Bastion

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1641 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,311 out of 1641
  2. Mixed: 270 out of 1641
  3. Negative: 60 out of 1641

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  1. Trashware
    Jan 9, 2013
    7
    This game left me confused. It has nice, lush graphics, some fun enemies and a beautiful world to roam through. The story is somewhat convoluted but very well conveied (although I personally feel the narrative style does get old after a while). The weapon system is an interesting one and has got lots of upgrades. But just when you're fully upgraded, levelled up etc. the game ends. Why? WhyThis game left me confused. It has nice, lush graphics, some fun enemies and a beautiful world to roam through. The story is somewhat convoluted but very well conveied (although I personally feel the narrative style does get old after a while). The weapon system is an interesting one and has got lots of upgrades. But just when you're fully upgraded, levelled up etc. the game ends. Why? Why only 20 small scaled levels, not including the weapon upgrade levels? Sure, you can start all over again and you can keep your stuff and level up even further, but there's no real point to me if it doesn't bring me any new surroundings or storyline as a reward. It's no fun repeating the levels AND hearing the same old story over and over again just with higher difficulty (so I probably should have made thing more challenging to myself BEFORE I knew how short this game was? The map looked big enough for more challenges). This game could have been awesome if it would at least include some sort of level editor so that the users can provide each other with more, different levels. Now it's just a bit unsatisfying to me. I enjoyed my 6 hours of gameplay very much, but it's not enough. Needs more levels.… Expand
  2. dryerlaw
    Sep 18, 2011
    9
    The Good:
    - Some of the best and atmospheric musics out of any video games ever
    - Beautiful arts and graphics - Narrator-system increases immersion; or sometimes just cracks you up - Myriad of choices of weapons, secret skills, playing-styles, buildings to build, to make sure you're never bored - Original world and lore - One of the most memorable ending in an RPG The Bad - Takes quite a    The Good:
    - Some of the best and atmospheric musics out of any video games ever
    - Beautiful arts and graphics
    - Narrator-system increases immersion; or sometimes just cracks you up
    - Myriad of choices of weapons, secret skills, playing-styles, buildings to build, to make sure you're never bored
    - Original world and lore
    - One of the most memorable ending in an RPG

    The Bad
    - Takes quite a while to feel like a great game. The opening and initial hours felt mediocre
    - Even though art is beautiful, special effects that are too simplistic might shy some gamers away
    - Combat system a bit boring    … Expand
  3. Ravager
    Nov 8, 2011
    9
    Amazing game. Great voiceovers, fantastic artstyle, gripping gameplay and a SUPERB soundtrack (I really cant stress how amazing the OST is)

    I'd like to say that it was too short, but... did I really want it to go any longer? Did I want it to drag out? No. It was the perfect length. My one complaint is how easy the first playthrough is. You don't unlock most the different totems for gods    Amazing game. Great voiceovers, fantastic artstyle, gripping gameplay and a SUPERB soundtrack (I really cant stress how amazing the OST is)

    I'd like to say that it was too short, but... did I really want it to go any longer? Did I want it to drag out? No. It was the perfect length. My one complaint is how easy the first playthrough is. You don't unlock most the different totems for gods (Which act as difficulty adjusters) until you finish your game and start a NG+. A perfect game nonetheless, I hope we will be seeing more from this studio in the future.    … Expand
  4. MisterMollusk
    Sep 20, 2011
    10
    This is an amazing game for such a small game. The design is such that you can play the game in small sittings, but the game is good enough so that you'll never want to. I spent about 12 hours one day and beat it. It's not very often I play a game that evokes that sense of wonder I had playing games as a child.
  5. Chard
    Oct 2, 2011
    10
    Absolutely amazing action RPG. The controls are so tight, innovative gameplay and artstyle.
    The in-game challenges are a testiment to this, its a game you could pick up and play for fun or put alot of time and emotion into and get a really firm grasp of the mechanics. The story and narrater develops throughout the game. He explains the backstory and characters without the use of cutscenes.    Absolutely amazing action RPG. The controls are so tight, innovative gameplay and artstyle.
    The in-game challenges are a testiment to this, its a game you could pick up and play for fun or put alot of time and emotion into and get a really firm grasp of the mechanics. The story and narrater develops throughout the game. He explains the backstory and characters without the use of cutscenes. And the soundtrack is to die for; cant recommend this game enough.    … Expand
  6. Sexbad
    Aug 24, 2011
    10
    A product of good design and excellent creative direction. Its gameplay is fantastic, and the story, visual style, and soundtrack all work perfectly with it.
  7. ajaxaddicted
    Sep 2, 2011
    8
    Great visuals, amazing sound and narrative. Maybe a little too short - I've completed it in 3 hours, you can extend that time to 5-6 hours with the 'New game+" mode, but still - I've expected at least 7-8 hours for the first playthrough.
  8. shouryuu333
    Sep 3, 2011
    10
    This game is completely mind-blowing. 10 out of 10 for story, graphics, and dialog; 9 out of 10 for combat; and an overwhelmingly beautiful soundtrack make this the best indie game I have ever played, period. Do yourself a favor and try it out.
  9. leviticus
    Sep 4, 2011
    10
    Completely game of the year material, I'm not one for indie games (especially hack and slash games) but this was a gift from a friend trying to get me away from the usual games I play (tf2, css, cod). From the very start, the narrator draws you into the story giving the most immersible game since metro 2033 and penumbra, even without top end graphics. I'm not too much for words like theCompletely game of the year material, I'm not one for indie games (especially hack and slash games) but this was a gift from a friend trying to get me away from the usual games I play (tf2, css, cod). From the very start, the narrator draws you into the story giving the most immersible game since metro 2033 and penumbra, even without top end graphics. I'm not too much for words like the narrator of this game, but if your parents ever read you a story buy this game. If you enjoyed castle crashers, buy this game.… Expand
  10. Crazyferret
    Sep 5, 2011
    10
    Bastion is amazing. I initially bought the game for the soundtrack after hearing some of the music. The music is just that good. The game is even better. I enjoyed every minute of it. The story, narration, music, art, and gameplay. It all fit together perfectly. Game of the year for me.
  11. jettoki
    Sep 5, 2011
    10
    This game is vastly underrated, even with all the positive reviews. Absolutely stunning artwork, soundtrack, and story-telling matched with the most addictive isometric platformer I've ever played. The ending ranks in my top five of all time. With fully destructible environments, plentiful challenge modes, and a staggering array of weapons and upgrades, it's replayable well beyond itsThis game is vastly underrated, even with all the positive reviews. Absolutely stunning artwork, soundtrack, and story-telling matched with the most addictive isometric platformer I've ever played. The ending ranks in my top five of all time. With fully destructible environments, plentiful challenge modes, and a staggering array of weapons and upgrades, it's replayable well beyond its $15 price tag would suggest. I did not expect to like this game much at all, but having finished it, I would trade a dozen blockbuster games for just one more handcrafted masterpiece like this.… Expand
  12. Razorwires
    Sep 5, 2011
    10
    This game is Unique fun and has an amazing story line. There was a review that was mad about using the keyboard. DON'T LISTEN! I used my X-box 360 controller and the the controls were great! this is the best game I've played on PC in a long time. I spent about 26 hours but i skipped over a lot of side stuff, and without saying any spoilers I can promise i will play this through again justThis game is Unique fun and has an amazing story line. There was a review that was mad about using the keyboard. DON'T LISTEN! I used my X-box 360 controller and the the controls were great! this is the best game I've played on PC in a long time. I spent about 26 hours but i skipped over a lot of side stuff, and without saying any spoilers I can promise i will play this through again just to see the other sides. And they let you keep you XP and weapons for when you play it a second time. What am i doing wasting time writing this review. I have to play this game!… Expand
  13. moriPPT
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    The gameplay is fun, the graphics are beautiful, the music is lovely and the story is engaging. A work of art and possibly the best game I've ever played.
  14. hipster_scumbag
    Sep 11, 2011
    9
    It's a shame that a bunch of nerds are only going to talk about this game based on its narration or its art style, because the actual gameplay is very solid. The weapons each have their unique style, and your choice of any two weapons lets you play with making some good combinations. There are plenty of upgrades to spend money on, which are simple but effective and varied. The adaptiveIt's a shame that a bunch of nerds are only going to talk about this game based on its narration or its art style, because the actual gameplay is very solid. The weapons each have their unique style, and your choice of any two weapons lets you play with making some good combinations. There are plenty of upgrades to spend money on, which are simple but effective and varied. The adaptive difficulty "gods" system is especially nice, letting players make enemies tougher in particular ways in order to gain more exp and money. The game is a little on the short side, sadly. The narration thing is just window-dressing - the actual game is one of the more satisfying action-rpgs I've played in years.… Expand
  15. Rakka
    Nov 13, 2011
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played in my entire life. Period. The graphics, the narraration, the gameplay, the story, THE MUSIC OH GOD THAT SOUNDTRACK IS AMAZING...everything is just perfect. Worth every penny.
  16. JTheJackal
    Dec 26, 2011
    9
    From about 30 seconds into the game I started to love Bastion which is odd for someone who normally falls asleep at the mere thought of a game which could be described as "hack and slash". The love would have been sooner but I went in with very low expectations thinking it wouldn't be a game for me. Bastions world is brilliantly done, the game makes you genuinely want to go on to the nextFrom about 30 seconds into the game I started to love Bastion which is odd for someone who normally falls asleep at the mere thought of a game which could be described as "hack and slash". The love would have been sooner but I went in with very low expectations thinking it wouldn't be a game for me. Bastions world is brilliantly done, the game makes you genuinely want to go on to the next area so you can rebuild your home hub area and the narrators script and voice has changed the way I want both storylines and item descriptions presented to me forever. Every game should have a narrator like Bastions and after playing it, the mere thought of having to read things in other games is actually depressing. The combat works, there's an upgrading system which is very easy to use, interesting challenges, excellent story and reminds you of a time when games were games and not interactive films.… Expand
  17. iseeall
    Jul 29, 2013
    7
    Amazing graphics, presentation and overall style. It's just that the game is too arcade and primitive. Also, the idea of the path appearing under your feet may seem cool at first but is actually quite annoying: you don't see where you can go and where not.
  18. Geshman
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    I found this game laying in my Steam library. I had purchased a bundle that included this game but never really looked into. After starting the game I was instantly hooked. The combat is very simple, but there are layers of strategy hiding behind that simplicity. There are many different weapons that allow you to play with many different playstyles. But the fighting isn't even the bestI found this game laying in my Steam library. I had purchased a bundle that included this game but never really looked into. After starting the game I was instantly hooked. The combat is very simple, but there are layers of strategy hiding behind that simplicity. There are many different weapons that allow you to play with many different playstyles. But the fighting isn't even the best part of this game. The story is one of the better stories I have seen in any game. It was a unique story that had an even more unique way of telling it. The narrator just really brought this game from a good game to a perfect game. This game is worth giving a chance to, I did and now it holds a special place in my heart.… Expand
  19. CharcoalBurst
    Aug 10, 2017
    4
    Bought on a Steam sale.

    The graphics are good. The music is original, yet forgettable. The gameplay is painful. It's just bad, not fun. The narrator is unbearable, never says anything interesting. You want to get rid of him after a few minutes. The lame joke of a story doesn't help him doing his job though. The game is short but I'm ok with that since finishing was about the only    Bought on a Steam sale.

    The graphics are good.
    The music is original, yet forgettable.
    The gameplay is painful. It's just bad, not fun.
    The narrator is unbearable, never says anything interesting. You want to get rid of him after a few minutes. The lame joke of a story doesn't help him doing his job though.
    The game is short but I'm ok with that since finishing was about the only satisfying thing. New Game Plus ? I'll pass, thanks !

    Bastion feels like a chore you have to do once in your life. It's painful, boring. You just want to get it over with as fast as you can. Uninstalling it is funnier than actually playing it. Might be the most overrated game I ever played. Luckily it cost me next to nothing.    … Expand
  20. mr3
    Dec 22, 2018
    3
    I couldn't get past the mind-boggling amount of poor game design. From broken visual cues to quirky menus to unnecessary distances to run slowly along to the unspoken wackiness that is the save system, it's like the devs asked themselves "how many ways can we unnecessarily waste a player's time?" Sorry Bastion, you're a crappy host, and no--my time's a little more valuable to me than nothing.
  21. KalSeth
    Feb 19, 2012
    6
    I really wanted to like this game, I really did. Sadly, my favorite things out of the demo are the narrative voice (great!) and music (great!). Actually, the deal-breaker for me was the movement controls. I found them very un-intuitive for a PC player. Since the map is at an angle, the WASD controls were just not clicking for me, and I kept falling off.
    The artwork is wonderful, and I have    I really wanted to like this game, I really did. Sadly, my favorite things out of the demo are the narrative voice (great!) and music (great!). Actually, the deal-breaker for me was the movement controls. I found them very un-intuitive for a PC player. Since the map is at an angle, the WASD controls were just not clicking for me, and I kept falling off.
    The artwork is wonderful, and I have mentioned - the music is superb. But the frustration with the controls made me not want to buy the full game. I do hope its funner on a console.    … Expand
  22. yloquen
    Nov 5, 2011
    6
    I can see why people like this game, but I just couldn't enjoy it. The biggest problem for me was the disparity between the solemn and gritty narrator and the joyful and colorful visuals. The narrator is very similar to the one in Fallout and supposedly in Bastion's world some sort of apocalypse has happened too, though you couldn't tell that from the way it looks. Another big problem isI can see why people like this game, but I just couldn't enjoy it. The biggest problem for me was the disparity between the solemn and gritty narrator and the joyful and colorful visuals. The narrator is very similar to the one in Fallout and supposedly in Bastion's world some sort of apocalypse has happened too, though you couldn't tell that from the way it looks. Another big problem is that the game is way too easy. Fall off the platform? - no problem you can go on from the same point. Die? - you can continue one or more times. Removing any challenge makes winning the game an inevitability and consequently any feeling of achievement and satisfaction is gone. On the positive side - everything in the game is polished, the game mechanics are sound and combat is fast and responsive. If you like the art style and the cryptic narrative going in the background, you'll probably enjoy this game.… Expand
  23. kram789
    Aug 31, 2011
    10
    Maybe someday developers will learn that making games look good and sound good is not enough to make them be good. This game plays like something from the deep dark past of gaming hell. It is really a shooter not an rpg.
  24. stv
    Sep 3, 2011
    10
    One of the most enjoyable games of all time and most certainly the most enjoyable downloadable game ever. Kudos to Supergiant Games. Keep up the god work!
  25. Faxmashine
    Aug 29, 2011
    10
    The best game I have ever played. I'm honest. It's stunning how such a small developer team can deliver such an excellent game. It is more than a game, it's an experience you can't get out of the head. The gameplay, the visuals and the sound- especially the music- are amazing.

    Buy this. If somebody told you to buy another game: Buy this first. Because no demo and no gameplay video can    The best game I have ever played. I'm honest. It's stunning how such a small developer team can deliver such an excellent game. It is more than a game, it's an experience you can't get out of the head. The gameplay, the visuals and the sound- especially the music- are amazing.

    Buy this. If somebody told you to buy another game: Buy this first. Because no demo and no gameplay video can express how good this game is.    … Expand
  26. fedak
    Nov 23, 2012
    6
    I seem to be in the minority on this one and am still trying to figure out why I didn't enjoy Bastion more. The art style and story line were both intriguing and original. I enjoyed the narrator gimmick. The music was superb. The gameplay was varied and had a reasonable amount of RPG elements.

    It just didn
  27. PC-Gamer-Fan
    Jan 10, 2012
    5
    Looks very pretty graphically but the gameplay is very boring & repetitive. Music is absolutely horrible & the narrator voiceover is very annoying, dull & uninteresting. Its a very overated game & is average at best due to poor gameplay but the annoying music & voiceover make it one to demo before buying. After 5 hours you will have completed it & need a lot of stamina to return for more.Looks very pretty graphically but the gameplay is very boring & repetitive. Music is absolutely horrible & the narrator voiceover is very annoying, dull & uninteresting. Its a very overated game & is average at best due to poor gameplay but the annoying music & voiceover make it one to demo before buying. After 5 hours you will have completed it & need a lot of stamina to return for more.

    Shame as the graphics are cute & well drawn it reminds me a lot of Wonder Boy In Monsterland games from the 1980's.    … Expand
  28. TheJoxter
    Sep 11, 2011
    10
    A compelling example of what happens when story and gameplay are correctly integrated. If you hold artistic pretensions for games, then you do not want to miss Bastion!
  29. XDms
    Feb 4, 2012
    6
    I can understand the many positive reviews on this game, but i really can't enjoy it. The graphic style and the soundtracks are indeed amazing, but all the whole gameplay is too much linear for me. Killing monsters, smashing everything and experiment with different weapons can be funny at first, but after a few minutes it was too much repetitive and boring. It seems everyone like andI can understand the many positive reviews on this game, but i really can't enjoy it. The graphic style and the soundtracks are indeed amazing, but all the whole gameplay is too much linear for me. Killing monsters, smashing everything and experiment with different weapons can be funny at first, but after a few minutes it was too much repetitive and boring. It seems everyone like and dislike the game for different reasons, so my suggestion is to try the demo first and then decide whether take it or not.… Expand
  30. Kahnqueror
    Jan 5, 2013
    6
    It's a decent game, but it's criminally short. Do not buy this unless it's on sale for a couple of bucks on steam. I paid full price for it and felt ripped off because the game was so damn short. It's got a great visual style, great gameplay, great music, but the story feels a bit hollow and not very fleshed out, and as I mentioned before, the game's major flaw is that it's so damnedIt's a decent game, but it's criminally short. Do not buy this unless it's on sale for a couple of bucks on steam. I paid full price for it and felt ripped off because the game was so damn short. It's got a great visual style, great gameplay, great music, but the story feels a bit hollow and not very fleshed out, and as I mentioned before, the game's major flaw is that it's so damned short. If you get it for a couple of bucks you'll have an enjoyable (if short) experience. Do not pay full price for this.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PC Game of 2011
17
#17 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
23
#23 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. ActionTrip
    Jan 24, 2012
    83
    It's a highly polished, bug-free bundle of fun and at $15, it's a steal. Kudos to Supergiant Games.
    Read full review
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 30, 2011
    70
    Visually stunning independent action RPG impresses you with a captivating world but will disappoint you with a dull and boring combat system. [Oct 2011]
  3. Everyeye.it
    Oct 9, 2011
    75
    Bastion hides a fun traditional gameplay under gorgeous and innovative visuals, that on the long run could come short in variety.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »