Game plays really well even in 2025 after titans like BG3 came to exist. I remember it looking a LOT worse back on the Xbox 360 (which is where I played it last). Not sure whether the PC version was always superior or if GOG did its magic but the game looks and plays pretty well actually! Even by today's standards.
We all know that industry standards evolve over the years - our expectations grow quite fast and what used to be cool 4 years ago is no longer enough today. Banished looks like a 2014 game - you won't see the latest fancy shaders, animations and models you're probably used to if you've been playing AAA games. Descriptors such as "Amazing graphics and artwork" does not apply to this game. Instead, Banished focuses more on the simple things that we often forget. I know I might sound cheesy right now but this is the only way I can put this. Banished invites you to stop for a minute, look back and pay attention to the little, yet important things of life. It's all about helping a small group of people to go through the daily life and help them to prosper by having their basic needs satisfied. Sounds boring? It does, when you try to imagine yourself playing this game. Now, throwing away any prejudices and trying it yourself can bring you some unexpected results. After playing for about an hour (one hour? wow I though I was playing for 5 minutes!) you find yourself immersed despite the basic graphics and lack of breathtaking action. You know, there are games that have amazing artwork and music that make you stay for the atmosphere. Other games have outstanding action with a wide array of guns, levels and monster to slay. Banished has neither of those, though for some reason I see myself often leaving the AAA games on the shelf and playing this quiet "grass simulator". Maybe you will experience the same after spending some time in this game. Hopefully you will :)
