Dragonkin: The Banished – An In-Depth Game Review

Overview of Dragonkin: The Banished

Dragonkin: The Banished is an upcoming action RPG that thrusts players into a dark fantasy world scarred by the wrath of dragons. In this immersive game, players take on the role of one of four unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and combat styles, aiming to purge the land of draconic threats. The game promises a rich narrative where the essence of dragon blood has corrupted the natural order, leading to the rise of vile creatures. Your mission? To hunt down and eliminate the Dragon Lords, thereby restoring peace to a world on the brink of collapse.

Release Date and Platforms

Set to launch into Early Access on March 6, 2025, Dragonkin: The Banished will initially be available on PC via Steam. This early access phase will allow players to dive into the game’s core mechanics while the developers continue to refine and expand the experience. Following the early access period, a full release is planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, broadening its accessibility to console gamers.

Developer and Publisher Information

The game is a product of Eko Software, known for their work on titles like the “How to Survive” series and “Warhammer: Chaosbane.” They are joined by Nacon, who serves as the publisher, bringing their expertise in game distribution to ensure Dragonkin: The Banished reaches a wide audience. This collaboration aims to offer an experience that pays homage to the hack-and-slash genre while introducing innovative gameplay elements.

Key Features and Gameplay Mechanics

Hero Selection and Character Development:

• Players can choose from four hero classes: Barbarian, Oracle, Knight, and Archer, each with unique dragon-derived powers. The Barbarian wields ice, the Oracle uses electricity, the Knight commands fire, and the Archer specializes in poison.
• Character growth is facilitated through an innovative system called the “Ancestral Grid.” Here, players collect abilities as loot and arrange them on a grid with various modifiers, allowing for highly customized combat strategies.

Cooperative Play:

• While starting in Early Access with a single-player focus, Dragonkin: The Banished plans to introduce online co-op, couch co-op, and matchmaking features, enabling players to team up in their quest to slay dragons.

World Exploration and City Development:

• The game world is diverse, featuring various biomes from volcanic landscapes to frozen tundras, each with unique enemies, resources, and secrets.
• Players can develop a city that serves as a hub for upgrades, NPC interactions, and visual customization, enhancing the strategic depth of the game.

Graphics and Sound Design

Dragonkin: The Banished boasts vibrant visuals with an art style that captures the dark, epic feel of its world. The isometric perspective provides a clear view of the action, ensuring tactical combat is both engaging and visually appealing. The sound design complements this, with a score that dynamically adjusts to the intensity of the battles and the eerie ambiance of the dragon-corrupted lands, enhancing the immersive experience.

Anticipated Reception

Given its lineage from Eko Software’s previous successes and the unique twists on traditional RPG mechanics, Dragonkin: The Banished is poised to capture the attention of fans of action RPGs. The game’s approach to character customization and cooperative gameplay could set it apart in a genre dominated by titles like “Diablo” and “Path of Exile 2.” However, its success will hinge on how well it executes these features in Early Access and how responsive the developers are to community feedback.

Comparison to Similar Games:

• Diablo Series: Dragonkin shares the isometric perspective and loot-based progression but introduces the novel Ancestral Grid for character development.
• Path of Exile 2: Both games offer deep skill systems, but Dragonkin’s emphasis on dragon lore and city management adds distinct layers to the gameplay.
• Titan Quest 2: Like Dragonkin, it revisits classic RPG elements but with a different mythological backdrop; Dragonkin might appeal more to those fascinated by dragons and fantasy.

Conclusion

Dragonkin: The Banished is shaping up to be a noteworthy addition to the action RPG genre. With its unique mechanics, rich narrative, and the promise of a deeply customizable play experience, it’s poised to attract both veterans and newcomers to the genre. The Early Access launch will be crucial, providing insights into how well the game’s ambitious features are realized. Whether you’re in it for the lore, the combat, or the community, Dragonkin: The Banished offers a compelling reason to delve into its dragon-infested world.