development at the beginning, so I was confused about what people were talking about when they praised this game's narrative.”
- “I really wouldn’t recommend this game since it is severely lacking in too many individual little things like environmental interaction, character development, gameplay elements, and story, which is spread so thin it might as well not be there.”
- “A predictable and simplistic story, little content, repetitive gameplay, no interesting character development, and a poor soundtrack are just a handful of its problems.”
stability
58 mentions
31 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
66 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting a smooth experience with minimal to no bugs, particularly on Windows and Linux, while others encountered various glitches that affected gameplay. Overall, many users noted that despite some minor issues, the game is generally polished and runs well across different platforms, making it enjoyable for most players. However, a few reviews highlighted significant bugs that detracted from the experience, indicating that stability may vary depending on the system used.
- “The game runs great, with barely a bug to see.”
- “Game runs great on laptops, controls are fast and fun.”
- “To be clear: in the gameplay I didn't encounter any bugs (yet), so it is not buggy in general.”
- “The gameplay can be very rough around the edges, pretty clunky and even buggy.”
- “Sadly, I died a couple of times because of those glitches.”
- “It's alright for a bit but then it just gets boring and glitches in the game are annoying, like when you do the weapon challenges and you get stuck on a platform, so you have to die over and over again just to restart.”
monetization
6 mentions
33 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
67 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, allowing players to fully engage with the story and characters without the distraction of monetization tactics. Reviewers appreciate the game's self-sufficiency in marketing, contrasting it with other titles that rely heavily on advertising and often disappoint. Overall, the monetization approach is seen as a positive aspect that enhances the gaming experience.
- “This is what I believe to be a masterpiece of a game with no microtransactions. You take the role of the kid in a world that has already been destroyed, and along the way, you will meet characters and companions to enrich the story, as each character has their own personality and backstory.”